Pros and Cons of Silicone Baby Toys

As a parent, you want to provide your baby with the best toys to support their growth and development. With so many options on the market, knowing which materials are safe and beneficial for your child can be challenging. Silicone is a popular material used for baby toys, but it has pros and cons. On one hand, silicone is easy to clean, non-toxic, and durable. But on the other hand, good-quality silicone toys tend to be more expensive than other options and get hot if left in direct sunlight or near a heat source. If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

Understanding Silicone

Silicon is one of Earth's most abundant elements. When reacted with methyl chloride and then with water, you get silicone polymers incredibly resistant to high heat and low temperatures. That resistance to temperature makes silicones useful in everything from health care to textiles to transportation to electronics (source). Silicone’s diverse applications include construction, tools, cooking, kid toys, a Mars rover—pretty much anything you can think of. The reasons are simple: silicones can withstand extreme heat, cold, and UV radiation while being flexible and moisture-resistant. Silicone's flexibility means it can replace less sustainable materials in vehicles, electronics, solar panels, and many other everyday items.

Silicone and Human Safety

Numerous studies confirm that silicone is safe for humans, covering everything from baby teethers and bottle nipples to surgical implants and cookware (source). Made from silica, silicone should be considered somewhere between synthetic rubber and a plastic polymer. Factories process silica to create silicon, which is then further processed into siloxane (silicone). The chemical backbone of silicone includes silicon, oxygen, and hydrocarbons, granting it exceptional stability and non-degradability—an attribute highly valued in medical implants and equipment to prevent chemical breakdown and leaching into bloodstreams. However, not all silicones are equally safe. Low-quality silicones or those mixed with fillers can accumulate in your system, though they are generally considered non-toxic or only mildly toxic (source).

Is Silicone Safe for Babies?

High-quality, high-molecular-weight silicones, known as medical-grade silicones, are safe for medical use. Food-grade silicones are also stable for cooking and baby products (source). Both grades are standard in baby products, teethers, toys, and bottles. To determine if a silicone toy is high-quality, pinch and twist the toy. If it turns white, it likely contains a filler and is therefore of lower quality. Cloudy silicone bottle nipples should be replaced. For silicone baby products, avoid exposing them to extreme heat like ovens or car dashboards in summer. Adhere to maximum temperature recommendations to prevent the release of chemicals (source). Learn more about HEORSHE’s high-quality silicone products.

Moonkie's Approach to Silicone

At Moonkie, we prioritize quality by selecting high-grade food silicone. We ensure safety by never combining it with lower-quality silicones for our silicone baby products, ensuring durability and safety. Moonkie silicone toys pass the pinch test, are free from oily patches, and are non-sticky. Despite not being 100% natural like rubber, food-grade silicone—primarily made from sand (silica)—is non-toxic. Read on to understand why silicone baby toys are beneficial.

Pros of Silicone Baby Toys

The advantages of silicone baby toys are numerous, including durability, flexibility, easy grip, and cleanliness.

1. Safety

Silicone baby toys are non-toxic, free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC, unlike many plastic toys. Compared to wooden toys, silicone toys withstand chewing without denting or splintering. They are more durable and cleaner than natural rubber toys, which can degrade and become sticky or peel over time. Latex allergies can also make natural rubber unsuitable.

2. Cleanliness

Silicone toys are stain-resistant, odor-resistant, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. Washing with soap and warm water or in the dishwasher is simple. No pet hair sticks to silicone toys, and they can be sanitized by boiling. They are less likely to mold or harbor bacteria compared to wooden or plastic toys, which can weaken or leach chemicals when cleaned intensely.

3. Durability and Versatility

Silicone toys are robust, enduring rough play and chewing without damage. They outlast plastic and wooden toys, saving money over time. Silicone can be molded into various shapes and textures, serving different developmental stages. Silicone toys can support infants, teethers, crawlers, and young children, offering long-term entertainment. However, dispose of toys punctured by pets to prevent bacterial growth or baby injuries.

4. Soft and Gentle

Silicone toys are soft and gentle, ideal for teething babies and accidental bumps. The softness aids grip and builds hand-eye coordination and muscle strength for tiny hands.

Cons of Silicone Baby Toys

A complete guide must also address the disadvantages of silicone baby toys, helping you make informed decisions.

1. Cost

One major drawback is cost. High-quality silicone is more expensive but justifies its price by lasting longer and being safer. Silicone is a good investment, especially if you plan for more children, as its durability means reduced replacement costs.

2. Eco-Friendliness

Silicone toys are not biodegradable and remain in landfills for a long time, troubling eco-conscious parents. However, their durability can offset this. One silicone toy can provide years of entertainment and can even be passed to other families if well-maintained. Damaged toys require special recycling facilities, as regular recycling centers rarely process silicone. Contact your local recycling center for options or send them to a silicone recycling program. Although silicone loses quality with each cycle, it can be repurposed into playground mats, track surfaces, or machine oil.

3. Chemical Fillers

Not all silicone baby toys are the same. Some contain lower-grade silicone or silicone gel fillers, which are unsafe. "Food-grade" and "medical-grade" silicones are safest, being durable, impurity-free, and resistant to heat and chemicals. Gel-filled teethers offer cooling relief but ensure regular inspection for punctures to prevent ingestion of gel contents.

4. Heats Up

Silicone toys can heat up if left in direct sunlight or near heat sources, making them uncomfortable for babies. Avoid leaving toys in cars or under direct sunlight, and never place them near heating elements. Boiling toys for up to five minutes for sterilization is safe, but let them cool before giving them back to your baby.

5. Choking Hazard

Any toy poses a choking risk if small parts break off. Choose designs with minimal small parts or raised texture to mitigate this. Avoid teething jewelry for this reason.

Comparing with Other Materials

Among baby toy materials, silicone excels in most categories.

Category

Wood

Rubber

Plastic

Silicone

Safe

✔

✔

✔

✔

Easy to Clean

✘

✔

✔

✔

Durable

✔

✔

✘

✔

Versatile

✘

✘

✔

✔

Cost

✔

✔

✔

✘

Eco-Friendly

✔

✔

✘

✘

Safe: Adheres to common safety standards. Easy to Clean: Simple to clean thoroughly. Durable: Resistant to breaking. Versatile: Available in multiple designs, colors, and textures. Cost: Initial or cost-per-use affordability. Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable or recyclable.

Choosing and Using Silicone Baby Toys

Choosing and using silicone baby toys involves considering silicone grade, toy design, regular cleaning, and monitoring for wear and tear. Invest in safe designs engaging in multiple developmental stages, avoiding small detachable pieces. Regularly clean with soap and warm water or in the dishwasher to prevent bacteria buildup, especially during flu season or playdates. For more on silicone baby teethers, read our article Are Silicone Baby Teethers Safe? What You Need to Know.

Conclusion

Silicone baby toys can offer a safe, sturdy option for supporting your child’s growth. Understanding their pros and cons lets you make an informed choice that best suits your child’s needs and preferences.