Safety Third??
1:43 PM Friday, September 18, 2009
We received an email about "bling" pacifiers.
"I am grossed out by all the baby items containing Swarovski crystals, especially the pacifiers. Anyone who has ever been around a baby knows they put EVERYTHING in their mouth, and you are going to give them a Swarovski pacifier? the shops do not have anything in their policies regarding lead in crystals..."
When we looked around we were shocked with what we found...
Azalea- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30471305 "If your baby is going to use a pacifier, it might as well look good!" No safety info.
Imajewski- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30340808 "Fun". No safety info.
minidiva- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28925320 No safety info.
Badabling- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27552543 states that rhinestones can detach and is for novelty and not real use but wonders why suitable age and quality are factors then.
SophiaBellaDesigns- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25093927 doesn't want you sending baby to bed with it.
LittleLyddies- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30246634 states her crystals will NOT come off. Hmmm...
BlingItOnByNancy- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29459355 "Please note that the crystals can detach from the product." For display only. Then why does she give details to sterilize the teat?
It all seems very wishy washy. Boooo- safety third.
OMG.
That's all.
forum rubbernecker September 18, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Before there were even concerns over the lead content (CPSIA), several of these had been recalled by the CPSC because they are choking hazards. It's deplorable that anyone would even consider selling something like this. I hope they have good insurance.
Here's the recall info I found on ebay.
July 26, 2007
Pacifiers Decorated with Crystals Recalled Due to Aspiration and Ingestion Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Pacifiers
Units: About 1,000
Retailers: Dara Linda’s Baby Bling and Jewelry Design, of Davie, Fla.; Bling Toes, of Cherry Valley, Ill.; Baby Bling Things, of Appleton, Wis.; PeaNaPod Bling and Accessories, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and MJM Crystal Designs, of Boca Raton, Fla.
Hazard: These pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards for pacifiers. The pacifiers’ crystals can separate easily, posing an aspiration and ingestion hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves pacifiers that were purchased from stores, decorated with Swarovski crystals, then resold to consumers. The crystals were glued on the pacifier's handle and guard. They come in different colors and designs.
Dara Linda’s Baby Bling and Jewelry Design
www jewelryandbabyblingbydara com
Call collect: (954) 600-8988
Email: lkkcreations @ yahoo com Baby Bling Swarovski Crystal Pacifiers Ebay.com and Etsy com from June 2006 through March 2007 for between $1 and $40.
Bling Toes
www blingtoes com
Call collect: (815) 718-1280
Email: april . marsh @ insightbb . com Baby Bling Swarovski Crystal Pacifiers Etsy com from January 2007 through February 2007 for about $35.
Baby Bling Things
Call collect: (920) 832-9161
Email: Blingthings4you @ yahoo com
www myspace com/babyblingthingsbowtique Bling Swarovski Pacifiers Ebay.com and Etsy com from July 2006 through March 2007 for between $15 and $35
PeaNapod Bling and Accessories
Call collect: (260) 422-3630
Ebay Web site: PeaNapod Bling and Accessories
Email: cjehyde @ verizon net Bling Pacifiers Ebay.com from September 2006 through February 2007 for between $10 and $30
Anonymous September 18, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Oh crap! I just noticed these folks were selling on Etsy also! I'm too lazy to look right now at those you posted to see if it's the same folks, I'll do some sleuthing tonight and let you know.
Anonymous September 18, 2009 at 2:16 PM
I'd just like to know what idiot parent would purchase one of these???????
Christie September 18, 2009 at 3:10 PM
The shops mentioned haven't made a lot of sales, so it seems that parents shopping on Etsy (or friends and family shopping for gifts) have more sense than I would have expected -- and that's wonderful!
I am wondering why so many of the shops in the post have either no profile, no policies, or both? Do the sellers feel that by saying little to nothing about the products they sell will exempt them from responsibility for selling a potentially hazardous product?
Finally, I am not convinced that all the shops mentioned make their own products. Does it really take 1-2 weeks to glue a dozen or so flat backed crystals to a plastic/resin item if a customer wants a custom color choice or initial? Does it take a long time to cure, or? (You can tell I'm not crafty!) Or are they passing the order on to a supplier?
life-during-wartime September 18, 2009 at 3:35 PM
@life-during-wartime, I just want to say that I'm always touched by your posts. You bring out the softer side...
I'm also heartened that most moms and gifters are smart enough to steer clear of these choking hazards. But I wouldn't put my confidence in the buying market--sellers should be aware of and proactively avoid choking hazards like these.
For example, this shop knows EXACTLY what the problem is. Here's her shop and an excerpt from the item descriptions (her shop is mostly comprised of these):
saturdayschild123.etsy.com
"Each of the crystals were attached by me with care using special crystal glue to ensure that they stay put and never come off. As a mother I understand the concerns parents have today with regard to safety for their children. These pacifiers are absolutley safe. My 5 month old daughter has used her special bling pacifiers since she was born and the crystals have never come off even with repeated soap and water washings."
Sarah September 18, 2009 at 4:01 PM
That scares the shit out of me.
Suspicious September 18, 2009 at 4:12 PM
There's no trick here - these are Swarovski flatback crystals; you just glue them on. And for all we know, people are gluing them on with Elmer's glue, which isn't going to hold them securely!
It does appear that they aren't selling a lot of these, thank goodness.
Christie September 18, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Pacifiers are safer when they are all one piece...meaning even the one in the picture if it were not covered with hazardous choking crystals would still not be the safest pacifier.
These are ridiculous and I hope parents are smart enough not to buy them. My son chews on his all over (not just the suck part) and you cannot guarantee that they won't come off.
Lindsey September 18, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Fu**ing Bling.
A sure fail every time.
loup September 18, 2009 at 4:26 PM
There is a thread going on right now on etsy about this sort of thing:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6288073
I wasn't sure if it was directed at etsy sellers, but apparently so after seeing this post here.
Elizabeth September 18, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Sarah, I am not trying to be warm-n-cuddly about a serious issue. These blingy pacifiers are made to appeal the adults, not the babies. It's a positive thing when parents put safety ahead of cuteness. My expectations for people to think before they buy are rather low.
I don't think these items should be allowed on Etsy...unless maybe made into ornaments for new parents to hang on their holiday tree (high enough where the little ones can't grab them). Or a revival of punk pacifier pendant jewelry? But no way sold on Etsy as a pacifier.
Maybe one of the Teams involved with handmade for babies and children should start hammering on the Etsy staff about this? I'm sure if someone started a forum discussion on bling embellished items for babies and young children being a choking hazard it would get locked for 'calling out'. If this hasn't happened already.
life-during-wartime September 18, 2009 at 4:59 PM
@life-during-wartime, I hope you didn't take my comment the wrong way. Your comments tend to think the best in people (ex. expressing compassion for unfortunate situations, thinking of other ways these could be used *safely*). I truly admire that. Sometimes people come on here and just hammer on the obvious. Your posts often give depth to the issues. Thanks.
P.S. I'm with you--I assume the worst of buyers. That's why I think these sellers need to take more responsibility on such an obvious safety issue.
Sarah September 18, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Didn't rave kids used to use pacifiers as a substitute for grinding their teeth? In that case, I can see wanting to add bling. If an adult wants to put lead crystal in their mouths, that's their choice, stupid as it may be.
Not that these are sold to adults... they're clearly designed for children.
I don't have kids but I have seen them with pacifiers and as someone said they gnaw on the whole thing. They might even like chewing on the crystals because of their texture. No one can say that those crystals are secure or don't contain lead.
What kind of parent brags in a listing about giving their kids pacifiers like that?
Chantelle September 18, 2009 at 5:26 PM
S T E A M E D P U N K sez:
MONEY FIRST - DO anything, SAY anything, SELL anything, just get that cash!
HIPNESS SECOND - OK, "Bling" is such an overused and lameass expression it's not even funny. I saw an interview with P Diddy about a yerar ago, and the interviewer asked him if "bling" was over. He said that they (African Americans) never really used the term, and if so, it was in a joking way.
So if you are a 43 year old white woman in Iowa trying to sound urban and hip, get a clue. You're a dork.
SAFETY THIRD - Enough said. Another great job by Etsycallout. And may I be the first to say, at your new home :
Who cares?
Anonymous September 18, 2009 at 5:27 PM
It doesn't surprise me. Who cares if some baby chokes to death as long as you can make a buck off of it. Which is why I keep saying the CPSIA thing isn't all bad. Someone has to supervise these idiots.
PussDaddy
PussDaddy September 18, 2009 at 5:34 PM
OMG that one where she shows the binky with the binky holder that is ALSO BEADED?!?!!? Even my DH could tell right off the bat it was a choking hazard. Kids put EVERYTHING in their mouths, and yes, even the "wrong" side of the binky.
God, do these people HAVE children? If they do, they shouldn't!!
Crazy Cat Lady September 18, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Regardless of who the seller says they are intended for and whatever b.s. disclaimer they post, they are still required by law to comply with CPSIA. Stating that the pacifiers are not intended for children or for use by children does not waive them of this responsibility as CPSIA applies to items that also appeal to children under 12. I'm pleased that so few of these have sold, however, I have flagged every single one I could find. I will also be providing the sellers shop information to the CPSC on Monday since pacifiers like these have previously been recalled. Some may hate me for this, but I don't care. I feel strongly enough that one careless seller and one unassuming parent could equal a dead child. I can't look away from this and I won't.
Jen September 19, 2009 at 3:15 AM
This was a big issue 2 years ago when the bling pacifiers were recalled and some Etsy sellers did not post the recall notice in their shops
http://www.etsy.com/storque/etsy-news/handmade-babes-127/
"Recently, Etsy has been host to many issues regarding "baby bling." Since Etsy is not a "juried" site, we cannot control what is uploaded: we can only react accordingly and rely on Etsy users to pass on potentially harmful items to our flagged department."
http://etsynews.com/300/handling-of-product-recall-issues/
Anonymous September 19, 2009 at 5:30 AM
@Jen, let me know if you want to save a few minutes. I already have a flagged@etsy email listing all the sellers that came up in a "crystal pacifier" search. It might be a good start for your CPSC report...
Sarah September 19, 2009 at 10:41 AM
"Recently, Etsy has been host to many issues regarding "baby bling." Since Etsy is not a "juried" site, we cannot control what is uploaded: we can only react accordingly and rely on Etsy users to pass on potentially harmful items to our flagged department."
Rally, what kind of site is Etsy? They rely on "us" to jury the whole site. They can't be even bothered to not slap resellers on the front page. Get some effin people working for you!
Laura September 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM
After watching "Toddlers in Tiaras" this weekend, somehow this stuff doesn't surprise me in the least. (rolls eyes)
Anonymous September 20, 2009 at 5:32 PM
What really annoys me (though it no longer shocks or surprises me!) is when Etsy features obviously NOT child safe items in baby/child gift guides, hair bows or toys with buttons sewn onto them etc. Um, chocking hazard much??
Sigh September 21, 2009 at 6:37 AM
I wonder if any of these people who make this stuff carry enough insurance to cover having their butt sued off should something bad happen?
PussDaddy
PussDaddy September 21, 2009 at 5:55 PM