Safety provisions for dummy chains

The dummy chain is known worldwide and is available in various shapes and variations. Anyone who deals commercially with dummy chains must know and comply with the legal requirements for dummy chains. In addition to the toy standard, there is also the European standard EN 12586 specifically for dummy chains. It regulates the chains' length, shape as well as material composition. The production of a dummy chain with or without name, as well as the selection of the materials used, should therefore be carried out with great care and in compliance with all legal standards and regulations.

Dummy chain safety – an overview

Safe materials for dummy chains

We guarantee:

All used colours are non-toxic, sweat and saliva resistant.
The used metal parts are made of stainless steel and are nickel-free as well as non-corrosive.
The clips have ventilation holes.
The used cords are colourfast, as well as sweat-resistant and offers a tear strength of up to at least 25 kg.
All used materials are free of heavy metals and solvents.

How long is the admissible length of a dummy chain?

In the dummy chain standard, a maximum length for dummy chains of 220 mm has been defined. This length refers to the chain's total length – measured without the clip. 220 mm was not chosen arbitrarily, but was based on data where the average neck circumference of children in the age range 0 months to 36 months is 240 mm.

An instruction manual for dummy chains

As a seller of dummy chains, you are obliged according to DIN EN 12586 to enclose instructions for use, which must contain the following warnings in this form:

For your child's safety
WARNING!

Before each use check carefully. Throw away at the first sign of damage or weakness.

Never lengthen the soother holder!

Never attach to cords, ribbons, laces or loose parts of clothing. The child may be strangled.

These aspects must be included in an instruction manual:

Information on the safe use of dummy chains
A recommendation to attach the pacifier chain to clothing only
A recommendation not to use the soother chain when the baby is in a playpen, bed or cradle
Information on a suitable cleaning method
Information on unsuitable procedures for cleaning, storage and use
A summonable address of the manufacturer/importer

Finally, the standard's designation in its concrete version, currently EN 12586:2011, should be indicated, with the wording "The dummy chain is manufactured in accordance with the standards DIN EN 12586:2011 (standard for dummy chains)." can be used.

Dummy chain or toy?

In addition to DIN EN 12586, you may also have to take the toy directive 88/378/EEC into account. This applies if the dummy chain has clearly toy-like elements. However, this does not apply if the clip or beads have simple shapes and are decorated with a special colour or print. Such designs only serve to make the dummy chain look more attractive. Paragraph 1.1 of the Toys Directive states:

a product or a material, with a design or a clear intention;

for use in play;

by children under 14 years of age.

However, if just one part of the dummy chain can already be classified as a toy, the dummy chain must also meet the safety requirements of the toy standard in addition to DIN EN 12586. Moreover, there are further specifications regarding instructions for use and warnings, the basic indication of age-related user restrictions, as well as the mandatory prefixing of the word "Attention". The toy standard also provides for CE marking.