New models diminish health risks

	The model 25579 pacifier from Ningbo Yinzhou Xingfeng is made of PP and silicone.

China makers of baby pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups continue to focus R&D efforts on safer design.

For pacifiers, more suppliers are coming up with onepiece models. These eliminate the choking hazard present in traditional variants, where the teat can separate from the base while sucking.

Companies are also widening the shield and adjusting the curve to provide comfort to the infant. This reduces orthodontic problems and lip injuries as well.

The same component may be made to fold automatically when dropped to avoid contamination.

Further, the product can be treated with an anti-microbial agent.

In the feeding bottles and sippy cups category, businesses are still tackling obstacles in offering BPA-free substitutes to PC.

PP is the most popular alternative with factories, but its low clarity and heat resistance are hindering acceptance in the US and the EU.

PES and PPSU perform better in both aspects, in addition to withstanding corrosion and being flame-retardant. The high value of the materials, however, is deterring usage among makers. The former is $19 per kilogram, up to five times more expensive than imported PP. PPSU is at least 30 percent costlier compared with PES.

Consequently, models in these two types of plastic are available from fewer than 10 suppliers in mainland China.

Of those companies, large locally owned enterprises allot about 30 percent of capacity to PPSU variants, which are promoted under in-house brands both domestically and internationally. At several big Hong Kong- and Taiwan-invested manufacturers, PES releases account for more than 60 percent of yield.

Glass is another option gaining favor among buyers for its stable chemical character.

Between regular and borosilicate types, the latter boasts better thermal shock resistance owing to the 12 percent sodium borate content.

Improved transparency and a smoother inner surface are additional benefits. Designs that have a 2 to 3mm-thick body in this variety can withstand up to 600 C. The production technique for such styles, however, is not yet mature, especially in trying to create novelty shapes.

Between 10 and 15 makers are capable of turning out large quantities of borosilicate glass models.

Silicone and 304 stainless steel are being explored as well. Suppliers that already utilize these materials for other goods are entering the baby bottles and sippy cups industry. Up to 20 percent of capacity is allocated to the new categories.

Pacifiers come with flat, oval and cherry-shaped nipples made of natural rubber or silicone.

PC, PP, ABS, PES and silicone are employed for the base, shield and handle.

Quotes are between $0.15 and $0.80, depending on the materials.

Low-end models generally have latex teats, while upscale variants utilize silicone.

For the surrounding components, PP and ABS are considered midrange options, while PES is reserved for the high end. Full-silicone versions are the most expensive.

At all price segments, a PC or PP cover is optional. Compliance with EN 1400 brings up prices.

Baby bottles and sippy cups have bodies that are straight or shaped like a pear, apple or ring. The neck may be standard, wide or angled to regulate the flow of milk.

Models for infants come in a capacity of 120 to 240mL, but those for toddlers can reach 380mL.

Nipple and spout contours also vary to prevent colic, overbites and leakage.

Functional add-ons are available, including temperature indicators, heating panels and music playback. Glass variants often incorporate a slip-resistant and insulating silicone case.

Low-end models are from $0.20 to $0.80, and made of foodgrade PC, PP and regular glass. The nipple is in natural rubber or liquid silicone.

Midrange designs top out at $1.50. They adopt imported PP, borosilicate glass, silicone and stainless steel for the body, and are fitted with an anti-colic liquid silicone teat. Some also display the temperature at the bottom of the vessel.

High-end variants are similar to the former, but have more functions. Releases include PES and PPSU models.

Regardless of price, products meet FDA, CE, and EN 71 and 14350 requirements. Those with electronic features are checked against RoHS.