Pacifier attachment regulations
While pacifier clips are a practical accessory for both mothers and babies, there are some important steps to take when manufacturing them. Each retailer is required to adhere to strict government standards to ensure the safety of newborns and toddlers.
Regulatory measures
There are certain safety measures to take into account to avoid all kinds of problems. Chewing and sucking can sometimes cause difficulties, as harmful substances can sometimes be ingested by your child without knowing it. This is why a number of rules have been established to lay the foundations for the reliability of a attached nipple.
First of all, the DIN 53160-1/-2 standardThis standard aims at testing objects, particularly for color retention. This test is important for the durability of the product and thus avoids any risks, particularly due to baby saliva or sweat.
Other standards have been put in place to improve the peace of mind of parents and babies with the standard NF EN 12586+A1 which concerns the safety instructions applicable tocustomizable pacifier clip or neutral. The 2009 directive of the European Parliament has further explored the issue of child safety.
If the pacifier clip has decorations such as beads or animal designs, it is considered a toy and requires more precautions to be taken and respected.
First of all, the standard NF EN71-1 which aims to supervise the mechanical properties of a toy, by this we mean that the manufacturer must ensure the solidity of the pacifier clip and therefore the resistance of the pacifier clip to shock.
There standard NF EN71-2 as for it, raises the risks of flammability which can cause injuries/burns and therefore present a serious danger for the child. This standard makes it possible to determine which materials are prohibited for the composition of pacifier clips.
Finally, the standard NF EN71-3, allowing the control of chemical components contained in materials related to the manufacture of toys or other baby-related items, was published by the Technical Committee CEN.TC 52 in 2013. This standard therefore ensures that the manufacturer ensures that the paint on the pacifier clip is non-toxic.
Measures on product creation
In addition to standards in the strict sense, standards regarding the composition of the pacifier clip itself must also be respected and applied. Indeed, a pacifier clip must not exceed 22 centimeters in length to avoid any risk of strangulation. Similarly, subject to a length standard, the loop of the pacifier clip must not exceed the standard of 110 centimeters in length for the same reasons mentioned above.
The pacifier clip must also have a resistance to extension, a test is mandatory to check the strength and resistance of the product. The pacifier clip must be free of any sharp aspects or those that could scratch the baby.
Regarding the hole in pacifier clips, it has sometimes happened that babies or children get their fingers stuck in the hole of the pacifier clips, causing swelling. All holes must therefore respect a depth not exceeding more than 10 centimeters and must not exceed the width between 5.5 millimeters and 12 millimeters.
Measurements should be taken into consideration for the ventilation holes on the pacifier clip.In fact, two ventilation holes of at least 40 millimeters that can allow a 4 millimeter rod to pass through the entire material must be configured, or a single hole that allows a 12 millimeter rod to pass through the entire material or an area of 115 millimeters.
In any case, at least one ventilation hole is required for an area of 25 millimeters in diameter.
Measurements on the composition of materials
The safety and health of our children are at the heart of our concerns. This is why it is necessary to pay attention to the composition of materials. Certain materials should be avoided at all costs, such as aluminum and zinc! But natural materials can also have undergone chemical treatments; you must be careful with varnishes and paints, but also with the glue used, because these chemical substances can be harmful. For decoration, even if rhinestones and sequins look pretty, it is absolutely essential not to use them.
Other preventive measures
It's obvious to recall other measures to take into account regarding the extensive instructions for use that pacifier clips must follow. No adhesive labels should be present on any part of the pacifier clip. Furthermore, cleaning the pacifier clip thoroughly is highly recommended. Do not change the original cord; if standards establish a length of 22 centimeters, it's not for nothing!
