When I started using silicone beads about eleven years ago, it was still a relatively unknown material in the baby world. Not many products were made from it yet, and many people looked at me questioningly when I told them what I did.
Silicone has now become an indispensable part of the range of many baby web shops. Yet there are still doubts or prejudices: Is that safe? Isn't it just some kind of plastic? Isn't wood more natural and therefore better?
I understand those questions very well. And that is precisely why I would like to share my vision here, based on eleven years of experience, thousands of products and many thousands of satisfied customers: silicones are not the enemy. In fact, in many cases they are the most sustainable, safe and practical choice for babies and parents.
Silicone is not plastic
Let's start with a common misconception: that silicone is the same as plastic. Silicones are made from silicon, a mineral found in sand, among other things. The end product is flexible, wear-resistant and resistant to high and low temperatures. Unlike many types of plastic, silicone does not contain BPA, plasticizers or other harmful substances. They don't give anything up and they don't take anything in either. That makes them extremely safe for babies who like to put everything in their mouths – and let's be honest, any toys is becoming not put it in the mouth?
Safe, hygienic and strong
In practice, this means: silicone toys can be dropped, bent, pulled and washed endlessly without any worries. It does not break, does not splinter and can be cleaned in a few seconds. Just rinsing or washing in soapy water is enough – ideal for busy parents (and for me as an entrepreneur, because I hardly receive any complaints about wear or damage).
And what about sustainability?
The term 'sustainable' automatically conjures up images of wood and natural materials for many people. Understandable, but sustainability is also about longevity and ease of use. Silicone is extremely durable. They last for years without losing their shape or color. I even have customers who let the same beads grow with their child by continually making new creations that suit their child's stage of life.
Silicone does not break into small pieces like plastic and can be easily recycled in special circuits. Because silicones rarely break or need to be replaced, they result in less waste – and that is also sustainable.
Comparison with wood and plastic
Wood is of course beautiful – warm, sturdy and biodegradable. But in practice I notice that wooden toys are more vulnerable. It wears out faster, can splinter and is often difficult to clean properly. Wood remains beautiful for decorative toys or quiet moments. But for daily, intensive use - especially with teething toys or rattles - I see many customers returning to silicone.
Plastic also has its advantages: it is cheap and light. But in terms of lifespan and safety, it does not match silicone. Plastic can break, show cracks and sometimes contains substances that I prefer to keep far away from babies. And let's be honest: we all know by now that plastic is a major environmental problem, especially when it comes to disposable items.
My conclusion after 11 years of silicone
I'm so glad I started working with silicone eleven years ago, when it was still a relatively unknown choice. Not because it was hip or trendy, but because I saw how many benefits it had. Safe, strong, hygienic and surprisingly durable.
For me it is no longer a discussion: silicone is a well-considered choice. Not perfect – no material is – but in many ways better than the image it sometimes has. And above all: better than you might think at first glance.
So if you have doubts between wood, plastic or silicone: don't be guided alone by feeling or tradition. Look at the whole picture. And who knows, just like me, you will come to the conclusion that silicones are a very conscious and responsible choice - for now and for the future.
