HEVEA FAQS
WHICH PACIFIER SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Hevea pacifiers come in three different teat shapes; orthodontic, round and symmetrical, and two different sizes; 0-3 months and 3-36 months. The orthodontic pacifier is also available in large plus for infants 3-36+ months who need a larger teat.
- ORTHODONTIC
Orthodontic pacifiers are designed to prevent tooth misalignment and other orthodontic issues later in life, as baby teeth come in and eventually give way to adult teeth. They have a flattened bottom and a rounded top.
- ROUND
The round pacifiers are similar in shape to the natural rubber teats in all of the HEVEA Baby glass bottles and in most bottles by other brands. This teat shape is recommended for babies that are used to being bottle-fed.
- SYMMETRICAL
The symmetrical teat is similar to the shape of the female nipple and is therefore recommended for breastfed babies. This is the smallest teat shape in Hevea’s natural rubber pacifier range.
WHY SHOULD I BUY A HEVEA PACIFIER?
All Hevea pacifiers are made from natural rubber sap so they are better for the planet than silicone or plastic, which use fossil fuels in the manufacturing process. The pacifiers are 100% hygienic because they are made only from natural rubber with no seams or joins where bacteria can get in. The natural rubber is silky smooth and gentle on a baby’s face and teeth but strong enough to be resistant to biting.
The colourful pacifiers are trendy and fun, and the natural pigments are all FDA approved. Both the packaging and the pacifiers are 100% compostable, unlike plastic or silicone pacifiers, which don’t biodegrade and end up in landfill.
WHY ARE MY OLD AND NEW PACIFIERS DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES?
The old pacifier might have "grown" in size or changed shape by being used over time. This can happen because natural rubber is a flexible material. It is possible that the pacifier has resized if your child has a very strong sucks, or if the pacifier has been used for too long (we recommend replacing pacifiers every 6‐8 weeks) or if it has been washed in a dishwasher.
BEFORE USING A NEW PACIFIER FOR THE FIRST TIME, I NOTICED IT FELT GREASY AND HAD AN ODOUR – IS THIS NORMAL?
Yes. Hevea pacifiers have a fine layer of vegetable oil to prevent them from drying out. This disappears during the initial sterilisation. The odour is that of natural rubber.
WHY DOES MY PACIFIER CHANGE COLOUR OVER TIME?
The natural rubber used to manufacture Hevea pacifiers contains no preservatives or antioxidants. Natural rubber changes in colour over time.
IS IT NORMAL FOR MY PACIFIER TO PEEL?
No, it is not normal for your pacifier to peel. The problem can be that you might have used it for more than the recommended 2 months or you may have cleaned it incorrectly. In order to ensure proper hygiene, the pacifier can be sterilized in boiling water. We suggest you stop using it if it starts to peel and that you replace it with a new one. It is also a good idea to use more than one pacifier at a time so that your pacifier will not wear out as quickly. All pacifiers should be replaced at least every 6‐8 weeks for hygienic reasons.
DO HEVEA PACIFIERS CONTAIN NITROSAMINES?
Nitrosamines are found in all natural rubber, as well as in other natural things such as avocado, smoked meat etc. Hevea’s products meet all required standards and tests show that the nitrosamine level is non‐detectable.
ARE THERE ANY BADDIES IN HEVEA PRODUCTS?
Hevea’s products are all tested to prove that they meet EU standard EN1400, USA CPSIA regulations, and AS 2432‐1991 regulations in Australia. Hevea work with an independent research agency, SGS, who are one of the world’s leading companies for testing and analysis and they are constantly testing their products.
DO HEVEA PACIFIERS COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY STANDARDS?
Yes, independent tests and analysis ensure that Hevea pacifiers meet all required standards in Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand (see above).
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO STOP USING PACIFIERS?
It is very individual and varies a lot from culture to culture, parent to parent and, of course, from child to child. We recommend you stop using pacifiers when your child is 3.
HOW CAN I DISPOSE OF MY OLD PACIFIERS?
Hevea pacifiers are 100% biodegradable and can be disposed of as organic waste.
WHAT IS THE PACIFIER PACKAGING MADE FROM?
All of Hevea’s carton packaging is made from FSC® certified material. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) works to improve forest management worldwide, and FSC® certification creates an incentive for forest owners and managers to follow best social and environmental practices. When you buy a product that is FSC certified, you are helping to ensure that forests are kept safe and thriving for generations to come The window of the packaging is made from EARTHFIRST® PLA Blown Clear Window Carton Film, which is a compostable plastic film made from renewable plant resources including dextrose sugar.
The pouch for the 2 pack pacifiers is made from renewable and biodegradable Japanese kraft paper. This light, yet strong high-quality paper not only looks great, but is also durable enough to use as storage for pacifiers over and over again. The window, zipper, and lining of the pouches are all made from non‐toxic, vegetable-based biodegradable materials derived from plant waste – wheat straws and corn stalks. Using this material makes up barely 0.05 % of the annual global corn use, making it an incredibly low-impact resource. This material causes no damage to the environment as it breaks down into water, CO2 and biomass when composted in a controlled environment. Put simply; it’s as environmentally friendly as possible. The pouches are certified to the European standard “TÜV OK Compost” complying with the EU standard EN 13432.
TOYS AND BATH TOYS
HOW DO I CLEAN MY TOYS?
The toys should be cleaned by hand or in a machine especially suitable for cleaning rubber. They should never be washed in a dishwasher. For a more natural approach to cleaning your bath toys, use vinegar. Mix four parts of white vinegar to one part of warm water. Submerge the toys completely or apply the solution to each toy with a sponge.
HOW DO I STORE MY BATH TOYS WHEN NOT IN USE?
When the bath toy is not in use, dry it and keep in a clean and dry place, out of direct sunlight and heat. For the Squeeze N Splash line, ensure the inside of the toy is completely dry before replacing the bottom plug.
DO HEVEA BATH TOYS COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS?
Yes, Hevea bath toys are tested by independent analysis and prove compliance with the CE health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
WHY DOES MY BATH TOYS CHANGE IN COLOUR OVER TIME?
HEVEA is made from 100% natural rubber contains no added antioxidants to keep it light yellow. Natural rubber is a natural material that changes over time.
WHAT KIND OF PAINT IS USED ON THE KAWAN DUCKS AND TEETHER?
The Kawan ducks and teethers are hand painted with pigments from vegetables and plants. As the colours are natural, they might fade over time. In order to lengthen the life of your Kawans, they should be kept in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight or direct heat.
ARE THERE ANY BADDIES IN YOUR PRODUCTS?
Hevea’s products are all tested to prove that they meet EU standard EN1400, US CPSIA regulations and AS 2432‐1991 regulations in Australia. Hevea work with an independent research agency, SGS, who are one of the world’s leading companies for testing and analysis and they are constantly testing their products.
WHAT ARE THE BLACK SPOTS?
The black spots could potentially be mould spots and only appear if the bath toy has been left wet or damp over time and not dried after use. However, you can clean the mould off using vinegar, which is a wonderful natural disinfectant and is safer than bleach. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 3.5 litres of water and let the toys soak for an hour. Scrub the toys down with a sponge and let them dry completely. Repeat if required.
TEETHERS
WHT IS MY TEETHER OILY AND HOW DO I GET IT OFF?
Hevea products have a fine layer of vegetable oil to prevent them from drying out. This disappears during the initial sterilisation process using boiling water. Dry it off and it is ready for use.
MY TEETHER IS QUITE STICKY. WHY?
If it has been used for a long time or maintained incorrectly, it might start to biodegrade. You should stop using it if it is starting to get sticky.
HOW CAN I CLEAN MY TEETHER AND CAN I BOIL IT?
You can boil the teether to sterilize it or use a machine specially made for sterilization. It should NOT be cleaned in a dishwasher or microwave. To prolong the life of your teether, it should be kept in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight and direct heat. If there are splits or any changes in the appearance of the teether, it should be discarded.
IF MY CHILD HAS A LATEX ALLERGY, CAN I USE THE TEETHER?
Very few children are allergic to natural rubber, however watch out for any allergic reactions, and stop using the teether if an allergic reaction should occur.
ARE THE HEVEA TEETHERS FREEZER FRIENDLY?
We don't recommend freezing your teether or any teether, as it is far too cold for baby’s mouth. You can put it in the fridge to make it cooler.
BABY BOTTLES AND TEATS
WHICH BREAST PUMPS ARE THE GLASS BOTTLES COMPATIBLE WITH?
The Hevea glass bottles are standard neck bottles, which mean they are compatible with standard size breast pumps (not wide neck).
WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC IS USED ON THE SCREW THREAD?
The plastic is non-‐toxic and is made from PP SM 340.
WHICH BOTTLE SIZE DOES THE HEVEA NIPPLE FIT TO?
Both the slow flow and medium flow teats should fit standard neck bottles. However, as they have been designed for Hevea’s glass bottles, we cannot guarantee that they will fit the bottles of all other brands.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE NIPPLE?
The size of the hole in the teat will determine the flow of the liquid and we recommend this should only be water or milk. The small size (slow flow) is suitable for babies aged 0‐3 months and the large size (medium flow) is suitable for babies aged 3‐24 months.
IS THE NIPPLE ANTI COLIC AND HOW?
Yes, the slow and medium teats are anti colic. As the baby drinks, the integrated valve in the teat flexes to allow air into the back of the bottle, which equalises the pressure in the bottle, allowing the baby to drink continuously. Colic can occur when a baby swallows air. Without a ventilated teat, pressure builds up in the bottle making it progressively harder for the baby to drink. When the baby has to stop, air rushes into the bottle bubbling the liquid, and this air is swallowed when the baby starts to drink again.
