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Kath Titley  
#1 Posted : 06 November 2024 12:05:10(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Kath Titley

One of our clinics has received a donation of hand-made knitted and crocheted soft toys, intended to give to our younger patients who attend frequently.  We are looking at how we can use these, and future donations.  

So... these aren't toys being placed on the market, so we don't believe that The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 applies.  We have looked at labels alerting the parent/ carer that the toy is handmade and not independently CE/ UKCA marked, etc. 

However, I would be really interested to learn from other organisations who have been in a similar situation, and what decision you eventually made regarding labels, quality control, etc.  

Thanks in anticipation.  

Roundtuit  
#2 Posted : 06 November 2024 16:54:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

In a world awash with "allergies" (and ambulance chasers) the most sensible place for hand made toys of indeterminate materials of untested construction is unfortunately the bin.

Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 06 November 2024 16:54:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

In a world awash with "allergies" (and ambulance chasers) the most sensible place for hand made toys of indeterminate materials of untested construction is unfortunately the bin.

knotty  
#4 Posted : 07 November 2024 11:50:18(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
knotty

There are schemes in place and general advice available that enable the creation of "safe" knitted/crocheted items. Without using a search engine, the obvious one that springs to mind is the creation of octopus toys for NICU babies, that mimick the umbilical cord and distract them from playing with important tubes and wires. Also "trauma teddies" are a widely accepted toy you can look up.

Advice is available from the charities organising them (such as the WI) on: type of filling, yarn type, size of holes, secure fastenings and safety eyes. These may enable you to form a checklist to ensure the donations are fit and safe for a child's hands.

thanks 4 users thanked knotty for this useful post.
A Kurdziel on 07/11/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 08/11/2024(UTC), nic168 on 10/11/2024(UTC), chris42 on 11/11/2024(UTC)
nic168  
#5 Posted : 10 November 2024 08:20:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
nic168

 Kath, there is a facebook group for people who make stuff for the NHS which may have some helpful advice. I have come across similar situations in the past and it is very difficult not to offend the doner who usually has put a lot of care into making these things. 

Good luck

thanks 1 user thanked nic168 for this useful post.
chris42 on 11/11/2024(UTC)
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