Is Silicone Safe? It Depends…
Silicone products are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in almost every kitchen, bathroom or nursery. But are they safe? Green Living Expert, Aida Garcia-Toledo, takes a look.
Over the past couple of years, silicone products have become ubiquitous.
The bright colors, fun designs and practicality have made silicone products the go-to for many parents who are trying to minimize their family’s exposure to plastics – some of which may contain endocrine disrupting and cancer causing chemicals.
Other alternatives to plastics like glass, wood, stainless steel and rubber have been in use for decades and have been tested at length, which is why they have been staples of eco living.
Silicone, however, made its debut in the kitchen and in children’s products relatively recently which means not a lot of testing had been done.
In this article, we’ll go over:
- What silicone is
- The safety of silicone
- The benefits of silicone baby and kids products
- The best children’s silicone products
Scroll down to learn more!
What is silicone?
Silicone, not to be confused with silicon (a naturally occurring substance and the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen) is a man made polymer created by adding carbon and/or oxygen to silicon.
Because it is malleable, soft, and shatterproof, it is surging in popularity. The FDA has approved it, “as a food-safe substance” and it can now be found in numerous baby bottle nipples, plates, sippy cups, baking dishes, kitchen utensils, mats and even toys.
But, is silicone safe?
Is silicone safe?
For the most part, it is. However, there are some things to take into consideration.
Silicone exposure to heat and fat
While the FDA does indeed say that food grade silicone is safe and will not react with other materials or release hazardous compounds when heated, there are some studies that question how stable silicone is when exposed to extreme heat.
These studies have found that small amounts of certain compounds called siloxanes can leach from silicone when it is exposed to both fat and temperatures over 300F. While the amount of siloxanes leaching is very small, these compounds have been linked to reproductive impairment, liver changes, and some may be even be endocrine disrupting.
The good news is that absolutely NO siloxanes have been found to leach from silicone products that are NOT EXPOSED to VERY HIGH heat and fat.
Silicone purity
Additionally, not all silicone is made equal. Some less expensive silicone products can contain fillers.
When choosing silicone products make sure you choose 100% food grade silicone.
Have they been tested & deemed lead-free?
Finally, it is important to confirm that the silicone, especially brightly colored silicone, has undergone lead testing, since the colorants could be a source of lead. Most children’s product will specify they are BPA and lead free; if they do not ask the manufacturer.
Why I like silicone for babies and kids
Food grade silicone can be a safe and convenient alternative to plastic. Due to its flexibility, light weight, easy cleaning and hygienic and hypoallergenic properties (it has no open pores to harbor bacteria), it is especially convenient for snack containers, bibs, mats, protective sleeves and bath toys.
While I really like 100% natural rubber for teethers and pacifiers, silicone does have a solid track record for safe use in baby bottle nipples, pacifiers and teethers too.
The best children’s silicone products
At The Tot, we never use or recommend anything that hasn’t passed The Tot Safety Test.
This means I’ve reviewed third-party testing, examined ingredients lists and asked in length about a product’s composition.
Below are all Tot Tested and approved silicone products!
Doddle & Co. The Pop & Go Silicone Pacifier (2 Pack)
$18.99
Available in more colors
January Moon Silicone Sensory Necklace
$34
Available in more colors
HART + LAND DOUBLE SILICONE TEETHER
$25
EXCLUSIVE
Olababy Silicone Gentle Bottle (2 Pack)
$28.95
Available in more colors
4 oz / 8 oz
The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing
$139
EXCLUSIVE
The Tot Feeding Sets: Baby-led Weaning (6m +)
$89
EXCLUSIVE
The Tot Feeding Sets: Starting Solids Stage 1 & 2 (6 – 9m)
$139
EXCLUSIVE
The Tot Feeding Sets: Stage 3 Solids (9 – 12m)
$109
EXCLUSIVE
EZPZ Silicone Happy Mat
$25
Available in more colors
EZPZ Silicone Happy Bowl
$19
Available in more colors
EZPZ Silicone Tiny Cup
$10
Available in more colors
EZPZ Silicone Tiny Spoons (Twin Pack)
$15
Available in more colors
Avanchy Bamboo & Silicone Stay Put Toddler Plate & Spoon
$24.99
Available in more colors
Avanchy Bamboo & Silicone Stay Put Baby Suction Bowl & Spoon
$19.99
Available in more colors
Avanchy Stainless Steel & Silicone Baby Fork & Spoon Set
$16.99
Available in more colors
Avanchy Stainless Steel & Silicone Suction Bowl & Lid
$19.99
Available in more colors
January Moon Bamboo & Silicone Spoon and Fork Set
$18
Available in more colors
Modern Twist Silicone Mark Mat
$22
Available in more illustrations
Mushie Silicone Bib
$12.99
Available in more colors
Zip Top Silicone Snack Containers (Set of 4)
$34.99
Zip Top Silicone Food Bags (Set of 8)
$89.99
Zip Top Silicone Food Bags (Set of 3)
$47.99
Dena Silicone Neon Rainbow
$49.99
Continue exploring
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