Natural Rubber Soother Dummy FAQs
Here are some commonly ask questions about our Natural Rubber Soothers:
- What are the benefits of natural rubber soothers & why should I buy it over others?
- Which size and style should I get?
- Are Natural Rubber Soothers made from sustainable materials?
- What is the Natural Rubber Soother dummy made of?
- To what standards are the Natural Rubber Soother dummies produced and tested?
- What are the use and care instructions for my natural rubber soother?
- How often should I replace my soother?
- I’ve noticed the shield touches my baby’s nose! Is this an issue?
- The new dummy I bought is smaller than the one I have, did you change the size?
- Why are some of my dummy’s darker?
- I’ve noticed my Natural Rubber Soother dummy get darker with use. Is this normal?
- To soothe or not to soothe and are we encouraging the use of a soother?
- Why does my dummy have a whitish layer?
- Which way does the orthodontic dummy go?
What are the benefits of natural rubber soothers? Why should I buy it over another?
Buying a Natural Rubber Soother means you get a product that is:
- Safer and more hygienic for your baby
- Made from 100% natural rubber
- Better for the environment
Plus you and your baby avoid:
- Allergy-causing substances
- Biphenol-A (BPA)
- Artificial colours
- Chemical softeners
- Parabens, PVC, and phthalates
Find out more about the benefits of Natural Rubber Soothers.
You’re also reducing your carbon footprint
We manufacture and import our Natural Rubber Soothers and Natural Rubber Teethers directly from Malaysia. Many other brands are manufactured in or imported from Europe, interestingly natural rubber is only grown in Malaysia or South America, which means when you buy their brand the rubber is flown to Europe and then flown back to Australia and then to you. In one case we know of, the rubber goes from the country of origin to Italy then to Denmark and then to Australia.
When you choose a Natural Rubber Soother you minimise the carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
Which size and style should I get?
Natural Rubber Soothers are available in round (cherry) and orthodontic shapes, both have the same size shield and there are five sizes to choose from depending on the age of your baby:
- round small 0-3 months
- round medium 3-6 months
- round large 6+ months
- orthodontic shape small 0-6 months
- orthodontic shape large 6+ months
Natural Rubber Soothers are helpful in satisfying your baby’s need for self-soothing, while preventing possible negative effects on teeth and palate formation created by his or her thumb sucking.
Round Shape - Tends to work better for breast-fed babies because the tongue is positioned under the nipple as it is during breast-feeding, which helps prevent nipple confusion. About 80% of babies tend to move soothers around in their mouths, so the position of the round soother can never end up around the wrong way. Because the tongue’s position never changes, midwives usually recommend starting babies on rounded soothers. Natural Rubber Soothers round model is available in small (0-3 months), medium (3-6 months) and large (6 months+).
Orthodontic Shape - With the orthodontic shape, the tip of the nipple is slanted to encourage tongue movement against it (as opposed to under it). The tongue’s pressure is directed towards the tip. This shape is ideal for babies who are already accustomed to the orthodontic shape. The Natural Rubber Soother Ortho shape is available in small (0-6 months) and large (6 months+).
Are Natural Rubber Soothers made from sustainable materials?
Absolutely! The natural rubber used to make our Soothers and Teethers comes from a manufacturer in Malaysia that values both sustainability and the environment. Through them we ensure the natural rubber is sustainable by replanting rubber trees and investing in research and development.
On top of their environment policy our supplier has a water treatment plant to clean up its processed water before discharging the water, meeting the standards of the Malaysian Department of Environment regarding public water ways. To ensure little waste they also recycle their waste by selling it to other manufacturers who convert the waste to a lower grade rubber, for example the production of rubber floor mats used in public parks & playgrounds.
For more information visit the Malaysian Rubber Board website www.lgm.gov.my.
What is the Natural Rubber Soother dummy made of?
They are made from a single piece of 100% pure Natural Rubber crafted from the sap of a Hevea Brasiliensis tree.
To what standards are the Natural Rubber Soother dummies produced and tested?
We are proud to say that our Natural Rubber Soothers meet both Australian and European safety standards.
What are the use and care instructions for my natural rubber soother?
Before first use:
Before using your Natural Rubber Soother, please sterilise by immersing in boiling water for 5minutes, then remove from the water & allow to cool. This will remove the oily film that naturally occurs on the rubber. Never allow to cool in the water.
Daily care:
Simply wash in warm water with mild liquid soap. If extra sterilisation is required place the dummy in a strainer and pour boiling water over the top. Do not sterilize in a bottle sterilizer, wash in a dishwasher or leave in boiling water after the first clean.
You should always inspect the dummy carefully before each use, especially when your child has teeth. Pull it in all directions and throw it away at the first sign of damage. Being natural rubber, your product will eventually turn brown and feel sticky to touch, this is when it should be replaced.
Pins, cords or ribbons attached to a dummy poses a strangulation hazard, especially when attached to your child's clothes so it's recommended to use the dummy on its own. Strangulations hazards include the cutting off of blood supply to fingers and limbs.
When not in use, dummies should be protected from direct sunlight, UV light or a heat source as this could lead to deterioration weakening the product. Additionally, dummies should be stored in a dry, covered container when not intended to be used immediately after appropriate sterilization.
Decorations such as stickers or labels should not added to dummies as they could detach and cause a choking hazard.
The dummy should not be dipped in sweet or oily substances (e.g. syrups, honey, jam nor oily or fatty foods) as this can lead to tooth decay or adversely effect the integrity and service life of the dummy.
It is important to be aware in the event that the dummy becomes lodged in the mouth, it cannot be swallowed and is designed to cope with such an event but should be removed from the mouth with care as gently as possible.
How often should I replace my soother?
Natural Rubber Soothers should be replaced every 8-12 weeks (depending on frequency of use) with the age appropriate size. Provided you carefully inspect the dummy before each use (especially when your child has teeth) there is no harm in using it for a longer period of time, however you’ll notice the rubber get darker and possibly sticky, which a sign it’s time to replace the dummy.
It’s also recommended that you match the age of your child to the size of the dummy. Replacing a small with a medium at 3 months and a medium with a large at 6 months is ideal.
These sizes are only a guide as some babies prefer a larger or smaller nipple.
I’ve noticed the shield touches my baby’s nose! Is this an issue?
The large rubber shield is deliberately designed to gently touch your baby’s nose as it helps simulate breastfeeding. The closeness gives them the same secure feeling they get with their mothers nipple and breast during breastfeeding.
The new dummy I bought is smaller than the one I have, did you change the size?
No, the size of our dummies hasn’t changed. However what you may be noticing is the enlargement of your original dummy. After heavy use the nipple of the dummy expands, hence we recommend replacing the dummy every 8-12 weeks or having a few in rotation to extend the use time. Having a few dummies also allows you to completely dry the dummy before it’s used again. Unlike some other dummies being 100% natural means we don’t use stabilising chemicals that keep the shape of the nipple.
Another possible cause is oil. Natural Rubber is very sensitive to oil contamination such as fried, baby food and so on. This oil will cause the rubber to swell and reduce the properties.
Why are some of my dummy’s darker?
As Natural Rubber Soothers are made from a 100% natural product it’s common for them to look different. The absence of artificial colours means they are in their organic form so some will be darker than others.
I’ve noticed my Natural Rubber Soother dummy get darker with use. Is this normal?
This is completely normal. Because the Natural Rubber Soother contains no chemicals or anti-oxidants to keep it light the rubber can sometimes darken over time. This is not a concern; it’s simply an effect of using a 100% natural product.
To soothe or not to soothe and are we encouraging the use of a soother?
Natural Rubber Soothers are not encouraging you to use a soother, but encourage you to do things that help you during tough times. You do not need to make soothers a permanent feature of your baby's life, Natural Rubber Soothers can help you through a rough patch.
Ideal uses for a Natural Rubber Soother:
- Aeroplane travel - whilst the plane is ascending or descending air pressure changes and babies are unable to unblock their ears unless they are sucking and swallowing.
- Painful nipples - when you just can’t use your breast anymore as a comforter, a Natural Rubber Soother can give your nipples the chance to repair.
- Sleep Activator - Some babies drift off to sleep whilst feeding and when you transfer them into bed they can wake up. By using a Natural Rubber Soother during this transition from feeding to the cot, baby can use the Soother as a sleep activator.
- Optional Parent Helper - Natural Rubber Soothers are an optional parent helper, they are not always essential, as many babies will never need a soother. Every parent has different needs, providing safe alternatives for your babies in these circumstances are what is desired.
Why does my dummy have a whitish layer?
This ‘whitish’ layer is scale that can attach to the surface of your dummy if left in water too long. It’s harmless and should disappear after a couple of washes with warm water and mild soap.
It’s important not to leave your Natural Rubber Soother in water beyond the very first sterilization (see care instructions for more detail) because it will make the dummy look dull and could cause it to age and become sticky more quickly.
Which way does the orthodontic dummy go?
Place the orthodontic teat into your baby’s mouth with the flat side facing down towards their tongue (see diagram below).That way your baby’s tongue can stay in it’s normal resting place without adding pressure on the front teeth. This helps to protect the teeth being pushed forward which could lead to future dental issues.
