Other Dummy FAQs

What shape is your dummy and why?

We currently offer a classic round teat as it tends to be the most used. Midwives usually recommended starting babies on a round soother because about 80% of them tend to move the soother around in their mouths, so having a round dummy means it can never end up the wrong way around. Plus the round shape dummy is best for breastfed babies as it helps with nipple confusion.

What are cub & bear co dummies made of?

We colour pure Natural Rubber from the sap of a Hevea Brasiliensis tree with FDA approved food contact pigments and craft it into a single piece. This makes the dummy compostable and free from any chemical nasties.

How frequently should I change the dummy?

It all depends on how much your baby is using the dummy. For example if you have many dummies in rotation you won’t have to change them as frequently but as a rule of thumb all dummies, including the Cub & Bear Co natural rubber dummies should be replaced every 8-12 weeks. However as long as you examine the dummy before each use (especially if your child has teeth) there shouldn’t be any issues using them for longer. The only thing to be aware of is that because the rubber is a natural product that doesn’t have any chemicals, you’ll start to see wear in the dummy. The colour can become darker and the rubber can get sticky, all of which is completely harmless.

The dummy covers the baby’s nose, is that meant to happen?

Absolutely! We’re thoughtfully design our dummies so that the large rubber shield gently touches your baby’s nose because this helps simulate breastfeeding. This emulates the same safe and comfortable feeling they get from your breast while they are feeding. Even if you’re baby isn’t breastfed, you’re baby isn’t at all concerned.

The new dummy is smaller than the old one. Have you changed the size?

No, because our product is 100% natural and we don’t use stabilising chemicals the nipple can expand after significant use. Which means that it’s larger than the brand-new dummies. This is one of the reasons we recommend replacing it every 8-12 weeks. Whilst we’d love to keep the size the same, we believe a little expanding is a small price to pay to ensure your baby isn’t sucking chemically altered plastic.

Have you changed the colour of the dummies? The new ones are lighter?

Over time natural rubber darkens and because our dummies are free from chemicals or anti-oxidants they will become darker and stickier like all natural rubber. This is one of the reasons we recommend replacing it every 8-12 weeks. Whilst we’d love to keep the colour the same, we believe a little expanding is a small price to pay to ensure your baby isn’t sucking chemically altered plastic.

Why has the dummy turned white?

When natural rubber is left in water too long scale can accumulate. Scale is a harmless ‘whitish’ film that should go away after a few washes with mild soap and warm water. To avoid this film avoid leaving the dummy in water and follow the care instructions we’ve outlined. Whilst scale is harmless it changes the appearance of the beautiful colours and can cause it to age much quicker.