June 14, 2004

By: Kama Holmes
Website: http://www.1st-in-babies.com

Unsafe Soother Holders – Taken Off The Market

The Finnish Consumer Agency has tested the safety of soother holders. Eleven soother holders chosen at random were tested by the Customs Laboratory according to a European standard which covers the mechanical and chemical properties of soothers holders. Four of the soother holders complied with all safety requirements, while four were inadequately labelled and three had serious safety deficiencies.

The products with serious safety deficiencies were the plastic Tigex soother chain, the Fehn DoBabyDoo soother holder made of fabric and the wooden Gebi soother chain. In tension tests the nose of an animal figure came off the DoBabyDoo soother holder. In impact tests the Tigex soother chain and its soother fastener broke and the Gebi soother chain's red wooden disk broke. The small parts which broke off can cause choking if they are put in the mouth.

Four soother holders did not have instructions for use or cleaning. This problem can be corrected by additional labelling.

The importers of the three unsafe soother holders have promised to take them off the market. Consumers who have purchased these soother holders can contact the shop and ask for a refund on the basis of the product defect regulations in the Consumer Protection Act.

Parents should make sure a soother holder is in good condition before giving it to a child. Never lengthen the soother holder. Parents should also make sure that the holder does not become wrapped around a child's neck. The soother holder should only be attached to the garment never to cords, ribbons, laces or loose parts of clothing. The soother holder should not be used when the baby is in a cot, bed or crib.

Also see; Baby Strollers.

About The Author:

Kama Holmes is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-babies.com.  Taking care of your babies needs including safety, toys, health and baby products.