A great gift idea for a birth or baptism is the pacifier chain! Thanks to an attachment to baby's clothing, this useful accessory ensures that the pacifier doesn't get lost. Normal chains can be bought in countless shops and in every drugstore, but they are a mass-produced product that could not seem personal enough as a baby gift. If you don't have left hands, you can make a pacifier chain yourself! Of course, the pacifier chain is not only suitable as a gift at a baby shower, but also for your own use. We will explain to you what materials you need and what else needs to be taken into account.
Material for the DIY pacifier chain forbabiesYou can find them online and in various shops, but before buying, first and foremost, find out about the applicable standards regarding the craft material. The materials used and their components must comply with the standards DIN-EN 71-3 and DIN-EN 12586, meaning they are free of pollutants, non-toxic and resistant to sweat and saliva. The individual parts must neither splinter nor have sharp edges. The metal buckle for attaching the chain must also be nickel and rust-free.
Long
You basically only need 3 things: a pacifier clip, colorful wooden beads and a suitable string. To give the necklace an individual touch, it is also recommended to use motif beads, wooden beads and lenses, letter cubes, bells and other figures. When purchasing the craft materials, make sure that the maximum length of the chain is 22 centimeters (without the clip) according to the intended standard, otherwise there is a risk of strangulation for the baby.
The clip
So that the pacifier doesn't end up on the dirty floor, it is attached to the child's clothing with a clip. These special clips should definitely have two or three ventilation holes. If the baby swallows the clip, it will still get enough air through the holes. Therefore, only buy clips that are specifically designed for such baby chains.
Such clips can be purchased cheaply online and in over 30 different colors. Whether plain or with a motif, circular or heart-shaped, the practical clip gives the pacifier chain additional shine. Some can also be customized with inscriptions, sayings and your own motifs. If the clip is particularly eye-catching, it could “steal the show” of the other elements.
Accesories
In addition to the clips, you also need to get other craft supplies. This ranges from cords to motif beads, wooden beads and letter cubes. If you want to stay true to a theme, then first choose 2 beautiful figure beads with a nice motif such as heart, fox, panda bear, Hello Kitty, lucky shamrock.
Differentget motivatedand colors
Let your imagination run wild and combine the motif beads with matching colored wooden beads and lenses to create unique and very individual creations. For example, an anchor looks perfect with beads in blue and red. The color palettes available are huge and the varnishes used are toxin-free and perfect for babies.
wooden beads,wooden lenses and more
The range of bead shapes includes wooden lenses, round beads, grooved beads and safety beads for disappearing knots. For a successful combination, you can, for example, alternate lentils and round beads or achieve a harmonious play of colors when threading with colorful or pastel colors. Pearls are also available in different sizes from 7 to 18 mm.
Kinderlovethe tinkling of bells
Another popular accessory element is the bell. According to the legal standard, these are also sweat- and saliva-proof as well as pollutant and nickel-free. If you have bought several bells in a pack, you can also use them for another craft project such as making baby toys such as hand rings or stroller mobiles.
Bite pendantSiliconeinstead of a pacifier
Not only pacifiers, but also teething rings made of silicone are perfect as pendants for the chain. Silicone is odorless and tasteless, BPA free and can also be easily boiled and therefore disinfected. You can also choose from different motifs such as animals and flowers.
Pacifier chainwithnames
To personalize a necklace, we recommend using wooden or plastic letter cubes with which you can form the child's name.
However, due to the maximum length standard, you must adapt the number of wooden beads to the letter cubes. For short names you can use more motif beads; for long names you can also incorporate pet names or synonyms.
Funny sayingorFavorite character instead of name
The cord on which the beads are threaded should also be tear-resistant. A cord made of PP polyester, Ø 1.5mm, is best suited. This is also available in different colors.
Also the right onedummyis important
In addition to all the materials mentioned for putting together the pacifier chain, the right pacifier is also important. The most important thing to consider is the shape - the section between the plate and the shoulder shaft should be as flat as possible so that the infant does not get an overbite.
Pretty accessories
Now you know what you need to make a pacifier chain yourself. So let's get to the instructions.
1. Place all the elements of the chain on the table in the desired order and measure them. Without the clip, but including the loop, the chain should not exceed 22 centimeters. The loop should also be long enough to thread the pacifier ring through. Cut a piece of PP cord that should be twice as long as the pacifier chain.
Instructions andSuggestions
2. Connect the pacifier chain clip to the PP cord by threading the cord through the metal eyelet of the clip and making a double knot. Do a tear test and cut off the excess cord. Close the purring ends with a lighter.
3. Now you can string the beads in the order you want. Start with one of the two safety beads to sink the knot into the larger hole, then thread the other components.
4. Tie a knot behind the last component. Then thread the PP tape back through the last threaded component. Now the second safety bead is threaded. Make a loop that should be about the size of the clip and tie a double knot. Weld the knot with the lighter and sink it into the safety bead.
With or without sewing?
Alternatively, you can sew the pacifier chain out of fabric. If you don't have a sewing machine or don't know how to use one, this idea might be helpful. The pacifier was attached to the end of the strap with Velcro, which we don't find very practical. A Kam Snap would be better.
asWrap a gift
Don't forget to package your personalized gift for a birth or baptism beautifully!
