Materials
The materials you use form the basis of safe baby and children's items.
Whether you make something for your own use or to sell: it is important that you know what you use, and where your responsibility lies.
On this page I explain materials, certificates and commonly used terms such as: BPA-free, food grade and FDA approved.
Materials and European rules
In Europe, strict requirements apply to products used by babies and young children, especially if they can be placed in the mouth. These requirements include, among other things, the chemical composition of materials.
Important to know:
these requirements apply not only to complete products, but also to the materials from which those products are made.
Silicone beads: BPA, food grade and FDA
Silicone beads are often advertised with terms such as:
- BPA-free
- Food grade
- FDA approved
That sounds reassuring, but these terms say on itself not yet enough for the European market.
BPA-free
BPA is found in certain plastics, not in silicone. All silicones are therefore BPA-free. That mention says nothing about other possible substances.
Food grade / FDA approved
These are concepts from US regulations. The FDA is an American body and is separate from European legislation.
The requirements in Europe are different stricter or different than in the US.
Factory certificates are therefore often based on:
- 1 test
- 1 color
- Or just American standards
This does not automatically mean that a material fully meets all European requirements.
How I handled this
As an importer I am responsible for the materials I sell.
That is why I have the basic materials used for my range have it tested independently through a recognized testing agency.
This applies to:
- Silicone (basic materials from which colors are made)
- Wood
- Satin thread
- Plastic mounting rings and snap closures
I have the associated documentation for these materials in my possession.
👉 This means that the loose materials that I sell comply with the applicable European guidelines for the intended use of parts.
From material to end product
Important to know:
testing materials is different from testing one end product.
The strength and safety of an end product also depends on:
- Which shapes and sizes you combine
- How to thread or tie
- How the product is used
That's why I can be a seller of loose materials do not approve end products that others make.
Do you make products to sell?
Then you are responsible for:
- Have your end product tested (where necessary)
- Proper documentation and warnings
Not all materials are suitable for baby items
In the webshop you will also find materials that: are not intended for baby use, such as:
- Acrylic beads
- Beads with rhinestones
- Pens
- Decorative inserts
For bead shapes that are not suitable for use by young children, I have indicated this in the text. This is only the case with beads that have clearly thin pieces, or that have been tested and rejected by other sellers.
Please note:
That other beads do not have this mention means not automatically that they are suitable for baby items. Always use your common sense and when in doubt, choose safety.
My general advice for baby items:
- Use preferably silicone beads without protrusions
- Be cautious when combining different materials
- Keep designs as simple as possible
In summary
- European requirements are leading
- Terms like BPA-free and FDA approved are not sufficient
- The materials in my range have only been chemically tested, as loose parts
- The safety of it end product remains the responsibility of the maker
- Not every material is suitable for baby items
Read more
Would you like to delve deeper? Then you will find more specific information here: