Are these items safe from the CPSIA?

[Former_Member]

I make items for mom and baby and was woondering if things like wipe cases and breastfeeding covers were still ok since technically they are used by mom...just hoping to be able to keep going with some of my product

[NotMyTreeStore]

They're not made for kids, so my guess would be that they're fine. Show me a baby who can wipe his own butt and needs a wipe case to handle on his own, and I'll show you an issue that's bigger than the CPSIA.

[Former_Member]

Nursing covers fall under the CPSIA because they come in direct contact with a child under 12. Wipe cases would be safe from it since a child under 12 doesn't directly use it!

[NotMyTreeStore]

I think this is where the law is particularly fuzzy and also why it is exceptionally absurd. A shawl or a blanket that a mother uses to keep herself warm (breastfeeding or not) MAY come in contact with a child under 12...are they going to ban that as well, since it MIGHT touch a child? What about a mother's mittens, or her shirt, or her pocketbook?

It WILL be changed. I just don't see how it cannot change.

[Former_Member]

My clothes touch my baby when she's nursing. I don't use nursing covers because I'm usually home. So....am I gonna have to go topless? No way...that's not gonna happen!

[Former_Member]

That's exactly what I am thinking!! Agh so annoying...so I guess I will continue to list them till I am deactivated lol!

[Former_Member]

I love your logic in this thread! I agree, Im not about to go topless just because my baby touches my shirt!

[Former_Member]

My little guy just spilled a whole bottle of milk on the rocking chair (Oh how fun!) and I was thinking all the while... what about big people things that kids use? Like furniture? Seriously, I can only think of very few things that are made for adults that kids don't use or get their hands on from time to time.

I just can't take this law anymore!

[Former_Member]

Starbright, I've been thinking like you - what about door knobs - what about balloons, mylar and latex...we could go on and on.

Doesn't make sense!

[qbranchltd]

Your items are intended for the mother and not the baby so "theoretically" you should be ok. The wipe case certainly is ok, and if the breastfeeding cover is a problem then so is every woman's blouse on the market.

[TheFurkidStudio]

The aide I spoke with at Rush's office actually used couches and door knobs as examples of things that kids touch but aren't covered by the law. Heck, a kid coudl grab a raw bar of lead and it would be legal.

The catch is (what I've heard, and again not legal advice) is that the way you market your work is what makes the difference. Clearly, doorknobs and couches are not toys. But if something looks like a toy and is NOT intended for kids 12 and under, you need to say so in your shop and on your product's labeling.

According to Rush's office, this will put your item in the clear. Unless of course it's a baby blanket or a binkie. Those things are obviously for babies and little ones and calling it an adult collectible wouldn't fly. But for the "gray area" stuff like plushies and collectibles, the labeling is appropriate. Just what I've heard.

I'm going to continue to ask for more reassurance and clarification on this, and will also continue to fight for the handmade things that are intended for kids. A world without those beautiful things is a dismal one, indeed!

[NotMyTreeStore]

Thank you for the information, threeredtrees! I prefer that interpretation to others I've heard, and it makes sense. Labeling should make all the difference.

[Former_Member]

and none of these things have ever contained lead nor have there been reports of these things causing probs for kids...that's what makes this so absurd. China sells us stuff w/ lead in it, so instead of promoting handmade in the USA we ban it all? that makes sense!

[Former_Member]

What about a burp cloth? It is actually there to protect the mother's clothing. If are using the logic of "it is for the mother and not the baby" then they would be in the clear which is great for me.

[Former_Member]

Think about it. If you don't use a burp cloth, your baby is up on your shoulder next to your clothes. If you clothes do not have to be tested, then why does the burp cloth?

[Former_Member]

I was just thinking the same thing, 4mybaby.

[Former_Member]

I know ... let's ban all pets ... especially dogs and cats. Think about all the germs those critters carry. And they lick, and they get on furniture, and they bite and scratch. Not to mention the parasites and diseases they can pass along to humans.

I'd venture to say that animals harm more children than lead ever has.

And just think of all the money that could be saved if we didn't have to buy pet food, visit vets, buy licenses, etc.

Shhh! Don't let any politician hear me. They might think I'm serious.

[Former_Member]

It is my understanding that under the CPSIA, items not intended for use primarily by children and items for assisting with nursing and other care are exempt and do not need 3rd party testing. Of course you'd want to consider the textile labeling requiremens and the hazardous materials requirements.

Bobbi

[Former_Member]

what about keys and cellphones? i see babies sucking on those all the time.

[Former_Member]

i make baby sweaters and booties yarn does no contain lead so why do they need testing

[Former_Member]

I know! Let's just ban children! LOL! Then we don't need to worry about poisoning them.

[Former_Member]

I have wondered the same on a lot of these items. My biggest seller and wholesale item is my flannel wipes. They are used by the caregivers of babies/toddlers but used on the babies bottom.

I was at the fabric store this weekend and was telling the lady I always talk to about this law. She is older and started laughing hysterically at me. She said the govt is just mad.....If one of the children eat your wipes or a dress, I hate to say it but the parents have a whole other set of issues besides lead to deal with. It cracked me up completely. Just a little laugh in this mess!

[Former_Member]

I keep thinking of the time my DD got into my lipstick and pretty much looked like a psychokiller...

(has anyone's kid NOT done that?)

[Former_Member]

jakboutique says:
...Show me a baby who can wipe his own butt and needs a wipe case to handle on his own, and I'll show you an issue that's bigger than the CPSIA.

* * * *

THANK GOD I had already swallowed before reading this.

I just about fell off my chair.

[OgsploshAccessories]

Don't children walk on carpet, sit on furniture? Do these have to be tested?? LoL