If you've started comparing dummies, you've probably noticed the same choice comes up again and again: silicone or latex. It looks like a small detail, but the material a dummy is made from affects everything from hygiene to how often you'll need to replace it, and even whether it carries an allergy risk. Here's what the difference actually means for your baby, and why every Minbie dummy is made from medical-grade German silicone.
The short answer
Both silicone and latex dummies are approved and regulated for infant use, so neither is "unsafe" in a general sense. But they behave very differently over weeks and months of real use. Silicone is non-porous, chemically stable and hypoallergenic, which makes it the more hygienic, longer-lasting choice for everyday use. Latex is a natural, biodegradable material, but it softens and breaks down quickly, and it carries a small risk of triggering latex allergies. That combination is why Minbie dummies are made from 100% medical-grade German silicone, not latex.
Bacterial hygiene: which material stays cleaner?
This is where the two materials part ways most clearly.
Silicone has a non-porous surface, so there's nowhere for bacteria to take hold, even after months of daily use. Latex ages differently. As it's exposed to saliva, heat and light, it gradually turns porous and slightly sticky, and that texture is exactly what bacteria cling to. A latex dummy that looked and felt fine a few weeks ago can quietly become much harder to keep hygienic, without any obvious sign.
Chemical stability: what happens when you sterilise it?
Every dummy gets boiled, steamed or run through a steriliser many times over its life, so how a material handles heat matters.
Silicone is chemically stable enough to withstand it. It won't leach chemicals into your baby's mouth, no matter how often it's sterilised. Latex is stable when it's new, but heat is exactly what speeds up its breakdown. A rubbery smell or taste developing in an older latex dummy is a sign the material itself is degrading, not something you've done wrong.
Durability: which dummy lasts longer?
Silicone resists biting, heat and UV light without losing its shape, which is why a well-made silicone dummy can hold up for months of regular use. Latex is naturally softer, which some parents like, but that softness means it breaks down far faster under saliva, heat and sunlight. In practice, that means replacing latex dummies much more often, and watching closely for softening, stickiness or small tears that signal it's time.
Allergy safety: is a latex dummy safe for every baby?
Natural rubber latex is non-toxic and eco-friendly, but it does carry a small, genuine risk of triggering a latex allergy, and that risk isn't always obvious until a reaction happens. Silicone is chemically inert and completely hypoallergenic, so it removes that risk entirely. If you don't know how your baby will react to latex, silicone is the lower-risk starting point.
Why Minbie dummies are made from medical-grade German silicone?
We chose medical-grade German silicone for one reason: it's the material we'd want in our own baby's mouth every day, for months at a time. It's hypoallergenic, BPA-free and completely latex-free, and every Minbie dummy is one-piece silicone construction, so there are no small parts or hidden seams for germs to collect in.
The orthodontic shape is designed to support healthy oral development while gently encouraging your baby's natural suckling motion, and the lightweight koala-shaped shield is soft against delicate skin, with ventilation holes built in for airflow and comfort. It's also free from BPA, latex, phthalates, nitrosamines, PVC and parabens, and designed in Australia with an easy-grip handle for parents and little hands alike.
Now available in new colours
The Minbie Dummy now comes in six colorways, so you can pick what suits your baby (or your nursery): Grey, Sage, Milk, Blue Light Pink & Dark Pink. The material and design are exactly the same across every colour, medical-grade German silicone, one-piece construction, orthodontic shape, so the only decision left is which one you love most.
Frequently asked questions
Is silicone or latex better for a dummy? Silicone. It's non-porous, chemically stable, hypoallergenic and far more durable than latex, which makes it the more hygienic choice for long-term, everyday use.
Are latex dummies safe? Latex dummies are approved and regulated for infant use, so they're not inherently unsafe. But they carry a small risk of latex allergy and break down faster than silicone, so they typically need replacing more often.
How often should I replace a latex dummy? More frequently than silicone, generally every few weeks once you notice any softening, stickiness or small tears, since these signs mean the material has started to break down.
Are Minbie dummies BPA-free? Yes. Minbie dummies are made from 100% medical-grade German silicone and are free from BPA, latex, phthalates, nitrosamines, PVC and parabens.
What colours do Minbie dummies come in? Minbie dummies are available in five colours: Grey, Sage, Milk, Blue and Pink.