Regulations governing pacifier clips

While pacifier clips are a practical accessory for both mother and baby, it's important to take certain steps when it comes to their manufacture. In fact, every seller is required to comply with strict standards set by the French government to ensure the safety of newborns and infants.

Regulatory measures

There are a number of safety precautions you should take to avoid problems of any kind. Chewing and sucking can sometimes lead to difficulties, as harmful substances can be ingested by your child without their knowledge. That's why a number of rules have been laid down to ensure the reliability of a pacifier clip.

Firstly, DIN 53160-1/-2. This standard covers object-proof testing, particularly with regard to color retention. This test is important for the product's durability, to avoid any risks due to baby's saliva or sweat.

Other standards have been introduced to ensure the peace of mind of parents and babies, such as NF EN 12586+A1, which sets out the safety instructions applicable tocustomizable or neutral pacifier clips or neutral teats. In 2009, the European Parliament issued a directive on child safety.

If the pacifier clip has decorations such as beads or animal designs, it is classed as a toy and requires more care and attention.

First of all, the NF EN71-1 standard is designed to supervise the mechanical properties of a toy, meaning that the manufacturer must ensure that the nipple attachment is strong enough to withstand a shock.

The NF EN71-2 standard, for its part, highlights the risks of flammability, which can cause injuries/burns and thus present a serious danger to the child. This standard determines which materials are prohibited in the composition of nipple attachments.

Last but not least, the NF EN71-3 standard, enabling the control of chemical components contained in materials related to the manufacture of toys or other baby-related items, was published by the CEN.TC 52 Technical Committee in 2013. This standard ensures that the paint used on the pacifier clip is non-toxic.

Measures for product creation

As well as standards in the strict sense of the word, there are also standards to be respected and applied to the composition of the pacifier clip itself. A pacifier clip must not exceed 22 centimetres in length, to avoid any risk of strangulation. Also subject to a length standard, the loop of the pacifier clip must not exceed 110 centimetres in length, for the same reasons mentioned above.
The pacifier clip must also be resistant to stretching, and a test must be carried out to verify the product's strength and resistance. The pacifier clip must be free of any sharp edges that could scratch baby.

As regards the hole in the nipple clamps, babies and children sometimes get their fingers stuck in the hole, causing swelling. All holes must be no more than 10 centimetres deep and between 5.5 and 12 millimetres wide.

The ventilation holes on the nipple clip need to be taken into consideration. Either two ventilation holes of at least 40 millimeters, through which a 4-millimeter pin can pass over the entire material, or a single hole through which a 12-millimeter pin can pass over the entire material, or an area of 115 millimeters, must be configured.

In any case, at least one ventilation hole is required for an area 25 millimeters in diameter.

Measurements of material composition

Our children's health and safety are of paramount importance to us. That's why we need to be careful about the composition of our materials. Some materials, such as aluminum and zinc, should be avoided at all costs! But natural materials can also have undergone chemical treatments, and we need to be vigilant about varnishes and paints, as well as the glue used, as these chemical substances can prove harmful. As for decoration, even if rhinestones and sequins look pretty, it's absolutely essential not to use them.

Other preventive measures

It goes without saying that there are other measures to take into account regarding the broad instructions for use that teatclips must follow. There should be no adhesive labels on any part of the teat clip. Cleaning the nipple clamp is also highly recommended. Don't change the original cord - the 22-centimeter length standard is there for a reason!