It remains to be seen whether the best days of the French are behind them. Look at the innovations in cotton swabs underway in this country! That "Security" tip ensures you don't stick the swab deep into your child's ear. Normally I'm not worried about that but Minna has a bad habit of turning her head just as I try to clean her ear. But not with this swab, nope! You can only just get around the entrance to the ear. Frankly I'm ashamed America didn't invent this! I thought we led the world in ridiculous gear in the name of child safety, but the French have us on swabs. I'm bringing a box home, maybe more if I can fit them.