Baby neck floats must now pass real safety tests, not just carry a warning label

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to make new safety rules for baby neck floats. These rules would require the floats to pass performance tests and have clearer warning labels, rather than just being labeled as aquatic toys.

For years, baby neck floats only needed a basic warning label, even though they are often marketed for infant swimming and therapy. This meant manufacturers could sell products without proving they were actually safe for babies. The proposed rules mean these products will now be treated like other infant products with specific safety requirements, shifting the burden of proof from parents to manufacturers.