A child’s health is a matter of significant importance for every parent. Everything from the selection of ingredients to the choice of crockery requires a lot of hard work by the concerned parents. Parents, usually the new ones, question the safety of every single product they use for their little ones. Feeding equipment, even a single spoon, is no exception to this.
A spoon is the main equipment that is used for feeding babies, so the safety of the spoon is a matter of great concern among the parents. Silicone spoons, due to their numerous qualities, are a popular choice among parents. Still, the question regarding the safety of silicone spoons is in the minds of many parents. Generally, it is believed that the safety of any product depends on its quality. Finding quality products is not a hard task, you can easily find premium quality products at weesprout.com.
The question regarding the safety of silicone spoons for babies has no final answer as it depends on several factors. Parents need to decide the final answer based on their personal perspective. The discussion below will assist you in coming up with an answer while considering all the relevant factors.
What Makes Silicone Spoons a Great Choice?
Discussed below are some of the points that make silicone spoons safe for babies and great for use in general:
1. The Silicone Spoons Are Free of Chemicals
One of the greatest advantages of silicone spoons is that they are mostly free of chemicals and harmful materials. Using them to feed a baby is considered safe, as they don’t expose the food to chemicals. Being free of chemicals, silicone spoons are a great alternative to plastic spoons. Many pediatricians also have given thumbs regarding the idea of using silicone spoons just because they are free of chemicals.
2. Silicone Spoons Have No Open Pores
Silicone spoons have a very smooth texture. The absence of open pores makes silicone spoons great for feeding babies. By having no open pores, silicone spoons don’t let bacteria or germs accumulate in the spoon. Also, it is easy to clean the equipment that has no open pores.
3. They Don’t Hurt Babies
Silicone spoons have no sharp edges, and thus are very safe for babies. Parents can even allow the baby to chew the spoon, without having to worry about them swallowing any piece of it. The soft texture of the spoon makes it ideal for babies. The babies can even feed themselves on their own using silicone spoons. Even if the baby is using the spoon roughly, the spoon is not likely to hurt him or her at all.
4. They Are Safe For Our Planet
Silicone spoons are often made of material that is safe for our planet. The silicone spoons don’t release any toxins and chemicals into the environment. On the other hand, the greatest substitute for silicone spoons i.e., plastic spoons is extremely harmful to our environment.
5. Being Lightweight These Spoons Can Be Carried Easily
The silicone material is very light in weight. Being light in weight, silicone spoons are great for use in daily life. Also, a silicone spoon doesn’t take up much space, so you can easily carry them in your bag. Babies can also carry a lightweight silicone spoon on their own.
6. They Are Durable
No matter how many times your baby drops the silicone spoon, it is not likely to break at all. Being scratch-free, silicone spoons look new even after years of usage. Their durability makes them great for use in daily life.
7. Silicone Spoons Can Be Recycled
Silicone spoons can be melted and molded into new shapes easily. When you are done with your silicone spoon, you can take it to any recycling center and can get the spoon recycled. Doing this is not only safe for the environment but will also provide you with some pennies.
What Makes Silicone Spoon Unfit For Use?
Some factors that make silicone spoons unfit for use include:
1. Low-Quality Silicone Spoons May Have BPA
Some low-quality silicone spoons contain BPA and other harmful materials. Parents cannot usually distinguish between BPA-free and BPA-containing silicone spoons, thus bringing home a silicone spoon that contains BPA. The presence of BPA in silicone spoons is not safe for the baby and is strictly prohibited by doctors.
2. May Expose Food to Chemicals
Silicone spoons when exposed to heat can release harmful chemicals and toxins. If hot food is mixed or served using a silicone spoon, it is exposed to chemicals, and hence is not safe for the baby’s health.
3. Some Babies Are Allergic to Silicone
Some babies, when fed using a silicone spoon, get blisters in their mouths. Silicone material can cause allergic reactions and hence is not safe for all babies. Before using a silicone spoon ensure that your baby is not allergic to silicone.
Tips Regarding The Use of Silicone Spoons
The safety of silicone spoons also depends on how they are used. Given below are some of the tips that you need to keep in mind while buying or using a silicone spoon:
- Never use a silicone spoon to serve or mix extremely hot food. Doing this will cause the spoon to release toxins and chemicals in the food.
- Select a medical-grade silicone spoon. Medical grade silicone is safe for the environment and the baby.
- Make sure to wash the silicone spoon after every use. Silicone spoons when left unwashed for a long time can develop a layer of germs and bacteria.
Final Verdict
Considering the above discussion, it is fair enough to say that this question cannot be answered using a simple Yes or No. While many points force us to say yes, some points cause us to back out from our answer.
Take time to read and understand all the points discussed above and then make a decision that you think is appropriate. If unable to find an answer, then consider taking the advice of your pediatrician or health expert.
