As parents we are forever on the lookout for safe, practical, non-toxic products for our little ones. Whilst glass and metal work well with baby bottles, they are neither practical nor convenient options when it comes to feeding ware and teething accessories. Shatterproof plastics may well provide a wide variety of cheap and cheerful options for mealtimes, however, may not be a favourable option for parents who want to limit their children's toxic exposure.
Introducing, food-grade silicone; a 100% non-toxic product. Unlike plastics, which can contaminate food in certain conditions, silicone can withstand extreme cold and heat without off-gassing dangerous chemicals. Additionally, it is stain and odour resistant, hypoallergenic and easy clean due to its smooth surface – it has no open pores to host bacteria. This makes it the ideal material for non-toxic infant items as it is a soft rubber that won't break (say goodbye to broken plates and bowls!)
Food-grade silicone can be a convenient and practical replacement for plastic due to its flexibility, durability and hygienic and hypoallergenic qualities. Whilst there is a preference to using natural rubber in dummies and teethers, silicone has developed a good reputation for being safe and practical to use in a wide range of infant feeding and teething products.
What is Silicone?
Silicone derives from a naturally occurring mineral called silica, commonly found in sand. Raw silica sand is harvested and manufactured to transform its raw form into the silica used to manufacture silicone. The transformation process is complex, but the end result creates a non-toxic polymer called silicone which can then be formed into any shape required. Plastics, on the other hand, are made from various toxic chemicals, many of which you may never have heard of before (and lets not even try to pronounce them.)
Can I recycle my silicone products?
Silicone can be recycled several times over without losing it’s structural integrity, although, similar to certain plastics and rubber, this service is currently only offer through specialised recycling facilities. Silicone is usually melted down to create anything from oils and lubricants through to playground mulch.