Get started safely: a step-by-step guide

Step 1 – Choose safe materials

Only use materials that are suitable for use by babies and young children.

As an importer, I am responsible for the materials I sell and ensure that they meet the applicable European requirements. However, as the maker of a finished product, you are also responsible for the choices you make. It is therefore important to know where your materials come from and what documentation is available for them.

In practice, manufacturers’ certificates often turn out to be incomplete or based on other markets (such as the US), where different requirements apply than in Europe. That is why I had additional tests performed on the base materials used by the factories.

The silicone beads, wood, satin cord, and plastic components I sell have been tested by an accredited testing laboratory (SGS), and I have the accompanying documentation for these materials.

Not all items in the webshop are suitable for baby products. For example:

• acrylic beads
  
• rhinestone spacer beads
  
• pens
  

Beads that are not suitable for babies, or are clearly less suitable for them, are marked 3+. Please note that this does not automatically mean that other beads are suitable. Always choose carefully.

My general advice:

For baby items, preferably use silicone beads without protrusions, and be cautious about combining different materials.

Step 2 – Choose safe shapes and sizes

Not only the material, but also the shape and size of beads is very important.

• Beads that are too small can be unsafe
  
• Beads with protrusions (such as bows) look nice, but pose additional risks
  
• Having many angular beads next to each other makes a product less flexible
  

With pacifier clips and teething rings, this can cause:

• the product not to take shape properly
  
• the cord to become visible
  
• the tension to be distributed unevenly
  

Wooden components also require extra attention. A single wooden ring may pass a strength test in some cases, but several wooden components under pressure at the same time can break. Therefore, making rattles is not a safe choice from a strength perspective.

Preferably choose:

• mostly round shapes
  
• limited size differences
  
• variety in color and texture, not in risk

Step 3 – Pay close attention to dimensions

Dimensions are an important part of safety.

For example, a pacifier clip cord must be no longer than 22 cm (excluding the clip). Keep in mind that a cord may stretch a little during use. This also means that not every name or combination is suitable for a pacifier clip cord.

Also make sure that:

• a baby cannot get trapped
  
• little fingers, hands or arms cannot get caught
  

The simpler the design, the lower the risk of accidents.

Step 4 – Stringing and knotting

Once you’ve chosen safe materials and shapes, it’s time to string the beads.

There are two main methods used for pacifier clips:

• the knotting method
  
• the melting method, in which the satin cord is melted together
  

Because heating satin cord can create weaker spots without you noticing, I personally prefer the knotting method.

Under Info & Tips, you’ll find instructional videos showing how I knot pacifier clips and teething rings, as well as how I make other items. My method for knotting teething rings has been tested by SGS.

The pacifier clip in this form has not been tested as a finished product, but similar constructions using the same clips and cord have been tested. However, always remember:

you are responsible for your own method and the final result.

Step 5 – Get it tested (if selling)

If you make products to sell, testing is essential.

Teething rings and other toys are covered by the Toy Safety Directive

→ testing is mandatory

→ once approved, a CE mark may be affixed

Any other combination or order of beads is considered a separate model and must generally be assessed separately.

Testing is not legally required for pacifier clips, but I strongly recommend it if you want to sell seriously. Having at least one pacifier clip tested gives you confidence in your fastening method.

If you use materials from my webshop, you do not need to have additional chemical tests performed on the individual components. However, testing the finished product is always your responsibility.

Only a recognized testing laboratory can legally determine whether your product meets the requirements.

Step 6 – Documentation and use

Once everything is in order, you can get started.

When selling, always make sure to:

• include clear instructions for use
  
• warn against use without supervision
  
• state that products must no longer be used if damaged
  
• provide your contact details
  

Even approved products require careful use.

But most of all: enjoy it!

It’s incredibly fun to play with colors and create something beautiful. Especially when you know you’re doing it in a mindful and responsible way.