Do you think I need labels?

[Former_Member]

I think my felt food would fall under the "inconvenient" category since a tag would make the food hard to play with. What do you think?
Also do velcro and elastic have to be tested? If I buy from a seller who has already tested, then I won't have to test, correct?

[nattybratty]

Quoting from the CPSIA document (in regards to tags):

"Small volume manufacturers and crafters may be unlikely to use lot, batch or run
numbers, and, again, the Commission does not interpret Section 103(a) to require them to
create such a system. Nevertheless, reasonable practices should be in place by such
manufacturers to keep records of components used in their products."

[TheFairiesNest]

Perhaps you could have a bag for your food to come in and put a label on that?

[Former_Member]

my puppets are small - 1.5 inch by 2.5 inch labels wouldn't even FIT on the back of some of my puppets. And certainly it would be rediculous to have them coming out the side as tag (like on the other side of the tail like on this fox puppet for instance!) I use detailed information on the bag topper and tag for each polybag the puppets are sealed in for shipping. You could do that. Paper labels are easy. :)

(and I'm still looking for teeny tiny labels to put on the back of my puppets, but haven't found anything small enough yet!)

[Former_Member]

shepremiers and stayawake:

for items where a label would detract from the items, like in the case of your items a label on the packaging is sufficient. See this FAQ from the CPSIA - http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/103faq.html#103q9

[Former_Member]

When have you seen an item in a store that does not have a label on it -- all stuffed toys do, some are huge and the parents cut them off after purchase. Even silf scraves have labels that the customer removes later

Be reasonable, put the labels on and trust the parents to remove them if they interfer with the child's enjoyment.

Besides, its good advertising and you look more professional using the label

[MamasFeltFood]

Yes, some of your food can have labels on it. You will need to label the packaging too, so don't forget that.

[MamasFeltFood]

Also to my understanding if you use velcro or elastic you will have to test the completed item that you used those on.

This is one of the reasons why everyone is so upset with this law, we don't understand why testing is necessary if the component has already been tested.

[Former_Member]

MamasFeltFood -

You may not need to test velcro - see this page for a start. http://www.whatisthecpsia.com/?p=510

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

No, velco and elastic are okay, and "other fasteners" (although in their wisdom they couldn't name any other fastenings that were okay) Zipper, snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes are potentially deadly. So I'm wondering what company is making the "other fastenings"???

[Former_Member]

I make sure my labels are big, obvious and have everything on them. I cannot think of anyone who would use my cute little beanies with such an ugly tag. My guess is that it is removed before they wear them.

I make my own labels. Check my blog for directions.
They are easy peasy.
http://www.susanleeglam.blogspot.com

[Former_Member]

Here's the elastic info quoted from http://www.whatisthecpsia.com/?p=510

Are cloth diapers affected by CPSIA?

Yes, any maker (small or large) of cloth diapers must comply with CPSIA. The required testing under the law, however, will depend both on the type of diapers you make as well as the CPSC’s final definition of a “child care article.”

Natural or synthetic textiles are now exempt from lead testing, therefore the parts of the diaper that need to be tested for lead fall to the snaps and elastic if it is visible, as long as you are not making diapers using fabrics with a waterproof finish or PUL.

While there is no final rule on the definition of a “child care article” it is smart to proceed as though diapers will fall into this category. Phthalate testing would therefore be required due to certain materials used to construct the diaper.

Here is a chart pulled together by Wacky Hermit that details commonly used diaper making materials, and their exemption status. This chart assumes that a diaper will be defined by the CPSC as a “child care article.”
Material Test for lead? Test for phthalates?
Fabric (natural or synthetic) No No
Fabric with waterproof finish Yes Yes
PUL Yes* Yes*
Elastic No Yes*
Velcro (nylon or polyester) No No
Metal snaps (stainless steel) No No
Painted metal snaps Yes*** Yes
Plastic snaps Yes Yes**
Natural latex No No

* If these materials are inaccessible (i.e. hidden inside the diaper where no one can touch them), they do not have to be tested for either lead or phthalates.
** Snaps made of certain plastics (polyethylene or polypropylene) do not need to be tested for phthalates.
*** Paints are held to a smaller lead content standard (90 ppm lead) than the underlying metal.

For additional information on diapers and the CPSIA, refer to the Real Diaper IndustryAssociation which is helping its members take a proactive response to the CPSIA.

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much everyone! You have been a big help!