The Science behind baby safe products
Feb 28, 2024
With each product we develop, there is a reason behind the design. At b.box we have a quite lengthy design process that we go through when developing each product, to ensure it meets the consumer's needs, and is designed in a way that is safe for the child.
The process involves listening to our users about what issues or problems they are facing and rigorous inhouse product testing. We then use these insights to develop products that improve the consumer experience or create new unique solutions where needed.
Looking at the product through this lens encourages us to innovate and explore new possibilities.
With each product we develop, there is a reason behind the design. At b.box we have a quite lengthy design process that we go through when developing each product, to ensure it meets the consumer's needs, and is designed in a way that is safe for the child.
The process involves listening to our users about what issues or problems they are facing and rigorous inhouse product testing. We then use these insights to develop products that improve the consumer experience or create new unique solutions where needed.
Looking at the product through this lens encourages us to innovate and explore new possibilities.
From our research and testing we designed a sandwich sized silicone pouch that could complement our large lunchbox and that could also be used as a standalone product.
We designed the patent pending 'auto folding' sides, so you don’t need to overthink when placing the food inside and closing the product, and an easy to close pull tab, designed for little hands who lack the dexterity. The semi-transparent silicone allows both the parents and kids to see what’s inside the pocket.
All materials are food grade and non-toxic – 100% silicone and meet domestic and international standards.
We work closely with our manufacturers to ensure that the design intent is followed through to the final product and that quality and safety standards are achieved and maintained, ensuring that we meet all the domestic and international standards.
The Pacifier
An interview with the Pacifier Designer:
1. What was the idea behind the pacifier
We sought professional advise from experts in baby health and wellbeing, including pediatric dentists and maternal health care nurses, to help us better understand the potential risks of different pacifier styles and what design and functionality features we needed to address when developing our own pacifier, to reduce these risks and better educate our consumers.
2. What makes the b.box pacifier 'safe'?
We worked with parents and babies to define the right shield shape, one that above all else would meet strict safety standards yet would not dig into delicate little cheeks and chins and give enough clearance around the nose so as not to restrict breathing. Our design included large ventilation areas in the shield, combined with an innovative anti-bacterial feature that worked together to prevent rashes and give parents a peace of mind, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria, mould and viral build up. For optimal dental and speech development, the base of our teats was created with a very flat profile, providing a natural alignment of the jaw and emerging teeth. Finally, a hygienic cap was designed to keep nasties out and provide clean and simple storage for each pacifier.
3. What are the materials in the b.box pacifier that make it 'safe' to use especially for babies?
Teat options were another feature that we wanted to offer to parents and babies, knowing that different preferences call for different shape and material solutions. Our b.box pacifiers provide both food grade silicone and latex teat pacifiers (latex is a natural rubber and an organic alternative).
Natural rubber is a great option that mimics the texture and feel of a breast, whereas silicone is great for babies with latex allergies and for those prefer no scent or wish to use a UV steriliser (due to its organic nature, latex cannot be UV sterilised).
We also paid a lot of attention to the aesthetics of the pacifier, to achieve a soft, yet modern looking shield that could be used either up or down, providing a more user friendlier experience for both baby and parent. Food grade polypropylene was our preferred material for the shield, as we know this is safe and durable for babies and toddlers.
4. What about testing?
In house and third party testing ensures our pacifiers meet the pacifier standard for Europe and Australia (EN 1400 and AS 2432).
The Teethers
An interview with the Teether Designer:
1. What was the idea behind the teethers?
After conducting focus groups we discovered there are a lot of things parents look for in a teether. As there were many different issues surrounding teethers, we determined that it would be difficult to design a single 'all-in-one-teether'. So we decided to divide them into 3 key functions instead:
Cooling - inspired by the fact that many babies get relief from inflamed and sore gums with cooling aids. Research into competitor products showed us that there was no cooling teether on the market where 1. The cooling lasted more than 10-15 minutes, and 2. That was refillable. Every cooling teether came prefilled with water or gel which over time either evaporated or discolored.
Multi-sensory - because oral exploration is a natural stage of a baby's development, many babies like to chew on different textures and materials. The counter pressure of different surfaces can also provide teething relief. Throughout babies different stages of teething, we see that they love to nibble, grind and chew on soft and hard materials like plastic and wood. What we also noticed was there was nothing on the market that used silicone with various levels of firmness.
Wearable - every parent knows babies drop and throw their teethers, so we decided to design something that could be lightweight and worn by baby. Our research also showed us that babies love silicone as a teething material as it’s a soft and has a nice chewable gummy texture. It's also safe for baby, which is reassuring for parents.
2. What makes teethers 'safe'?
Safety is always top of mind when we design our products and fun is essential! This means looking at appropriate shapes and sizes suitable for this age group. We carefully select materials that we know are safe and enjoyable for babies to chew on, from an ingredient perspective as well as being gentle on little gums and emerging teeth. We also design all our teethers to meet the highest toy safety standards EN71 and AS-NZS 8124.
3. What are the materials in the Teethers that made it 'safe' to use especially for babies?
Our research and testing tell us that babies love silicone as a teething material. It is soft and safe but also has a nice chewable gummy texture. Beech wood is also commonly used for teething as it naturally antibacterial, easy to clean and doesn’t splinter.
4. What about testing
On top of outsourcing SGS testing on all our products, we also tested the teethers on real babies to confirm that they approve of our designs and ensure the features help to soothe their aching gums.
The PPSU Baby Bottle
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An interview with the PPSU Baby Bottle Designer:
1. What was the idea behind the PPSU Baby Bottle?
The idea was to develop a durable, safe and user-friendly baby bottle.
When bottle feeding, quite a bit of time is spent on cleaning and assembly, so we wanted to make this as easy as possible for parents. We designed the base with an oval shape, to prevent it from rolling off the table or bench if the bottle was lying down.
This shape is also a nice fit in a parent's hand and comfortable to hold while feeding a baby. The ring (the part that screws onto the bottle top) included a non-slip ribbed texture to allow for easy grip when opening or closing the lid, even when hands are wet. The cap has a lip for finger grip, making it easy to take off. The handles attach to the bottom of the ring and once assembled, the bottle and handles can stay together during cleaning in the dishwasher.
Each bottle comes with a stage one teat. Our anti-colic teats come with 3 different flow options. These are indicated as drop symbol on the teat for easy identification by the parent. The 3 stages of flow support baby's feeding needs from birth.
Stage one - for 0m+ features a small hole for slower flow.
Stage two - is ideal from 3m+. Here the teat has a variable cut, allowing more liquid to be drawn the harder the baby sucks.
Stage three - by 6 months, babies are usually quite proficient at drinking, so our stage 3 teats feature a larger variable flow cut to allow even more liquid to be drawn from the bottle.
2. What makes the PPSU Baby Bottle 'safe'?
The baby bottle is designed to AU/ EU safety standards for children. This covers both the materials it made from and also the mechanical properties.
What are the materials in the PPSU Baby Bottle that made it 'safe' to use especially for babies?
The bottle itself is made from a type of plastic called PPSU. This is commonly used in the medical industry due to its durability, strength and resistance to high temperatures. This makes our b.box bottle exceptionally durable, as it can be heated/sterilised to higher temperatures (180 degrees Celsius) than traditional plastic bottle, which would otherwise melt at the same temperature. This allows for a larger amount of repetitive use and cleaning without deterioration, ensuring the quality and clarity of the bottle lasts.
Ring and handles are made from PP, a very good quality and safe plastic. Teats are made from baby safe food grade silicone, and are soft and flexible in the baby's mouth.
All the materials pass chemical safety standards.
3. What about testing?
Products are tested for, and pass, mechanical and chemical safety standards.
At b.box, innovation and safety go hand in hand. Every product we develop is carefully crafted with a purpose in mind. Our extensive design process ensures that each item meets the needs of our consumers while prioritizing the safety of children.
From listening to user feedback to rigorous in-house testing, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to create products that enhance the consumer experience and offer unique solutions.
Our commitment to safety extends to our adherence to strict AU and EU standards. These standards serve as benchmarks for children's products, guaranteeing mechanical and chemical safety. Before a product reaches the market, it undergoes thorough in-house testing on prototypes, followed by external testing by third-party test houses. This comprehensive approach ensures that our products not only meet but exceed safety expectations.
Take, for example, our environmentally friendly solution to single-use wraps and plastics. Through surveys and social media monitoring, we identified a growing demand for eco-friendly options among parents and schools. In response, we developed a range of safe and reusable food containers that offer the same convenience as single-use alternatives while minimizing environmental impact.
Our understanding of child development informs every aspect of our product design. We recognize that motor skills, cognitive abilities, and sensory awareness play crucial roles in a child's growth. Therefore, we carefully select materials and design features that cater to their needs. For instance, our snack boxes are designed with easy-to-use closures and accessible sizes, making them ideal for both children and parents.
One of our flagship products, the b.box pacifier, exemplifies our dedication to safety and innovation.
Through focus groups and expert consultations, we identified common frustrations among parents regarding existing pacifiers. Drawing on this feedback, we developed a pacifier that prioritizes ergonomic design, ventilation, and oral health.
Our pacifiers undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards and provide peace of mind to parents.
Similarly, our teethers are designed to address multiple needs, from cooling to sensory exploration. We pay close attention to materials and aesthetics, ensuring that they are safe, durable, and appealing to babies and parents alike.
In-house and third-party testing guarantee that our teethers meet the highest toy safety standards, providing reassurance to parents.
The b.box PPSU baby bottle is another testament to our commitment to safety and innovation. Designed for durability, ease of use, and optimal feeding, it undergoes rigorous testing to meet AU/EU safety standards. With materials carefully selected for their safety and quality, our baby bottle provides peace of mind to parents while promoting healthy feeding habits for babies.
Conclusion
b.box products are more than just functional – they are the result of our unwavering dedication to innovation and safety. With each item we develop, we strive to make life easier for parents and more enjoyable for children. From concept to creation, our products embody our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating safe, innovative solutions for families everywhere.