Safety When Purchasing Infant Swings and Children's Toys: Parents Should Look for the Inspection Mark and Applicable Age

Infant swings, soothing seats for infants and young children, attached toys, and products for children are common childcare products in many households. Although these products may appear ordinary, they are primarily used by infants and young children, who have limited physical control and ability to protect themselves. Product construction, materials, restraint straps, fastening methods, folding mechanisms, and complete warning labels therefore directly affect safety during use.

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, has continued to strengthen the management of products for infants and young children. Consumers are advised to select products bearing the Commodity Inspection Mark and complete Chinese-language labeling and to read the Chinese-language labeling, warnings, and instructions carefully before use. Action Technology also reminds parents not to consider only appearance, price, or online reviews when purchasing infant swings and children's toys but to confirm that the products comply with inspection and safety labeling requirements.

Infant Swings Will Be Included within the Mandatory Inspection System

Under the BSMI Operational Regulations Governing Inspection of Infant Swings, infant swings may follow either Type-Approved Batch Inspection or Registration of Product Certification. The applicable inspection standard is CNS 15973, Child Care Articles – Infant Swings.

From July 1, 2027, relevant infant swings must complete Type-Approved Batch Inspection or obtain a Registration of Product Certification certificate before being released from the factory or imported. The Commodity Inspection Mark must also be displayed on the product itself before it may be released from the factory or imported.

Common Safety Risks of Infant Swings

Safety risks associated with infant swings generally arise not from a single component but from the overall construction, method of use, and caregiving circumstances. Improper product design or use may result in infants or young children falling, being pinched, suffocating, ingesting small parts, or encountering electrical hazards from powered devices or battery components.

• Fall Risks: If the seat depth, restraint straps, supporting structure, or protective design is insufficient, an infant or young child may fall because of movement, slipping, or improper fastening.
• Folding and Pinching Risks: A folding structure without an appropriate locking mechanism may suddenly collapse during use, causing pinching or crushing injuries.
• Suffocation and Ingestion Risks: Small parts, restraint straps, packaging materials, loose accessories, or attached toys may create suffocation, ingestion, or entanglement hazards.
• Material and Chemical Risks: Infants and young children may touch, lick, bite, or remain close to product surfaces for extended periods. Material safety and the migration of certain elements therefore require attention.
• Electrical Hazards: If a product includes powered movement, music, vibration, lighting, or battery functions, attention should be given to the safety of the battery compartment, wiring, charging method, and electrical construction.

Attached Toys Also Require Inspection and Applicable-Age Information

Many infant swings include attached toys, plush toys, hanging decorations, rattles, or music modules. Parents may regard these accessories as decorations, but for infants and young children, attached toys may also create risks involving detached small parts, ingestion, pulling, entanglement, or unsafe materials.

When purchasing, consumers should confirm that the toy clearly states the applicable age, warnings, instructions for use, and Commodity Inspection Mark. Products should not be purchased or used if their labeling is incomplete, components detach easily, sharp edges are present, cords are excessively long, or the product source is unknown.

Verify Product Sources and Labeling When Purchasing Products for Infants and Young Children Online

Many parents now purchase infant swings and children's toys through e-commerce platforms, social-media group-buying arrangements, or cross-border shopping. Common problems with online products include product pages that do not disclose the inspection mark number, differences between product images and the actual item, insufficient Chinese-language labeling, no clear importer or manufacturer information, or the sale of products that have not completed the required inspection procedures.

Before purchasing, parents should check whether the product page discloses the Commodity Inspection Mark, model number, applicable age, materials, warnings, Chinese-language instructions, and business information. After receiving the product, they should also confirm that the product itself, packaging, and instructions are consistent with the online information. Additional caution should be exercised if the product has unclear labeling, no Chinese-language instructions, an unusually low price, or an unknown source.

Recommendations for Safe Purchasing

Action Technology recommends that parents consider the following key safety points when purchasing infant swings, children's toys, and products for infants and young children:

• Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark: When purchasing infant swings, children's toys, and other commodities subject to mandatory inspection, confirm that the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed on the product itself or its packaging.
• Confirm Complete Chinese-Language Labeling: Check whether the product name, model number, materials, applicable age, instructions for use, warnings, and manufacturer or importer information are provided.
• Select Products According to the Applicable Age: Do not allow infants or young children below the applicable age to use unsuitable toys or childcare products, thereby reducing the risks of ingestion, suffocation, or injury.
• Check That the Structure Is Secure: Before use, confirm that the frame, seat, restraint straps, locking mechanism, and anti-slip design are secure. Do not use damaged or loose products.
• Pay Attention to Small Parts and Cords: Avoid products with components that detach easily, excessively long cords, loose hanging decorations, or sharp edges or corners.
• Avoid Extended or Unsupervised Use: An infant swing should not replace a crib or serve as a place for prolonged sleep. An adult should remain present during use.
• Inspect and Clean Regularly: After the product has been used for some time, check for loose components, damaged fabric covers, or abnormalities in the battery compartment, and clean and maintain the product in accordance with the instructions.

Operate the Product Correctly in Accordance with the Instructions

Even if a product has passed inspection, it must still be operated correctly in accordance with the instructions to reduce risks. Parents should observe the maximum weight capacity, applicable age in months, correct use of restraint straps, placement location, and prohibited actions. They should not modify the product, attach additional toys, or place it on a bed, sofa, tabletop, beside stairs, or in another unstable location.

If the product provides powered swinging, music, vibration, or lighting functions, batteries and power supplies should be used in accordance with the applicable requirements. Chargers, batteries, or adapters that do not meet the required specifications should be avoided. If unusual odors, abnormal heat, damaged components, unstable movement, or functional abnormalities occur, stop using the product immediately.

Product Safety Controls Should Begin before Purchase

The safety of products for infants and young children depends not only on careful use but also on selecting products before purchase that comply with inspection requirements, provide complete labeling, and come from clearly identified sources. When purchasing infant swings, children's toys, and childcare products, parents should treat the Commodity Inspection Mark, Chinese-language labeling, applicable age, warnings, and operating instructions as basic purchasing requirements.

Action Technology Co., Ltd. will continue to monitor product safety information published by BSMI and Xiao An Xin, helping the public and businesses understand key matters relating to product safety, inspection marks, labeling requirements, and product certification to jointly improve the safety of products for infants and young children and household products.

Sources: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs – Xiao An Xin｜Essential Reading for New Parents! Infant Swings Proposed for Inclusion among Commodities Subject to Mandatory Inspection
Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs｜Operational Regulations Governing Inspection of Infant Swings
Ministry of Economic Affairs｜BSMI Strengthens Management of Products for Infants and Young Children to Safeguard Their Safety