Product Safety:
What you need to know!
If you’re a parent like me, scrolling through countless baby websites trying to figure out what you actually need (versus what just looks adorable) for your little one’s arrival, this guide is for you. Think of it as a practical breakdown of the “In’s & Out’s” to help simplify the process.
I’ll admit — when I first started shopping for baby items, I was more focused on finding the cutest pieces at reasonable prices than understanding safety regulations, product standards, and what truly matters. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Many parents don’t realise at first that not everything that looks great online meets recognised safety guidelines, and a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better quality.
My goal is to help you make informed, confident choices by balancing safety, style, and budget — so you can spend less time endlessly scrolling and more time enjoying the excitement of preparing for your baby’s arrival.
Pacifiers and pacifier accessories are regulated consumer products in Australia and must comply with safety requirements under the Australian Consumer Law, which is enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission(ACCC).
Pacifiers sold in Australia must meet the requirements of AS 2432:2015, which outlines important safety requirements for the design, construction, and performance of baby dummies.
Pacifier chains (also known as soother holders) are commonly designed in accordance with the European safety standard EN 12586. This standard provides guidance on important safety features such as product length, ventilation requirements, strength testing, and attachment design.
At My Nooshies, we carefully source our materials and components from suppliers who confirm that their products are manufactured in accordance with recognised international safety and quality management systems, including ISO 9001.
The silicone beads and pacifier clips used in our pacifier chains are sourced from manufacturers who provide documentation confirming the materials are food-grade silicone, BPA-free, and manufactured in accordance with recognised material safety standards. These materials are also free from PVC, latex, rubber and lead.
As a small handmade business, My Nooshies takes care when selecting materials and assembling each product. We perform ongoing quality checks during the production process and aim to ensure our products meet applicable safety expectations. As the business grows and expands into larger retail environments, additional independent product testing may be undertaken where required by retailers or industry guidelines.
For more information:
Things to check when purchasing a pacifier chain:
When purchasing a pacifier chain, it is important to consider whether the product has been designed and tested with recognised safety standards in mind.
1. Have the individual components of the pacifier chain been laboratory tested?
If purchasing from a retailer, has the finished pacifier chain design undergone appropriate safety testing?
2. Does the personalised pacifier chain comply with the maximum recommended length of 22 cm?
This measurement applies to the chain portion only and does not include the clip, in accordance with DIN EN 12586.
Length compliance is particularly important for personalised designs, as the number of letters in a child’s name may require adjustments to ensure the finished product remains within the recommended length.
3. Does the design incorporate a wooden safety bead?
While not mandatory under the standard, a wooden safety bead may provide an additional level of security by helping to prevent beads from sliding off the cord if the chain becomes damaged.
4. Do any additional attachments meet applicable safety considerations?
If the pacifier chain includes extra attachments, it is important to ensure they are suitable for infant use and that they do not cause the chain to exceed the recommended maximum length.
5. Does the pacifier clip include ventilation holes?
If the clip mechanism exceeds 2.5 cm, it should include ventilation holes (minimum 4 mm diameter) to allow airflow if the clip were to become lodged in a child’s mouth.
6. Is the chain constructed from durable, high-quality materials suitable for regular use?
My Nooshies pacifier chains are designed using high-strength nylon cord, a commonly recommended material for durability. They feature 100% food-grade silicone beads that are BPA-free, PVC-free, latex-free, rubber-free and lead-free, along with natural beechwood beads.
7. Is the pacifier chain easy to clean?
Products designed for infant use should be simple to maintain and clean according to manufacturer instructions.
8. Is the clip rust-resistant and suitable for daily use?
My Nooshies pacifier chains use non-toxic silicone clips with stainless steel internal components, designed for durability and everyday use. It is important to adhere to specific product care instructions.
To keep your baby safe, make sure you:
Follow the product assembly instructions
Follow product guidelines for your baby’s age, size and development
Replace dummies according to the products instructions, especially if worn or damaged
Sterilise or wash dummies according to the product’s instructions
Check your baby’s dummy before every use by pulling gently on the teat and tugging on the handle or ring
Throw it away if you see holes, tears or bite marks
Never leave a dummy in direct sunlight or hot spots, such as the car. This can cause rubber to perish
Never leave a baby with a dummy in their mouth if they can’t remove it on their own
Never use ribbon or cord to attach dummies to children’s clothing, cots or prams. These ties can get caught and wrap around a child’s neck and cause strangulation.
Resource: Product Safety Australia