Understanding Silicone Safety Grades for Baby Products
Food-Grade / FDA-Grade Silicone
Most silicone feeding products for babies are made from food-grade silicone, often referred to as FDA-grade silicone.
This means the silicone complies with food-contact safety standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). High-quality food-grade silicone is generally considered one of the safer synthetic materials available for baby feeding products.
Good-quality food-grade silicone is typically:
- BPA and phthalate free
- non-toxic
- heat resistant
- flexible and durable
- dishwasher safe
- microwave safe
- resistant to cracking or breaking
Easy to Clean & Non-Porous: High-grade silicone toys are dishwasher-safe, can be boiled for sterilization, and will not harbor mold or bacteria.
Food-grade silicone became especially popular as an alternative to some conventional plastics because it is more stable under heat and less likely to become brittle over time.
This is now the standard most commonly used for baby bibs, suction bowls, cups, spoons, snack containers, and teethers.
LFGB Silicone — The European Gold Standard
You may also see some brands advertising LFGB-certified silicone.
LFGB is a German food safety standard used throughout parts of Europe and is often considered stricter than standard FDA food-grade testing. In many cases, LFGB testing involves more rigorous assessments for chemical migration, taste, odour, and overall material purity.
LFGB-certified silicone is typically tested for:
- chemical safety
- purity
- odour and taste transfer
- durability under heat and repeated use
Because of these tighter European standards, many parents seeking premium silicone products specifically look for LFGB-certified silicone.
Does a Higher Silicone Grade Mean “Natural”?
Not necessarily.
Even high-quality silicone remains a synthetic, manufactured material rather than a natural one like:
- wood
- organic cotton
- wool
- natural rubber
However, higher-grade silicones are generally preferred because they are more stable, more durable, and less likely to contain fillers or impurities.
A Balanced Perspective
For many families, high-quality silicone can be a practical and safe option — particularly for feeding and teething products where flexibility, softness, and durability are important.
At the same time, many parents still prefer natural materials wherever possible, especially for toys, comforters, and nursery items.
Materials such as wood, organic cotton, wool, and natural rubber continue to appeal to families seeking a more natural, low-tox, and environmentally mindful lifestyle.
Ultimately, the most important thing is choosing thoughtfully made products from trusted brands that meet recognised safety standards and align with your family’s own values and lifestyle.
As always, quality, transparency, and thoughtful design matter far more than trends alone.
Australian Toy Safety Standards
While it is illegal for baby toys to be sold in Australia if they do not comply with the mandatory toy safety standards, some smaller businesses or parents directly, import from sources that offer counterfeit brands or unbranded cheaper versions of branded quality items. If they are not from a known brand it is unknown if they comply with safety standards.
To verify compliance, check the product packaging or the brand’s website: It is always safer to purchase from leading brands that go through very strict compliance checks to import into Australia.
Safety Checklists for Parents
The “Pinch Test”: A simple, non-scientific test parents use is to twist or pinch the silicone. If white marks appear, it often means the silicone is mixed with plastic fillers and is not pure 100% silicone.
