Are Beaded Dummy Clips Illegal in the UK?

If you’re wondering whether beaded dummy clips are legal or safe to use in the UK — you’re not alone. With so many cute and custom options out there, it’s important to know what’s safe and what could put your little one at risk.

Let’s break it down.

Are Beaded Dummy Clips Illegal?

Beaded dummy clips aren’t illegal in the UK, but they must meet very strict safety standards. Any dummy clip sold here must comply with BSEN 12586:2007+A1:2011 – the British and European standard for soother holders. If a product fails to meet this standard, it’s not only unsafe but also illegal to sell.

What Does the Law Say?

To meet the required UK safety standards for dummy clips, the product must pass a series of safety checks, including:

• Length – The dummy clip must not be longer than 22cm, not including the clip. Longer clips pose a strangulation risk.
• Materials – Only safe, non-toxic materials like wood, silicone or metal can be used. Beads must be securely fixed – not glued or loosely attached.
• Durability – Clips must pass impact and tension tests to make sure they don’t break into small, choking-hazard pieces.

At Dummy Clips, we test all of our clips in-house to meet these standards before dispatch. You can also read more about our Safety & Testing process.

Are Beaded Dummy Clips Safe?

Yes — beaded dummy clips can be safe, as long as they’re made properly. Products must also meet additional testing, such as EN71 Parts 1, 2 & 3, which cover mechanical, flammability and chemical safety.

⚠️ Avoid dummy clips with glued-on decorations, rhinestones or beads that can detach easily. These are not just unsafe — they’re illegal to sell.

What to Look For When Buying

To make sure you’re buying a safe and legal product:

• ✅ Choose dummy clips that clearly state BSEN 12586 compliance
• ✅ Avoid products with loose beads, glue, or untested embellishments
• ✅ Ensure the clasp/clip has ventilation holes
• ✅ Check the length – should not be longer than 22cm (excluding the clip)

We’re proud to offer a collection of safe, handmade dummy clips that are fully compliant with UK and EU standards.

Do Trading Standards Check Dummy Clips?

Yes. Trading Standards actively monitor the sale of baby accessories like dummy clips. They may issue warnings, fines, or even ban products from being sold if they don’t meet the required safety criteria. This helps keep unsafe, untested clips off the market.

If you’re shopping online, especially on marketplaces, it’s worth doing a little research and only buying from trusted sellers who take safety seriously.

What Makes a Dummy Clip Illegal in the UK?

A dummy clip is considered illegal to sell if it:

• Is longer than 22cm
• Is made from unsafe or toxic materials
• Has glued beads or small parts that can detach
• Doesn’t pass standard durability testing

How to Choose a Safe Dummy Clip

Choosing a safe dummy clip doesn’t need to be stressful. Just keep an eye out for:

• CE Marking (if applicable)
• BSEN 12586 compliance
• High-quality materials (like wood, silicone, or fabric)
• Certified testing results

Need help choosing? You can always explore our curated range of safe, stylish dummy clips, including personalised dummy clips and fabric soother holders.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up — beaded dummy clips are not illegal, but they must follow strict UK safety regulations. As a parent or gift-giver, it’s always best to buy from a reputable store that prioritises baby safety over trends.

At Dummy Clips, we’re committed to offering you the best of both worlds: clips that are as safe as they are stylish.

Have a question about our products or safety testing? Get in touch with our team.