Which beads should you choose to make a dummy clip?
Making a dummy clip yourself is a simple, rewarding pleasure, but everything comes down to the choice of materials. A good assembly starts with a good silicone dummy clip bead: it's what gives the accessory its style, its comfortable grip and, above all, its safety. At Babanono, we guide you step by step in selecting the beads, sizes, shapes and accessories that are genuinely suited to baby use. Here's everything you need to know before you get started.
Silicone or wood: which dummy clip bead should you choose?
The choice of material is the first decision. The food-grade silicone dummy clip bead remains the safe bet: soft, supple and waterproof, it wipes clean with a simple sponge and stands up to saliva and to little bites during teething. It also offers an almost endless palette of colours for creating clips to match baby's outfit. Discover our whole range of silicone beads for dummy clips.
Wooden beads, for their part, bring a natural, warm charm that's much loved for a Scandinavian or bohemian look. Go for raw, untreated wood that is unvarnished and unpainted, to avoid any contact with unwanted substances. Many makers like to combine the two materials: a few wooden beads for a natural touch, silicone for softness and colour.
Suitable sizes and shapes
For a well-balanced dummy clip, you generally combine diameters of 12, 15 and 19 mm. Round beads of 12 to 15 mm form the base of the cord, while a larger bead or an original shape acts as the focal point. Discover our classic round beads to build a regular structure, or add relief with novelty beads in the shape of a star, heart, flower or cloud.
- Round beads 12-15 mm: ideal for the body of the clip and a pleasant grip.
- Large beads or lentils: perfect as a central bead to structure the design.
- Shaped beads: use sparingly to stay safe and avoid overly sharp angles.
Safety first: what your beads must meet
A dummy clip is, after all, an object handled by a little one: safety is non-negotiable. Always choose our silicone beads in quality food-grade silicone, BPA-free, with no phthalates or lead. Check compliance with the EN 71-3 standard on the migration of certain elements in toys: it's the essential marker for an accessory intended for a baby.
Also bear in mind the regulatory length. Once assembled, a dummy clip must not exceed 22 cm when finished, including clip and ring, to rule out any risk of strangulation. Make sure each bead is firmly fixed, with no play or any part that could come loose, and inspect the clip regularly so you can remove it at the first sign of wear.
Clips, rings and cords: the essential accessories
Beyond the beads, a few components complete the assembly. The clip (in silicone or wood with a secure fastening) attaches to the clothing; the ring or small silicone loop holds the dummy; the cord — most often a waxed cotton thread or a hard-wearing satin braid — links it all together. A good cord must be strong, non-fraying and fine enough to pass through the bead holes without forcing.
How to assemble them?
The assembly is within everyone's reach: you thread the beads in your chosen order, allow for the lengths, then firmly attach the clip and the dummy ring with a tight, secure knot. For a detailed step-by-step, follow our DIY tutorial for making your personalised dummy clip. And if you'd rather have a ready-made model, discover our personalised dummy clips that are already made and checked.
Ready to create your dummy clip?
Whether you're a creative parent or a childcare professional, it all starts with a selection of reliable, pretty beads. Put your assortments together right now on our silicone bead hub for dummy clips and bring unique, soft and perfectly safe creations to life.
