Understanding Different Types of Silicone (And Why They Matter for Baby Products)

Understanding Different Types of Silicone (And Why They Matter for Baby Products)

Silicone is often marketed as a safe, flexible material for baby products—but not all silicone is the same. Research shows that silicone varies significantly depending on its grade, composition, and manufacturing process, which directly impacts safety and performance in food-contact use.

1. Food-Grade vs General Silicone

One of the most important distinctions identified in research is between general-purpose silicone and food-grade silicone.

  • General silicone may include fillers or additives not intended for food contact
  • Food-grade silicone is manufactured to meet strict safety standards and does not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA or phthalates

Food-grade silicone is designed to remain stable under heat and resist chemical leaching, making it suitable for baby feeding products (Elastostar, 2025).

Why it matters: Not all silicone products are equally safe—choosing certified food-grade silicone is essential for baby use.

2. Regulatory Standards (FDA, LFGB, EU Compliance)

Studies and industry guidance highlight that silicone safety is often defined by regulatory certification:

  • FDA-grade silicone – meets baseline food safety standards
  • LFGB-certified silicone – stricter European testing, especially for chemical migration
  • EU food-contact compliance (EC 1935/2004) – ensures materials do not transfer harmful substances into food

LFGB certification, in particular, is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard (Just Smart Kitchenware, 2019).

Why it matters: Higher certification standards reduce the risk of chemical transfer into food, which is especially important for babies.

3. Types of Silicone Rubber (Material Differences)

Silicone is not a single material but a group of polymers. Research into silicone elastomers identifies several types:

  • VMQ (Vinyl methyl silicone) – commonly used, flexible and stable
  • PVMQ (Phenyl methyl silicone) – improved performance in extreme temperatures
  • FVMQ (Fluorosilicone) – highly resistant to chemicals and oils

Each type has different properties depending on its chemical structure (TRP Polymer Solutions, 2024).

Why it matters: For baby products, simpler, high-purity silicones are preferred because they are more stable and less reactive.

4. Manufacturing Methods (Platinum vs Peroxide Silicone)

Another key difference lies in how silicone is produced:

  • Platinum silicone
    • Higher purity
    • Fewer chemical by-products
    • Often used in premium food-contact products
  • Peroxide silicone
    • More cost-effective
    • May leave trace residues from the curing process

Platinum silicone is generally considered a cleaner and more stable option (Silicone UK, 2025).

Why it matters: The manufacturing method can influence safety, durability, and whether the product develops odours or taste over time.

5. Forms of Silicone (Function and Use)

According to material science research, silicone also exists in different physical forms:

  • Elastomers (rubber-like solids) – used in baby plates, spoons, and teethers
  • Fluids (silicone oils) – used in coatings or industrial applications
  • Resins – used in varnishes and coatings

Only certain forms—primarily elastomers—are suitable for direct food contact (Food Packaging Forum, 2015).

Why it matters: Understanding the form ensures the material is appropriate for feeding products, not industrial use.

Key Takeaways

Research shows that silicone quality depends on several factors:

  • ✔ Choose food-grade silicone
  • ✔ Look for LFGB or EU-certified products where possible
  • ✔ Prefer platinum silicone for higher purity
  • ✔ Ensure the silicone is designed for food-contact use (elastomer form)

At Tiny Babas, our silicone products are made from food-grade, platinum silicone and undergo third party testing to ensure they meet recognised safety standards for baby feeding products in the United Kingdom. 

References

Elastostar (2025) Difference between silicone and food-grade silicone. Available at: https://elastostar.com/what-is-the-difference-between-silicone-and-food-grade-silicone/

Food Packaging Forum (2015) Dossier – Silicones. Available at: https://foodpackagingforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FPF_Dossier09_Silicones.pdf

Just Smart Kitchenware (2019) The difference between FDA & LFGB certified silicone products. Available at: https://www.justsmartkitchenware.com/the-difference-between-fda-lfgb-certified-silicone-products/

Silicone UK (2025) What is FDA food grade silicone made up of? Available at: https://silicone.co.uk/news/what-is-fda-food-grade-silicone-made-up-of/

TRP Polymer Solutions (2024) Are there different types of silicone rubber? Available at: https://trp.co.uk/bl

Back to blog