Conformity Assessment of Baby Diapers

Baby diapers are indispensable in the modern world. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine how people managed without them in the past. Diapers make child care significantly easier. Every parent wishes to choose the best, and above all safest, hygiene product for their child. Let us look at what kind of diapers there are and what requirements they are subject to.

At present, there are two types of baby diapers:

Disposable diapers have the following characteristic features: they are multi-layered and contain gelforming moisture absorbing materials. Generally, the construction of the diaper includes the following (counting from the layer contacting with the child’s skin):

— top cover;

— distribution layer;

— absorption layer;

— protective layer;

— outer cover;

— lateral bow-shaped gathers on both sides of the diaper, pulled together by elastic bands;

— fastener tape on the front of the diaper on its both sides, or an elastic band on the front and rear of the diaper for a better fit to the baby’s body.

It is permitted to produce diapers without a distribution layer and outer cover. If the outer cover is absent, its functions are taken on by the protective layer. Diapers may have additional layers performing certain functions.

In accordance with the GOST R [standard] 52557-2020 “Baby Diapers. General Technical Conditions”, disposable diapers come in different sizes depending on the weight and age of the child:

— for newborns (New Baby), Nos 1 and 2;

— size Small (Mini), No. 3;

— size Medium (Midi), No. 4;

— size Large (Maxi, Maxi+), No. 5;

— size Extra Large (Junior), No. 6.

According to Article 9 of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the Safety of Products Intended for Children and Adolescents” (hereinafter referred to as TR CU 007/2011), recommendations on choosing the right diaper size, as well as information on diaper care and disposal should be specified in the user guide.

Disposable diapers are subject to the following requirements:

— microbiological safety norms (the quantity of every group of microorganisms specified in the Regulations is to be assessed);

— sensitizing effect (during 24 hours);

— toxicity index as measured in water (with a value of 70 to 120 % including both values, or no local irritant effect on the skin and mucosae; changes in the pH value of the aqueous extract shall not exceed ±1.0);

— meeting requirements concerning the exposure to toxic chemical substances (acetone (propan-2-one), benzene, toluene, 1-Propanol (propan-1-ol), lead, etc.); the list of substances to be analyzed depends on the materials and ingredients of the absorption layer.

In addition, properties ensuring the functioning of disposable diapers should be considered during their conformity assessment with the requirements of TR CU 007/2011. Such properties as “resorption” and “absorbency time” shall not exceed the norms set out in the GOST R [standard] 52557-2020 “Baby Diapers. General Technical Conditions”.

Cloth diapers are an alternative to disposable diapers. As a rule, they also consist of several layers. A cloth diaper is made from natural materials (such as cotton or bamboo), allowing the baby’s skin to breathe and protecting it from irritation. The outer part of the diaper may be covered by a water-resistant layer to protect it from leaking.

As first-layer products that have direct contact with the child’s skin, cloth diapers are subject to the requirements of the GOST [standard] 32119-2013 “Products for Newborns and Nursery Age Children. General Technical Conditions”.

The GOST standard contains requirements concerning:

— diaper size;

— raw materials and other materials;

— biological and chemical safety of the materials.

Cloth diapers are assessed as underwear for children under the age of three. Additional requirements apply for cloth diapers intended for newborns and children under the age of one.

Thus, for instance, under TR CU 007/2011:

— products for newborns and underwear for children under the age of one should be made from natural materials, excluding absorbents;

— overcast seams in underwear for newborns should be sewn onto the right side;

— external parts and ornaments of products for newborns and underwear for children under the age of one (lace, embroidery, appliques, and similar elements) made from synthetic materials should not have direct contact with the child’s skin;

— a notice “Please wash prior to use” should be provided for all products for newborns and underwear for children under the age of one.

Baby diapers are subject to a mandatory assessment of conformity with the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the Safety of Products Intended for Children and Adolescents” (TR CU 007/2011). Conformity is assessed in the form of a state registration with subsequent declaration of conformity.

The state registration of products manufactured in the territory of the Union is performed during the stage of launching the products into manufacture; if the products are imported into the territory of the Union for the first time, the registration is performed before the products enter the territory of the Union. Upon completion of the state registration, a certificate of state registration (SGR, or CSR) is issued for the products.

Product conformity with the requirements of TR CU 007/2011 is confirmed by way of adopting a declaration of conformity with the requirements of the Technical Regulations TR CU 007/2011. The technical documentation should include a certificate of state registration for the products, and testing protocols stating the conformity of the products with the requirements of the present Technical Regulations, as well as testing protocols performed for the purposes of state registration.