We asked experts at the Children's Environmental Health Center (CEHC) for their take on using silicone products around children. Dr. Sarah Evans, PhD MPH, from the CEHC shares her thoughts with us here:
Food grade silicone is an FDA-approved synthetic rubber made of bonded silicon, a natural element found in sand and rock, and oxygen. Silicone has a long track record for safe use in baby bottle nipples, pacifiers and teethers, and has recently become popular in bakeware and kitchen items as an alternative to latex, plastic, and Teflon.
From an environmental standpoint, silicone is reusable and extremely durable. Although not biodegradable, it is recyclable. While silicone is purportedly nontoxic to aquatic wildlife, some siloxanes, silicone-oxygen compounds used in many silicone products, are persistent in the environment and their toxicity profile is not well established1.
Health Canada has concluded that silicone is safe for use in baby products and bakeware as it is stable and does not leach chemicals or off gas fumes2. However, studies of silicone products exposed to high heat over long periods of time are lacking. Simulation studies show that low molecular weight siloxanes, formed by the reaction of silicone and oxygen, can migrate from silicone into food and that migration rates depend upon temperature, fat content of the food, and length of contact time3. A recent study demonstrated much lower siloxane content and migration from silicone bottle nipples compared with bakeware4. Limited evidence from laboratory studies suggests that some siloxanes may be estrogenic or carcinogenic, but further study is needed5. No human health effects from silicone or siloxane exposures have been reported.
The bottom line: When deciding whether to use silicone products, it&#;s important to talk to manufacturers about their composition. Choose food grade silicone that is BPA/BPS/BPF and lead-free and does not contain additional fillers. Silicone baby products, when used as directed, seem to pose little risk of harmful exposures. Likewise, silicone kitchen products that are not exposed to high heat such as spatulas or cutting mats should pose minimal risk. Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel are good options for items that come into contact with food at very high temperatures.
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1. Norden. . Siloxanes in the Nordic Environment. TemaNord :593. Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen. Available at http://www.norden.org/pub/miljo/miljo/uk/TN.pdf.
2. http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/product-safety-securite-produits/consumer-consommation/education/household-menagers/cook-cuisinier-eng.phpKai Zhang, Jon W.
3. Helling R, Kutschbach K, Simat TJ. Migration behaviour of silicone moulds in contact with different foodstuffs. Food Addit Contam A. 27.:396&#;405.
4. Wong, Timothy H. Begley, Douglas G. Hayward and William Limm
Determination of siloxanes in silicone products and potential migration to milk, formula and liquid simulants. Food Additives and Contaminants Vol. 29, No. 8, August , &#;
5. http://oehha.ca.gov/multimedia/biomon/pdf/cyclosiloxanes.pdf
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on silicone baby feeding sets. As you prepare for the exciting journey of introducing solid foods to your little one, or if you're a mum-to-be planning ahead, having the right tools is essential. One of the key items you'll need is a baby feeding set, and silicone options are becoming increasingly popular. But what makes them the preferred choice? Let's dive in and find out.
Baby feeding sets are a collection of tableware designed to assist your baby during meal times as they transition from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to eating solids. They typically include plates, bowls, cups, utensils, and bibs. Silicone baby feeding sets, made from high-quality, food-grade silicone, are a favourite due to their safety, durability, easy-to-clean nature, and eco-friendliness.
Silicone baby feeding sets have become a staple in many households, and for good reason. Comparing to other materials. they offer a multitude of benefits that make meal times safer, easier, and more eco-friendly. Let's delve deeper into these advantages:
When it comes to baby products, safety is paramount. Silicone, being a non-toxic material, stands out as an excellent choice for baby feeding sets. Unlike some plastic options, it does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or phthalates, which have been linked to health risks.
In addition, Brightberry food grade silicone is inert and hypoallergenic, which means it's unlikely to cause allergic reactions or interact with food substances. It's also resistant to bacteria, mould, and fungus, reducing the risk of your baby ingesting harmful microbes. By choosing Brightberry silicone baby feeding sets, you're prioritising your little one's health and wellbeing.
The resilience of silicone is another huge advantage. Unlike glass or ceramic, it doesn't break when dropped&#;an important feature when you have a baby learning to feed themselves. Silicone can withstand a broad range of temperatures, from freezing cold to boiling hot. This means you can store food in silicone containers in the freezer, heat it in the microwave, and serve it directly to your baby, all without needing to change containers. This durability extends the life of the feeding set, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Meal times with babies can be messy, but silicone baby feeding sets help make clean up a breeze. Thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface, food particles and bacteria don't stick to silicone. You can easily wipe them clean, wash with warm water or put them in the dishwasher. Brightberry baby feeding sets are dishwasher safe to save you time and effort but also ensures that the feeding sets are hygienic for your baby's next meal.
Silicone baby feeding sets stand out for their remarkable durability and their eco-conscious nature. Unlike materials such as glass, ceramic, or even certain plastics, silicone is incredibly sturdy and resistant to wear and tear. It doesn't chip, break or peel, even with frequent use and cleaning, making it ideal for the demanding environment of a baby's mealtime.
This robustness means that a silicone feeding set can be used for years, and potentially even passed down to younger siblings, significantly reducing the need for replacement.
At the end of its life, a silicone baby feeding set doesn't have to contribute to landfill waste. Silicone is recyclable, although it does require specialized recycling facilities. When recycled properly, silicone doesn't release harmful chemicals into the environment, unlike some other materials.
In essence, by choosing a silicone baby feeding set, you're making a choice that's not only good for your baby and convenient for you, but also kinder to the environment. It's an investment that pays off in multiple ways over the years.
Brightberry offers a variety of silicone baby feeding sets, each tailored to meet specific needs and developmental stages. These include the New Baby Gift Set, Toddler Dinner Set, Ultimate Dinner Feeding Bundle, and Australia by Design TV Starter Set. Each of these sets includes a selection of the products below that ate designed with functionality, safety, and child development in mind:
Brightberry plates and bowls are practical and functional, and make mealtime a breeze. They feature suction bases to keep them secure on the table, preventing spills and messes. The unique inward wall design of the bowls and plates makes it easy for your child to scoop up food, promoting self-feeding and the development of motor skills.
Silicone cups and lightweight, soft to the touch and easy for little hands to hold. They're also highly durable, making them ideal for the transition from bottle-feeding to independent drinking, as recommended by speech pathologists.
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Silicone utensils are gentle on your baby's gums and emerging teeth. Brightberry's ergonomically designed silicone spoons double as teethers and support your little one's transition to self-feeding. The design of these silicone spoons takes into account a baby's developing fine motor skills.
Silicone bibs, known for their ease of cleaning, often come equipped with a food-catching pocket that helps to minimise mealtime messes. However, it's important to note that not all silicone bibs deliver the same performance. Some can be too flexible, causing the food-catching pocket to collapse rather than stay open as designed, thus not catching the food effectively. Brightberry bibs stand out in this regard, striking the perfect balance between functionality and flexibility. They ensure the pocket stays open as intended, resulting in a more efficient food-catching process and, in turn, a cleaner and more enjoyable feeding experience for all involved.
With so many options on the market, here's what to consider when choosing the right silicone baby feeding set:
The first and most important thing to consider is the quality of the silicone used. Ensure it is food-grade and free from harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, and latex. Brightberry products, for example, are made with safe food-grade silicone and undergo independent testing to guarantee that every Brightberry product meets the high safety standards set by both Australian and international regulators.
The design of a feeding set can significantly influence your child's mealtime experience, making the difference between an enjoyable or a frustrating mealtime.
Factors such as bowls that are difficult to scoop from, don't stick properly or are too small can turn mealtimes into a stressful event, potentially leading to fussy eating habits. It's essential to look for features that promote the feeding process. Features such as strong suction cups on bowls and plates, divided plates for serving various foods, and easy-grip cups and utensils can significantly enhance the mealtime experience.
Brightberry tableware, designed by qualified industrial designers who are also parents, embodies these beneficial features. Our ergonomically designed suction bowls, plates, and spoons encourage a smoother transition to self-feeding, making mealtimes less messy and more enjoyable for everyone.
It's crucial to choose products that match your baby's developmental stage. Some sets are designed for beginners who are just starting to explore solids, while others are meant for more advanced eaters who are developing their fine motor skills. The Brightberry feeding sets cater to different developmental stages, making them suitable for various ages.
Although high-quality silicone baby feeding sets may carry a higher price tag, they often provide excellent value due to their superior quality, extended lifespan, and thoughtful design. Such an investment not only ensures your baby's safety and health but also encourages independent eating.
Brightberry caters to diverse budgets, offering a range of feeding sets from basic to more comprehensive. Additionally, they provide the option to create a custom bundle, presenting an opportunity for savings when purchasing multiple items.
Getting the most out of your silicone baby feeding sets involves proper use and maintenance. Here's how:
Before using your silicone baby feeding set for the first time, wash all its components thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse well, and dry. This helps to remove any residues from manufacturing process and ensures that the set is clean and safe for your baby's use. When serving food, always ensure it is at a safe temperature for your baby, especially if you have heated the food in the silicone ware. Silicone is an excellent conductor of heat, so the food may be hotter than you expect. To prevent burns, always test the food temperature before serving it to your baby.
To maintain the premium quality of your silicone baby feeding set, it's essential to clean it promptly after each use. While silicone is renowned for its resistance to stains and odours, certain types of food, like tomato-based sauces or carrot purée, could potentially cause stains. Check out our FAQs for helpful tips on removing such stains.
For cleaning, we recommend using a soft sponge with warm soapy water. It's essential to thoroughly rinse off all soap residue to maintain the set's strong suction capabilities and to prevent any potential taste transfer.
After each cleaning, it's important to dry the set completely before storing it. When selecting a storage area, opt for a clean, dry spot free from dust exposure and strong odours, as silicone can absorb them.
While the silicone feeding set is entirely dishwasher-safe and sterilisation-safe for a hassle-free cleaning experience, we highly recommend hand washing to preserve the set's 'as new' look and feel. By following this approach, your silicone baby feeding set will stay in excellent condition, maintaining its fresh and new appearance with every use.
Using baby feeding sets can be an enriching and enjoyable journey for both you and your baby. To make the most of this experience, here are some valuable tips:
When first introducing the feeding set, it's best to start with one piece at a time. This approach can prevent your baby from becoming overwhelmed. You can begin with a bowl or plate, which the baby can get accustomed to during meal times. Once your baby is comfortable with this, you can gradually introduce a cup, and bib. This step-by-step process allows your baby to familiarise themselves with each item and understand its use.
Remember, transitioning from breast milk or formula to solid foods is a significant change for your baby. Patience is key during this transition. Let your baby explore the new foods and utensils at their own pace. There might be some mess and rejected meals, but that's all part of the learning process. Your patience and encouragement can make this transition smoother and more enjoyable for your baby.
Mealtime is not only about feeding your baby; it's also an excellent opportunity to teach your child about different foods, their tastes, and textures. By describing the foods and expressing your enjoyment, you can promote a positive relationship with eating. Colourful silicone sets, like Brightberry feeding sets, can make the process more engaging and visually appealing for your baby. The vibrant colours can enhance their interest and make them more eager to participate in meal times.
Ensure all pieces are clean and dry before storing. This maintains the quality of the silicone and ensures it's safe for your baby to use.
Silicone baby feeding sets are an excellent choice for mums and dads looking for safe, durable, and easy-to-clean options for their babies. As you embark on the journey of introducing your little one to solid foods, these sets can be a valuable tool, making meal times a joy rather than a chore. Remember to consider your baby's age and developmental stage when choosing a set, and to introduce each component gradually. Happy feeding!
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