When I started working with silicone beads about eleven years ago, it was still a relatively unknown material in the baby industry. Not many products were made from it yet, and many people looked at me quizzically when I told them what I did.
By now, silicone has become a staple in the product ranges of many baby webshops. Still, doubts and preconceptions remain: Is it really safe? Isn’t it just a type of plastic? Isn’t wood more natural and therefore better?
I completely understand those questions. And that’s exactly why I’m happy to share my perspective here, based on eleven years of experience, thousands of products and many thousands of happy customers: silicone isn’t the enemy. In fact, in many cases, it’s the most sustainable, safe and practical choice for babies and parents alike.
Silicone isn’t plastic
Let’s start with a common misconception: that silicone is the same as plastic. Silicone is made from silicon, a mineral found in sand, among other things. The end product is flexible, durable and resistant to both high and low temperatures. Unlike many types of plastic, silicone contains no BPA, no plasticizers and no other harmful substances. It releases nothing and absorbs nothing either. That makes it extremely safe for babies who like to put everything in their mouths - and let’s be honest, what toy isn’t put in a baby’s mouth?
Safe, hygienic and durable
In practice, that means you can drop, bend, pull and wash silicone toys endlessly without a worry. They don’t break or splinter, and they’re clean in just a few seconds. A quick rinse or wash in soapy water is enough - ideal for busy parents (and for me as a business owner, because I hardly ever get complaints about wear or damage).
So what about sustainability?
The term “sustainable” automatically brings images of wood and natural materials to mind for many people. Understandable, but sustainability is also about longevity and ease of use. Silicone is incredibly durable. It lasts for years without losing its shape or color. I even have customers who let the same beads grow with their child by continually creating new designs that suit each stage of their child’s life.
Silicone doesn’t break off into small pieces like plastic, and can be recycled through specialized programs. Because silicone hardly ever breaks or needs replacing, it creates less waste—and that’s sustainable too.
Comparison with wood and plastic
Wood is, of course, beautiful—warm, sturdy, and biodegradable. But in practice, I find that wooden toys are more fragile. They wear out faster, can splinter, and are often difficult to clean properly. Wood is still lovely for decorative toys or quiet moments. But for everyday, intensive use—especially for teething toys or rattles—I see many customers come back to silicone.
Plastic has its advantages too: it’s cheap and lightweight. But when it comes to lifespan and safety, it can’t match silicone. Plastic can break, develop cracks, and sometimes contains substances I’d rather keep far away from babies. And let’s be honest: by now, we all know that plastic is a major environmental problem, especially when it comes to disposable products.
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 unfamiliar choice. Not because it was hip or trendy, but because I could see how many benefits it had. Safe, strong, hygienic, and surprisingly durable.
For me, it’s no longer up for debate: silicone is a considered choice. Not perfect—no material is—but in many ways, it’s better than its reputation suggests. And above all, better than you might think at first glance.
So if you’re unsure whether to choose wood, plastic, or silicone, don’t let feelings or tradition be your only guide. Look at the whole picture. And who knows, you might reach the same conclusion I did: silicone is actually a very conscious and responsible choice—for today and for the future.