Besrey - Nov 28 2025

Differences in Baby Product Safety Standards: U.S. vs. E.U.

When you’re shopping for baby gear, safety is a top priority. But something many parents don’t realize is that safety standards aren’t the same in every country. In the U.S., products must meet a country-specific set of safety standards, and in the E.U., products must meet a different set of safety standards required by law.

Both regions take safety very seriously, but the ways baby product safety standards are developed differs. Whether you’re shopping in North Carolina or Munich, understanding baby gear safety requirements is vital. Here’s a breakdown of the differences in baby safety laws so that you can make the best purchasing decisions for your family.

Baby Product Safety Standards in the U.S.

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets and enforces all baby product safety standards. When you look at a product and see warning labels about choking hazards or age recommendations, you have the CPSC standards to thank.

According to U.S. law, certain items – cribs, strollers, carriers, highchairs, and toys for young children – must meet federal safety requirements before they can be sold to consumers. They are also required to be third-party tested in accordance with baby product safety standards.

CPSC standards focus on preventing known risks such as strangulation, choking, entrapment, sharp edges, small parts, and lead and phthalates. Many warning labels will provide information on how the product should be used, what age ranges it was made for, and any key sizing restrictions around the weight and height of your child.

E.U. Baby Gear Safety Requirements

One of the major differences in baby safety laws between these regions is that the U.S. gets very specific about regulations on a product-by-product basis. In the E.U., “safety by design” is a key principle of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This requires that manufacturers making products for users of any age ensure they are inherently safe, rather than meeting specific requirements and specifications.

There are some specific standards created for products like children’s furniture and soothing devices, but at face value, the E.U. regulations mandate that all products are safe before being sold. Additionally, the E.U.’s REACH Regulation sets stringent restrictions on chemical usage. Things like fragrances, additives, and allergens are much more tightly regulated in the E.U. than in the U.S.

At a Glance: Key Differences in Baby Safety Laws

Since many busy parents don’t have time to dive into the weeds of baby gear safety requirements, here’s a quick look at what you should know:

Chemical Safety: The E.U. is generally stricter.
Testing Requirements: The U.S. pushes for more independent, third-party testing.
Warning Labels: U.S. products have more detailed instructions and hazard notices.
Regulation Methodology: The U.S. develops regulations that target specific risks, while the E.U. emphasizes general design safety.
Recall Processes: Both regions have recall infrastructure in place, but the CPSC website offers a centralized database of recalls to American consumers that isn’t available in the same way in the E.U.

Making informed purchasing decisions shouldn’t be overwhelming; parents have enough on their plates! Having a little knowledge about differences in baby safety laws around the world can help you make the best decisions for your little ones – regardless of where you’re raising them.