Safety with teething rings
Teething rings are used intensively by babies: they are held, put in the mouth, and subjected to considerable pressure while being bitten. That is precisely why safety is especially important for teething rings.
On this page, you’ll learn exactly what a teething ring is, why different rules apply than for pacifier clips, and what makers and users need to keep in mind.
What is a teething ring?
A teething ring is intended to be bitten and played with, for example, while teething.
In practice, this means a teething ring is considered a toy.
This distinction is important because different (stricter) rules apply to toys than to products such as pacifier clips.
Teething rings and safety
Because teething rings are put in babies’ mouths and actively used, they must meet requirements regarding:
- Sturdiness
- Construction
- Dimensions
- Materials used
The purpose of these requirements is to prevent risks such as parts coming loose, choking, or injuries as much as possible.
Shape and construction
When designing and making a teething ring, its shape is just as important as the material.
Teething rings are safest when:
- They consist mainly of round, compact beads
- Differences in size are kept to a minimum
- The whole ring can bend smoothly without creating tension on individual beads
Many angular beads together, or beads with thin protrusions, increase the risk of:
- Visible string
- Unevenly distributed tension
- Damage from strong biting
Combining multiple hard materials (such as several wooden components) also carries additional risks.
Materials
Silicone beads are often used for teething rings because silicone:
- Does not splinter
- Resilient
- Comfortable for babies to feel
However, this does not mean that every shape or combination is automatically suitable.
With silicone too, a careful choice of shape, size, and construction is essential.
You can read more about this on the Materials page.
Stringing and tying
How a teething ring is strung and tied has a major impact on its sturdiness.
A safe teething ring:
- Is constructed so that beads cannot come loose
- Stays sturdy, even when force is applied
- Does not lose its shape during normal use
In the instructions under Info & Tips, I show how I tie teething rings.
The way I make teething rings has been tested by an accredited testing laboratory. However, the following always applies:
Every finished product is different, and the maker bears the ultimate responsibility.
Testing and selling
If you want to sell teething rings, the finished product must be tested.
Important to know:
- Teething rings are subject to toy regulations
- Testing toys is mandatory when selling them
- Any other combination or sequence of beads is considered a separate model
This means that:
- Variations in color are not a problem
- Other shapes, sizes or sequences can affect the test results
Only an accredited testing laboratory can determine whether your teething ring meets the requirements.
If you use materials from my webshop, you do not need to have additional chemical tests carried out on the individual components. However, testing the finished product remains your responsibility.
Use and inspection
Even a well-made teething ring requires sensible use.
- Always use a teething ring under supervision
- Check regularly for damage
- Stop using the teething ring if in doubt
- Do not take a teething ring to bed
If damaged, the teething ring must no longer be used.
In summary
- A teething ring is considered a toy
- Shape and construction are crucial for safety
- Preferably choose round, compact shapes
- Strength depends on the finished product
- Testing the finished product is mandatory when selling
- The maker is always responsible