Safety with teething rings
Teething rings are used intensively by babies: they are grasped, put in the mouth and pressed firmly while biting. That is precisely why safety with teething rings is extra important.
On this page you can read exactly what a teething ring is, why different rules apply than for pacifier cords, and what you as a maker or user should take into account.
What is a teething ring?
A teething ring is intended to... to bite and play with, for example when teething.
In practice, a teething ring is therefore seen as: toys.
This distinction is important because different (stricter) rules apply to toys than to consumer items such as pacifier cords.
Teething rings and safety
Because teething rings are placed in the mouth by babies and are actively used, requirements apply in the areas of:
- Firmness
- Construction
- Dimensions
- Materials used
The purpose of these requirements is to prevent risks such as loose parts, choking or injuries as much as possible.
Shape and structure
When designing and making a teething ring, the shape at least as important as the material.
Teething rings are safest when:
- They mainly consist of round, compact beads
- Size differences remain limited
- The whole can bend properly without creating tension on individual beads
Many angular beads next to each other, or beads with thin protrusions, increase the chance of:
- Visible thread
- Unevenly distributed tension
- Damage when biting firmly
Combining multiple hard materials (such as multiple wooden parts) also entails additional risks.
Materials
Silicone beads are often used for teething rings, because silicone:
- Do not splinter
- Be resilient
- Pleasant feeling for babies
However, this does not mean that every form or combination is automatically suitable.
This also remains the case with silicone careful choice of shape, size and construction essential.
You can read more about this on the page Materials.
Threading and knotting
The way a teething ring is strung and knotted has a major influence on its strength.
A safe teething ring:
- Is constructed in such a way that beads cannot become loose
- Remains firm even when force is applied
- Does not lose its shape with normal use
In the instructions below Info & Tips I show you how to tie teething rings.
The way I make teething rings has been tested by a recognized testing agency. Yet it always applies:
Every end product is different, and the ultimate responsibility lies with the creator.
Testing and sales
Do you want to teethe? sell, then this includes having the end product tested.
Important to know:
- Teething rings fall under the toy rules
- Testing of toys is mandatory upon sale
- Any other composition or sequence of beads is considered one separate model
That means:
- Varying colors is not a problem
- Other shapes, sizes or sequences may influence the test results
Only a recognized testing agency can determine whether your teething ring meets the requirements.
If you use materials from my webshop, you do not need additional chemical tests loose parts to be carried out. For it end product However, testing remains your own responsibility.
Use and control
A well-made teething ring also requires judicious use.
- Always use a teething ring under supervision
- Check regularly for damage
- If in doubt, do not use the teething ring again
- Give a teething ring not to bed
If the teething ring is damaged, it may no longer be used.
In summary
- A teething ring is seen as toys
- Shape and construction are crucial for safety
- Preferably choose round, compact shapes
- The firmness depends on the end product
- Testing of the end product is mandatory upon sale
- The creator is always responsible