These baby bibs from Qingdao Horse Vista are made of 100% cotton. Price is $0.60.

New designs come in nontoxic, environment-friendly materials and undergo intensive QC.

Baby bib suppliers in China are directing product development efforts toward models in safe and reliable materials. This comes with increased awareness of the health dangers posed by chemicals present in some types of fabric and plastic used in bibs.

Pure or blended cotton is the most common material adopted for baby bibs exported from China, mainly due to its softness, excellent absorbency, and nonallergenic and breathable properties.

Polyester is a close second, primarily because of its durability and shape retention, requiring minimal care.

Some makers also use PVC, PET and PE. Recent recalls of PVC bibs due to lead contamination, however, have encouraged China suppliers to explore alternative materials.

Many companies are now developing designs made of environment-friendly and nontoxic materials. The use of harmful substances such as chlorine, formaldehyde and azo dyes is minimized or eliminated completely, ensuring that the products are not hazardous to babies' skin.

Some suppliers have also released models in organic cotton. This material is grown without the use of toxic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, which makes it ideal for baby bibs.

To ensure quality further, makers are implementing stricter QC measures in production, following international standards.

Most companies have set up in-house laboratories to conduct tests on flammability and colorfastness. Others send samples to third-party institutions such as ITS and SGS.

Sewing and embroidery thread, and pigments for printing, are also being subjected to in-house and independent testing. Further, most suppliers study baby bib designs to make sure that embellishments and closures do not cause injury.

Prices of low-end baby bibs from China start at $0.80. Designs are basic, usually with printed logos or simple colors.

Midrange and high-end models made of imported materials and those that come with special prints, applique or intricate embroidery are between $3 and $15.

China makers are improving their design capability in order to produce higher-value models. Companies are updating their product range to generate better margins and enhance overseas competitiveness. They also participate in international trade shows to stay abreast of new trends.

The latest baby bibs come in novelty shapes and colors. Aside from basic designs that cover the chest, some suppliers are adding sleeves to keep babies' arms clean. New models also have cartoon and animal prints, which are popular in the US and the EU.

Among the makers interviewed for this report, Anhui Technology Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd has 25 R&D engineers who release up to 50 new baby bib designs annually.

Qingdao Horse Vista Co. Ltd dedicates 20 of its 500 personnel to R&D. This group introduces 30 to 50 new models each year and can create samples based on buyers' specifications within three days.

Jiaxing Furuisen Spunlaced Nonwovens Co. Ltd's product development specialists are concentrating on providing customers with easy-to-clean models that allow ease of movement.

The ISO 9001:2000-certified company also makes baby wipes and spunlaced fabric. The US, Europe and Japan are its main export markets.

Shanghai Oriland Toys Co. Ltd emphasizes strong in-house R&D capability so it can continually meet new baby bib requirements. The company has 45 R&D specialists who can finish samples based on customers' requests in four to five days.

Jiangyin Petite World Apparel Co. Ltd offers models in 100 percent cotton. The company, which devotes 15 percent of production to baby bibs, has 20 personnel in charge of R&D.