Natural hevea rubber is the heart of the classic spotted giraffe: soft, warm to the touch and gentle on gums. It is also a natural material with its own rules. Treat it right and a single teether happily survives the whole teething era.
The daily routine
After play, wipe the surface with a cloth dampened in warm water with a drop of mild soap, then wipe again with clear water and let it air-dry. That is the entire official protocol — thirty seconds, done.
Why you must not boil or submerge it
- No boiling or steam sterilizers. Heat ages natural rubber, making it sticky and brittle.
- No dunking the squeaker. Classic figures have a whistle opening; water trapped inside cannot be fully dried and may grow mold. Surface-clean only.
- No dishwasher, no microwave. Both combine heat and moisture — the two things hevea dislikes most.
- No bleach or alcohol wipes. Aggressive chemistry strips the food-grade finish.
Storage between teething waves
Keep rubber toys away from radiators and direct sunlight, ideally in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid sealed plastic boxes: trapped humidity is as unkind as heat.
When to retire a teether
Check monthly: deep cracks, torn parts a baby could bite off, or a sticky surface mean the natural material has served its term. Sentimental value goes to the keepsake shelf; the mouth gets a fresh one.
Textiles and silicone are the easy ones
Unlike rubber, cotton swaddles and hooded towels love the washing machine at 30°C, and silicone plates, cups and cutlery are dishwasher-safe. Only the hevea pieces ask for hand care.
Published: August 15, 2026
