This rattle was included in a KiwiCo box we ordered in 2022. KiwiCo has developed a selection of toy subscription kits catering to kids of different ages and interests, with some excellent options for youngsters interested in STEM. As a stuffed toy, we were curious about its composition.
How do you think this example tested?
Reading on the Stuffed Fabric:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Antimony | 242 | +/- 14 |
| Other Elements | ||
| Fe | 41 | +/- 13 |
| Ti | 1,326 | +/- 177 |
All samples were tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for at least 30 seconds. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number. Multiple readings were taken to confirm the results. Note: the internal rattle is inaccessible and was not tested.
Test Summary:
Antimony was detected. The level detected is trace and in the hundreds of parts per million.
Antimony is a catalyst used in the production of PET plastic, which ends up in polyester fabrics and plastic bottles used for store water and food. Antimony is frequently detected in toys made with polyester batting.
Antimony is not regulated at the federal level for total content in children’s products sold in the United States.
But leach testing for antimony is required for some toys. Stuffed products likely to be mouthed by children under 6 are subject to ASTM chemical testing standards which require surface coatings and substrates to be leach tested for antimony and seven other toxic elements. We have an article about those standards and which toys apply.
After speaking with staff at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, our understanding is that this kind of toy is likely subject to the requirements. The fabric covering would not render the toy substrate (stuffing) inaccessible for testing if it is smaller than 5 centimeters in size. This particular toy has small tubes along its exterior.
Our analysis is that even if antimony is present and detectable via XRF, it does not pose a problem according to current toy safety regulations, because this item is likely tested for the leaching of antimony. Those restrictions are intended to limit exposure of children to antimony and other regulated elements.
We believe in providing information to consumers so they can make educated choices about the products they buy. If you prefer to purchase options that do not contain antimony, we recommend toys made and stuffed with PLA, cotton, wool, or other natural fibers instead of poly fill. In our home, we have a mix of cotton and polyester toys.
No other elements of interest were detected. This item meets federal lead restrictions for children’s products which limits products intended for use by children 12 and under to 90-100 parts per million lead for coatings and substrates, respectively. This item is a new children’s product and is subject to this regulation.
We Prefer:
We like toys made after 2011, when the current lead limits for children’s products were fully enforced.
There are many different options for rattles and teething toys including plastic, wood, and metal. We recommend only using newer products and toys for this purpose because homemade rattles like house keys can be high in lead.
We own rattles from Maple Landmark that are uncoated wood and excellent. We have also used cotton and polyester rattles. If you want to avoid antimony, we recommend choosing natural materials.
Recommended Rattles:
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Note: Products made with polyester thread may test positive for negligible trace antimony on the stitching. This does not concern us. We do not consider inaccessible parts.
Why we like it: We like products by Maple Landmark, which are made in Vermont. This item is made from uncoated wood.
Why we like it: This rattle is made with organic cotton and stuffed with a corn-based polymer by Apple Park. We tested an example from their product line here and antimony was not detected.
Maple Landmark Oval Bead Rattle
Why we like it: Here’s another rattle that we like by Maple Landmark.
Our recommendations have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. We only recommend items we would use ourselves.
We provide our XRF testing for general educational or informational purposes only to help consumers identify low lead and lead-free products. We hereby disclaim any and all warranties, expressed or implied, and assume no duty or responsibility with respect to how any person or entity chooses to use the information on this website.