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Mushie Plates & Feeding Review: Are They Really Non-Toxic? When Mushie burst onto the baby feeding scene, parents took notice — not just because the plates and bowls look beautiful, but because the brand made some clear claims about safety that resonated with families who'd been quietly skeptical of conventional plastic feeding products. But are those claims substantiated? We've carried Mushie at Everetts Place and looked carefully at the materials. Here's what we found. What Is Mushie Made Of? Mushie feeding products are made from 100% food-grade silicone. This is an important distinction that often gets glossed over in the "non-toxic" conversation, so let's break it down clearly. There are different grades of silicone: Industrial silicone — used in construction, automotive, electronics. Not appropriate for anything touching food or skin. Medical-grade silicone — used in medical devices and implants. Very high purity. Food-grade silicone — the standard for cookware, bakeware, and food storage. Tested and certified to be safe in contact with food, including at high temperatures. Mushie uses food-grade silicone that meets FDA and EU food safety standards. This means it's been independently tested to confirm it won't leach chemicals into food. BPA-Free vs Food-Grade Silicone: What's the Difference? You'll see "BPA-free" on virtually every plastic baby product sold today. It's become a minimum standard rather than a meaningful safety claim. Here's the thing about BPA-free: Many BPA-free plastics contain BPS or BPF — different bisphenols that preliminary research suggests may have similar hormonal effects to BPA "BPA-free" doesn't mean free from other plasticizers, dyes, or chemical additives Plastic can still leach microplastics, especially with repeated heating and washing Food-grade silicone sidesteps most of these concerns. It's not plastic — it's a synthetic rubber made from silica (essentially sand). It doesn't contain bisphenols, doesn't leach plasticizers, and is stable at a wide range of temperatures. For a product that will be used daily for years and regularly put in the dishwasher and microwave, this matters. What Mushie Does Differently Beyond the material choice, a few things make Mushie stand out in the crowded baby feeding category: Suction base — the suction plates stick to smooth surfaces and significantly reduce the toddler meal-time plate-throwing phase. Experienced parents know this is worth its weight in gold. Minimal design — no unnecessary crevices or complex shapes that trap food and are impossible to clean. Dishwasher safe and genuinely easy to get clean by hand too. Muted, beautiful colors — Mushie's color palette is restrained and beautiful. The products look good on a table and in photos, which sounds minor but genuinely adds to daily life. Consistency — the whole Mushie line has a coherent, considered aesthetic. The plates, bowls, cups, and utensils all work together. Are There Any Caveats? Silicone is not perfect. A few things to know: It can absorb strong odors and colors over time (avoid leaving tomato sauce to soak) It's heavier than plastic — a non-issue for plates, but worth knowing The suction only works on smooth, non-textured surfaces None of these are dealbreakers. They're just practical things to know going in. Our Verdict Yes, Mushie's non-toxic claims are substantiated. Food-grade silicone is a genuinely safer choice than conventional plastic for feeding products, and Mushie executes it beautifully. The design is thoughtful, the safety credentials are real, and the products hold up to daily family life. We carry Mushie at Everetts Place because we believe in the product, not because it's trendy. Shop Our Picks Browse our Mushie feeding collection at Everetts Place to see current plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. If you have questions about specific products or what's age-appropriate for your little one, we're always happy to help you put together a feeding setup that's both safe and genuinely easy to use.

Teething is rough — for babies and parents alike. Between the drooling, the fussing, and the desperate chewing on everything in reach, teethers become constant companions around 4–6 months. But not all teethers are safe. Here's what to avoid and what to look for. Materials to Avoid BPA (Bisphenol A): An endocrine disruptor found in some hard plastics. Most reputable brands have eliminated it, but "BPA-free" doesn't mean all plastics are safe — it may still contain BPS or BPF, similar compounds with similar concerns. Phthalates: Plasticizers used to make PVC soft and flexible. PVC teethers can leach phthalates, which are hormone disruptors. Avoid any teether made from PVC. PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Often called vinyl, PVC releases toxic chemicals during manufacturing and use. Skip it entirely for baby products. Fragrance or paint: Some teethers have painted designs or scented components — neither belongs in a baby's mouth. Safe Teether Materials Natural rubber: Derived from rubber tree sap, natural rubber is soft, flexible, and genuinely non-toxic. It's the classic teether material — the Sophie la Girafe is made from it. Look for 100% natural rubber with no paint or coating. GOTS certified organic cotton: Soft fabric teethers are safe for mouthing and can be chilled in the refrigerator for extra soothing relief. Untreated solid wood (maple or beech): Smooth, hard wood gives baby something to press gum tissue against. Must be unfinished or finished with beeswax or food-safe oil only — no paint, stain, or varnish. Food-grade silicone: High-quality food-grade silicone (not all silicone is equal) is safe for teething when it's free from fillers and plasticizers. Look for brands that test and certify their silicone. Top Picks Natural rubber teethers with OEKO-TEX certified cotton attachments hit all the right marks. Wooden ring rattles in untreated maple are a Montessori-friendly choice that doubles as a toy. For fabric teethers, GOTS certified organic cotton crinkle toys are soothing, safe, and easy to throw in the wash. Teether Safety Tips Never freeze a teether — frozen hard plastic or rubber can bruise tender gums. Refrigerate instead. Inspect teethers regularly for cracks or tears that could harbor bacteria. Replace any teether that shows signs of wear. Avoid teethers with small detachable parts, liquid-filled designs, or magnets. Shop at Everetts Place Every product is hand-vetted for safety certifications — GOTS, OEKO-TEX, PFAS-free, and more. → Montessori Baby Toys & Play Kits Collection → Bibs Collection → Animal Ring Teethers → New Arrivals Collection