How to Make Safe Bead Bracelets for Babies

Always choose safety over appearance when making baby bracelets.

As a parent, you may feel inclined to adorn your baby with jewelry such as a bracelet. While these items are aesthetically pleasing, safety is an issue. Babies like to play with small objects, and they typically put everything they encounter in their mouths. Even the strongest and most well-secured clasp can accidentally come undone, which can cause a serious choking hazard. With safety in mind, you can construct a beaded baby bracelet in a manner that makes it both strong and secure.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fine chain, sterling silver, non-kinking
• Permanent marker
• Wire cutters
• Round plastic beads, small, non-toxic
• Jump ring
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Read the bead manufacturer's instructions on the packaging to ensure the beads do not contain PVC, BPA, latex, lead, cadmium, chlorine, arsenic or phthalate. Additionally, use beads that are rounded and do not have sharp corners.

2. Use the measuring tape to measure the circumference of your baby's wrist. Note the measurement.

3. Lay the chain on a flat surface and measure its length. Use your permanent marker to mark the length, approximately 0.25 inches more than the measurement of your baby's wrist. For example, if the circumference of her wrist is 4 inches, place the mark at 4.25 inches. The additional length ensures the chain fits securely enough to not slide off her hand, while not being too tight.

4. Cut the chain at the marked point using the wire cutters. Discard the leftover piece. If the chain had a clasp, one clasp component will remain on your piece; cut it off with your wire cutters and discard it.

5. Add the beads. Feed the chain through the plastic beads. Use as many beads as desired.

6. Attach the jump ring, which is a small, metallic ring with a tiny opening. Use the needle-nose pliers to twist the ring and enlarge the opening.

7. Wrap the bracelet around your baby's wrist. Link the other end of the chain onto the jump ring and carefully secure it shut with the needle-nose pliers. The jump ring eliminates the need for a clasping mechanism, which could accidentally come undone.

Tips & Warnings

• When securing the jump ring, keep it as far away from your baby's skin as possible. Do this when your baby is calm, so that she does not make any sudden movements when you are using the pliers.

References

• Healthy Child: Toxic Toys -- Choose a Natural Toy