buttons and small parts recent recall

[MyTheta]

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09134.html

this recall is new - and in some ways can affect the way people shop... and can highlight small parts and choking hazards... just info to share since some people were recently discussing small parts.

[babymoon]

So that means no buttons on the hairbands I was just googling for info about! Thanks! Looking for another alternative for the middle of a flower that's not a rhinestone, button, bead, or other small doo dad. Maybe I'm just going to sew on a contrasting color of fabric for the center.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the link, MyTheta. I've been hearing about the dangers of buttons since before I had kids. Frankly, I'm still a little surprised when they're used on plush things like this that are geared to kids (as opposed to collectors), since it's been talked about for so many years.

[babymoon]

so exactly how are we supposed to keep our kids' clothes on them?

[Former_Member]

Hopefully not limited to velcro... or I guess better yet,,, going back in time 40 years to the fbric ties....

I can do that! So vintage, ya thinkkkk?

[Former_Member]

... ties are a strangulation hazard.

[Former_Member]

whoa... those toys look like toys on here.

[Former_Member]

let them run free...

of course, they may freeze to death, but at least no producers would be sued. wait a second, i guess i'm wrong, the producers of the children would probably be sued.

[Former_Member]

babymoon says:
so exactly how are we supposed to keep our kids' clothes on them?
*********
Glue?

I would agree with LullaLoo and say let 'em go around in what God gave them, but there would probably be offensive to some who may file some sort of harassment suits about their elementary school kids....

[MyTheta]

Well I think that was a voluntary recall - but when people sell things like that here, I would imagine they are OK if they specify 'not suitable for children under 3 (or4) due to small parts' I'm sure there is a specific statement - its always on small parts toys in the stores - all liability protection & keeping others safe too....

[Former_Member]

babymoon says:
so exactly how are we supposed to keep our kids' clothes on them?

DUCT TAPE
LOL

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

1. Was a child harmed? NO
2. Where was the stuffed toy made? China
3. Was a small part used for a toy for an under 3 year old? Yes, buttons have not been used for eyes on stuffed toys for years because of the potential for swallowing. This is not a new "law". Safety eyes for toys have been around for umpteen years, and felt sewn eyes or embroidered eyes are much more appropriate for a small childs toy. Machine sewn on buttons are much more likely to come off than properly hand sewn on buttons.
4. Buttons on under 3's for their clothing is okay. I'll have go searching for the link, I think it may have been on Nord's last newsletter. It referred to buttons on clothing are small because it is the inherent nature of the clothing being small. I'll see if I can find it.

[MyTheta]

http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/regsumsmallparts.pdf
Are any toys and products exempt from the small
parts regulations?
(1) Yes. Balloons, books and other articles made of
paper, phonograph records, writing materials such
as crayons, chalk, pencils and pens, modeling clay
and similar products, and finger paints, watercolors
and other paint sets are exempt because they cannot
be manufactured in a way that would prevent them
from breaking into small parts when subjected to
use and abuse testing. Children’s clothing and
accessories such as shoe lace holders and buttons,
and grooming, feeding and hygiene products such as
diaper pins and clips, barrettes, toothbrushes,
drinking glasses, dishes and eating utensils are also
exempt because they need to be small to perform
their intended purpose. See 16 C.F.R. Part
1501.3&4(b).
Does CPSC have any other guidelines or
regulations that all products for children under
three must meet?
Yes. Toys and children's products must not have
hazardous sharp points (16 C.F.R. 1500.48) or edges (16
C.F.R 1500.49), have paint or any other similar surface
coating that contains more than .06% lead (16 C.F.R.
Part 1303), contain other hazardous chemicals (16
C.F.R.1500.3(a)(15)), or exceed flammability limits (16
C.F.R. 1500.44).
Which products and toys for children under
three must meet additional regulations?
Pacifiers - 16 C.F.R. 1511
Rattles - 16 C.F.R. 1510
Cribs - 16 C.F.R. 1508, 1509

[MyTheta]

that was directly from the cpsc.gov website - the one with all the recall info...

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Thank you MyTheta! That's the one.

I think I would be careful about adding buttons to the center of hairbows for under 3's. I've seen some darling headbands for babies with big flowers and buttons or rhinestone centers. I'd not sell them. And you couldn't put a disclamer "not for under 3's" if you model them on babies.

[Former_Member]

I think it has a lot to do with machine sewed buttons...those detach pretty darn easily. A properly hand sewed button is typically a good deal more secure than one sewed by machine. I would only sell a toy with buttons with a not intended for under 3 disclaimer.

[Former_Member]

Since some of my items would appeal to children I always add a choking disclaimer. Hopefully as a reminder to be careful about what you give to small children.

[Former_Member]

Are snaps not usable either?