Sophie the Giraffe on Slate

Since we’re chatting reader feedback, I have to mention this one: last week, my dad sent me a link to a very interesting Slate article.

It was an article about a teether—not just any teether, but Sophie the Giraffe.

Sophie the Giraffe, a rubber teether of international fame, has been a favorite among new parents for quite some time.  And unlike the article insists, most new parents I know swear by Sophie because their friends swear by it.  I couldn’t tell you what celebrity baby had Sophie, but I can tell you which of my friends did.

We’ve all been there: when a kid’s teething you’ll do anything to soften the cries and lessen the pain.  That is, anything that’s safe and effective.  And for me, I hardly consider a teether a social status.

For many parents who opt to go the natural route, numbing medicine is replaced by teethers and homemade methods.  Likened to the feel of a bottle’s nipple, Sophie’s rubber resistance against a baby’s aching, teething gums has been called a lifesaver when nothing else worked.  And just like the article mentions, when concerns started to rise about the safety of products from China, parents turned to less questionable products, including the rubber giraffe from France named Sophie.

Sophie the Giraffe is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint, making it completely safe to chew for babies.  Her unique size and shape make it easy for tiny fingers to grasp as well.

Regardless of how she got her rise to fame, Sophie is a beloved teether in the parenting community.  Sure, she costs a little more than her plastic counterparts, but for many, her effectiveness and safety is worth the expense.

Check it

Be sure to check out this interesting article on Sophie the Giraffe on Slate.

Sophie the Giraffe from Viulli can be found at specialty stores and retailers like giggle.  I even spotted her on Bed Bath and Beyond‘s site and diapers.com.

Hyland’s Introduces New Version of Teething Gel

Hyland’s now produces its all-natural Teething Gel in a paraben-free formula. The teething gel, which is endorsed by pediatrician, Dr. Jim Sears, helps by providing temporary relief for symptoms due to teething.

tgelnew

Parabens are described as a chemical used as a preservative in cosmetics, deodorants, food. It’s a chemical that has been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Over this past year or so of teething, I’ve sworn by Hyland’s gel and teething tablets.  It’s great to hear that it’s now paraben-free.

Hyland’s Teething Gel doesn’t include benzocaine, sugar, dyes, coloring agents, parabens or artificial flavoring, which makes it a natural alternative to other teething gels. The new tubes of Teething Gel contains 50% more gel than previously and will be sold at the same price. Hyland’s Teething Gel is now available in 0.5-ounce tubes in natural food stores but will launch in chain drug and mass market stores later this summer.

Be sure to check out Hyland’s site to get a $1 off coupon and to enter the Before and Happy After Hyland’s video contest.