How to Choose Clothing for Infants and Young Children: Parents Should Check the Commodity Inspection Mark and Textile Safety

Infants and young children have delicate, sensitive skin. Clothing, swaddling blankets, bibs, gloves, and related textile products remain in direct contact with their skin for extended periods. In addition to style, price, and comfort, parents should therefore confirm that products comply with safety inspection requirements.

Xiao An Xin of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, reminds consumers that clothing for infants and young children has been designated as subject to mandatory inspection and is evaluated in accordance with CNS 15290, Safety of Textiles (General Requirements). Paying additional attention to the Commodity Inspection Mark, labeling information, and product design details can help parents reduce risks involving chemical residues, skin irritation, snagging, or entanglement.

Clothing for Infants and Young Children Is Subject to Mandatory Inspection

Clothing for infants and young children remains in contact with the skin for extended periods. To protect their safety while wearing such products, related textile products have been included within the mandatory inspection system. When purchasing clothing, swaddling blankets, or other related products for infants and young children, consumers should prioritize products that have completed the required inspection procedures and bear the Commodity Inspection Mark.

The Commodity Inspection Mark is one of the important references for determining whether a product has undergone the required inspection procedures. Whether purchasing from physical stores, department stores, maternity and baby product retailers, e-commerce platforms, or social-media group-buying arrangements, consumers should check whether the product itself, hangtag, packaging, or label clearly displays the Commodity Inspection Mark and Chinese-language labeling.

Chemical and Material Safety Must Not Be Overlooked

The safety of clothing for infants and young children involves more than whether the size fits properly. It also includes safety requirements concerning materials, dyes, processing auxiliaries, and residual substances. Products containing unsuitable dyes, auxiliaries, or materials may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other health concerns.

Consumers are advised to avoid products with a noticeable pungent odor, incomplete labeling, an unknown source, or an unusually low price. Additional caution should also be exercised if a product has a strong chemical odor after opening, excessive coloration, or a rough texture. Infants and young children should not wear such products directly.

Prioritize Soft, Plain-Colored Products with Clear Labeling

Because the skin of infants and young children is thinner and more sensitive, clothing materials should prioritize softness, breathability, and comfort. BSMI also recommends selecting soft, plain-colored product designs to reduce the possibility of sensitive reactions to dyes or materials.

Products should also clearly state the product name, size, fiber composition, country of origin, manufacturer or importer information, washing instructions, and required warnings. Incomplete labeling makes it more difficult for consumers to determine the material, cleaning methods, and restrictions on use and also impedes subsequent tracing of the product source.

Cord and Drawstring Designs May Create Snagging or Entanglement Risks

If clothing for infants and young children includes cords, drawstrings, ties, or decorative accessories, parents should pay particular attention to whether they may create risks of snagging, entanglement, or strangulation. Cords around the neck, hood, waist, trouser legs, or skirt hem may create hazards during activity, crawling, sleeping, or use of a stroller if they are excessively long or unsecured.

For halter-neck clothing, the cords should be securely fastened during use without leaving unsecured cord ends. Drawstrings on trousers, skirts, or around the waist should also not be excessively long. Cords, buttons, zippers, decorations, and stitching should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain secure and do not detach and create ingestion or other hazards.

Wash and Air-Dry New Clothing before Use

During manufacturing, packaging, transportation, and sale, clothing for infants and young children may come into contact with dust, packaging materials, or other residues. Even entirely new products should be washed in accordance with the care label and dried thoroughly before being worn.

When washing, use a detergent suitable for clothing worn by infants and young children and avoid excessive use of fabric softener or irritating cleaning products. If unusual odors, severe color fading, or changes in the material remain after washing, discontinue use.

Product Safety Recommendations

Action Technology reminds parents, maternity and baby product retailers, e-commerce sellers, and brand owners to treat product safety and complete labeling as basic checkpoints when purchasing or selling clothing for infants and young children.

• Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark: When purchasing clothing, swaddling blankets, bibs, gloves, or related textile products for infants and young children, confirm that the product bears the Commodity Inspection Mark.
• Review Chinese-Language Labeling: Confirm that the product name, size, fiber composition, country of origin, manufacturer or importer, washing instructions, and required warnings are clearly stated.
• Avoid Products with Unusual Odors: Products with pungent odors, excessive coloration, unclear labeling, or unknown sources should not be purchased or worn by infants and young children.
• Check Cords and Decorative Items: Avoid clothing with excessively long cords, easily detached decorations, unsecured buttons, or designs that may create snagging or entanglement risks.
• Prioritize Soft, Plain-Colored Designs: Soft, breathable, plain-colored clothing with simple designs is more suitable for everyday wear by infants and young children.
• Wash and Air-Dry before Wearing: New clothing should be washed and dried thoroughly before use to reduce contact with potential residual substances and external contaminants.

Safety Is More Important Than Style in Clothing for Infants and Young Children

Clothing for infants and young children is used frequently and is closely related to skin contact, safety during activity, and quality of care. Parents should consider more than appearance, price, or current styles when purchasing. They should also confirm whether the product has passed inspection, whether its labeling is clear, whether the material is comfortable, and whether the design may create safety risks.

Action Technology Co., Ltd. will continue to monitor product safety information published by BSMI and Xiao An Xin, helping businesses and consumers understand key matters relating to the Commodity Inspection Mark, product safety, precautions for use, and market compliance so that product safety practices are incorporated into everyday purchasing and use.

Sources: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs – Xiao An Xin｜How to Choose Baby Clothes: Follow Six Key Points to Keep Your Baby Safer
Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs｜Provide the Safest Care for Your Baby: Avoid Pitfalls When Purchasing Clothing