Does anyone know about rules surrounding the sale of children's clothes?

[toomanycushionshere]

Help me please Mumsnet hive mind!

I'm wanting to set up an online shop selling baby muslins (so not actually clothes, but similar) and I'm really struggling to find what laws and regulations apply to them? Fabric / ink / labelling etc.

Can anyone point me towards the laws or regulations?

Have you asked trading standards for advice?

I used to be a childrenswear designer.

No draw cords or ties round the neck under 12. Can be sewn in place at 12

No zips on boys trousers under 5

Any buttons must be seen on very securely.

No loose bits

Nightwear

Cotton is ok for pyjamas, but not nighties.

No other restrictions on fabrics or decorations. Careful of zip pull at throat. But that’s it.

By Law, labels have to have fibre content. Washcare is an agreed code. Country of manufacture is helpful.

You also need to consider the fire risks, I am sure you have to have fabrics tested to ensure they are safe in case of fire…for night clothes…

They don’t need testing.

The law is in place for this.

Cotton for pj’s sleep suits

Polyester/ polycotton for nighties.

However, l forgot, 2 things.

Dye fastness needs to be tested

If you are doing toys, there is a whole host of tests that need doing, so l wouldn’t do toys.

Also if you are thinking of doing cushions or throws they have to conform to the Furnishing Safety Regulations.

This means using specific fillings and flameproofed covers.

These are all legal requirements, but retailers break them all the time!

Can I ask why cotton is ok for pj’s But not nighties?

Because it comes from open fires. Little girls used to twirl round in cotton nighties and then they catch fire.

Cotton is highly inflammable and burns easily. Polyester melts, so in a mix it put out the fire

However, pyjamas are always safer for every age. Less trailing skirts.

newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000026/Safeguards_08908_New_Fire_Safety_Requirements_for_Childrens_Nightwear_in_UK.pdf