Safety Guidelines

Keeping our babies safe is our top priority. It's why all of the toys we produce undergo strict, independent safety testing before sale.

SAFE SLEEP RESOURCES:

Red Nose Australia - https://rednose.org.au/section/safe-sleeping

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep/

National Health Service - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/

Red Nose does not recommend the use of a comforter unattended in a sleeping environment for a baby under 7 months of age - please follow these guidelines and read more below!

All Kippins toys are tested to the following international safety standards. They test various aspects of the toy for their suitability for a child from birth (this is to use the toy, not to leave this toy in baby's cot) to three years of age. This includes flammability, the mechanical and physical properties of the toy and testing of the fabrics and dyes to ensure they are 100% safe for baby to cuddle and chew. It may shock you to know that many toys (both commercially sold and handmade) are not subjected to any tests before sale and that many toys that are chewed by babies are made of plastic particles!

The independent following tests meet Australian/New Zealand, USA and European safety standards. Our tests are conducted in an offshore laboratory by one of the world's largest testing companies:

AS/NZS ISO 8124.1: 2013

AS/NZS ISO 8124.2: 2009

EN71-1: 2014

EN71-2: 2011 + A1: 2014

EN71-3:2013 + A1: 2014

ASTM F963 - 11

Formaldehyde EN71 - 9/10/11

Phthalates

AZO Dyes as per REACH regulations 1907/2006 (Annex XVII)

Safety and using a Kippin for sleep - always follow safe sleep guidelines in your home country.

A Kippin isn't a toy made solely for sleep. Kippins can be a comforting and soothing tool for babies while supervised. If you are thinking about using a baby comforter for sleep, please follow these guidelines.

Many parents ask us about the Red Nose guidelines for the use of a comforter. Red Nose (formerly SIDS), has this great article on the use of an attachment object such as a blankie for children over the age of 7 months. Please seek clarification from these organisations directly.

That doesn't mean you have to wait until 7-12 months to use your Kippin. You can include your Kippins blankie as part of the SUPERVISED baby's nap time or sleep time routine (for example, cuddling with it while you feed, read or sing), and then remove the blankie while the baby is unattended. Studies have also shown that simply being able to see their comfort item is enough of a comfort for baby, so you can place it in baby's line of sight.

Always ensure baby's head and face remain uncovered. It is also important that you regularly inspect all toys for signs of wear and tear or anything that may affect the safety of the toy. Please note that it is common over time for children to wear away at their cotton toys - in fact, it is often the 'worn' bits that help the children self soothe (e.g. worn ears and feet), so there's no need to be concerned about normal wear and tear or feel you need to keep your child's blankie looking new.

The need for a transitional object occurs around 7-10 months of age, and there is an additional development at 18 months of age. If you'd like to read more about introducing a Kippins blankie, you can read our wonderful article here.

If you have any questions about our safety tests, or introducing a blankie to your baby, don't hesitate to get in touch!

Red Nose Safe sleep guidelines:

We strongly advocate that all parents follow the safe sleeping guidelines as advised by the country in which they reside. Here, we summaries the safe sleep guidelines provided by the Red Nose Foundation in the country in which our business operates - Australia.

These guidelines are recommended to be followed with children until they are more than 12 months old (please see our note below regarding Red Nose and the information they provide on the use of soft toys from 7 months of age).

These are evidence-based safe sleeping steps:

Sleep your baby on their back: not on their tummy or side.
Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered: Covering a baby’s face or head with clothing such as a hat increases the risk of sudden infant death
Keep your baby smoke free before and after birth: Help to quit smoking is available from your doctor, midwife or by contacting Quitline
Have a safe sleeping environment night and day: Make sure the mattress is firm, clean and flat, in a safe cot that meets industry standards. Make sure there are no blankets, toys, pillows, or bumpers in the cot.
Sleep your baby in your room: The safest place to sleep your baby for the first 12 months is in a safe cot next to your bed.

Please note that Red Nose advises that a small soft toy can be left in the cot from 7 months of age. The ACCC recommends supervision until 12 months of age. Please contact each of these organisations directly for more information or clarification.

Again, please always refer to the safe sleep guidelines as recommended by the governing bodies in your local country.

If you need any further information, please contact our team hey@kippins.com or Red Nose/ the ACCC directly.