Sophie la Girafe Review: A Classic Teething Toy

Editor's rating:
9.9
Reviewed by Annie Monserat
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We like

Soothing on a baby’s gums

100% organic

BPA-free, lead free, phthalate free, and latex free

Quality certified

Stimulates all 5 senses

Durable and easy to clean

We don’t like

Slightly more expensive

Can grow mold if cleaned incorrectly

How it works

Sophie la Girafe is a classic, beautiful teething toy that was designed with features to stimulate all five of your sweet baby’s senses. Made with 100% natural, edible rubber and paint and one of the only toys like her Sophie is unique. She is the perfect friend to help ease and soothe your baby’s gums. Even as they go through the uncomfortable teething process. She will provide stimulation and familiarity for your baby as they become accustomed to her appearance, smell, and feel. Not only is she a wonderful tool for your teething baby. But her design is precious and sweet making her face friendly and approachable for a baby. For over 55 years Sophie la Girafe has been the absolute most loved teething toy. Specifically by parents, grandparents, and children all over the world.

Origin

Origin

Sophie la Girafe had her first birthday was May 25th 1961, which happens to be Saint Sophie's day in France. In 1961 the only toys shaped like animals were barn animals or pets, like dogs. When Monsieur Rampeau decided to create a rubber giraffe he knew it would be the first of its kind on the market because a giraffe was a very exotic and different animal. Sophie became a success right away, parents noticed that when teething started the little giraffe helped to get their babies to stop crying, and Sophie became a must-have baby item. Rumors fly and not long after Sophie was known all around the world by parents, and loved by children. Today Sophie looks just the way she did 55 years ago and she is still produced in a traditional way that requires quite a bit of hand operation but has been updated enough to accommodate the millions of families who purchase a Sophie every year.
Design

Design

Sophie la Girafe is crafted from 100% natural rubber that comes out of the Hevea tree. Her whole body is made with a very soft and enjoyable texture. She has lots of chewable parts with different textures that feel good on the sore gums of a teething baby, her ears, horns, legs, and mouth are all very enjoyable for a little one to chew on. She is designed with high contrast spots all over her body, like a real giraffe, she has a soft and enjoyable squeak when she is squeezed, her body is the perfect size and shape to be easily held by little hands with her long neck and longer legs, and she has a soft vanilla smell that comes from the Hevea rubber. Her design is ingenious for a teething baby especially, but also for any baby in need of a wonderful companion.
Materials

Materials

The materials used to craft Sophie are completely natural, safe to eat, and carefully selected and tested. The rubber is 100% natural and is made from the Hevea tree. Sophie has absolutely no phthalates, she is completely BPA free, lead-free, and latex-free. Every Sophie is painted by hand using paint that is food grade, completely edible, and can fade as your child loves her colors away. Her surface is also very easy and simple to clean.
Durability

Durability

Sophie la Girafe is a simple, beautiful, and durable teething toy. Her natural rubber is easy to clean and able to last a very long time. Natural rubber is an organic, raw material that upholds the quality commitment very well, the rubber used in the creation of Sophie is selected using very strict requirements. This is how Sophie is able to be so soft, durable, and enjoyable to hold and chew on and still ensure your little one’s safety. It is able to stand up to toddler teeth for a long time. Her natural, edible paint can fade with time and use, but her actual body will last you and your little one a very long time. Sophie the giraffe is not intended to be passed down to another baby because she is used as a teether, so in order to maintain hygiene even though she is durable enough to last you should repurchase your Sophie for another child.
Age range

Age range

Sophie la Girafe is safe to be used by newborn babies all the way up until they no longer need Sophie. She has no small parts to choke on and is completely free of any harmful toxins that could be dangerous for a newborn to be exposed to. Sophie is a perfect teether for children of any age, and also a great friend to have.
Maintenance

Maintenance

In order to clean Sophie la Girafe all you will need is some soapy water and a cloth, Sophie was designed with a small hole to allow her to squeak. It is important not to get water in this hole when cleaning Sophie. She should not be fully submerged in water, and she is not dishwasher safe. Sophie should not be sterilized as it could damage her, she was created with non-toxic and organic material that is safe for your child. As with any hollow toy if water gets inside and remains inside mold can form which is why it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions when cleaning. Overall Sophie is very easy to clean and will remain durable when cleaned the proper way.
Calming

Calming

Teething is a difficult time for a child, their gums are sore, eating some foods is uncomfortable, they cry and cry and are very difficult to soothe. Some parents opt for numbing gels to calm their children. Sophie la Girafe could be exactly what your child needs to be calmed and soothed during this difficult and uncomfortable time. Sophie is designed with lots of different chewable parts with interesting textures that massage your baby’s gums as they play. Her pointy ears, rounded horns, long legs, and bumpy mouth all make wonderful teething areas. Her soft vanilla smell that comes from the hevea material provides a calming and distinctive smell for your little one to enjoy. Her playful little squeak is delightful as well and can easily grab the attention of an upset and tearful little one and make all the world right again. Little Sophie’s face is adorable and sweet as well to provide comfort for your baby from a friendly face. All in all, Sophie is the perfect companion to calm and soothe your child as they teethe.
Sensory Stimulation

Sensory Stimulation

Babys learn about the great big world that surrounds them using their senses. Stimulation of their senses is related to emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Sophie la Girafe is a great tool to stimulate your little one’s senses in a simple way.

Sight is stimulated by the high contrast of Sophie's dark spots on her light body which allows an infant to be visually stimulated and begin to learn that Sophie is a familiar and comforting companion for your baby.
Smell is stimulated by the soft and subtle scent that comes from the Hevea tree rubber, it smells of vanilla. The unique scent of Sophie makes her special and recognizable to your little one.
Hearing is stimulated by the playful little squeak emitted by Sophie when she is squeezed. The sound not only stimulates your baby’s hearing sense, but also aids in learning the connection of cause and effect.
Taste is stimulated by the different textures of Sophie’s body which are gentle and soothing for a baby’s gums and stimulating to feel. She resembles the nipple from a bottle making her even more comforting.
Touch is stimulated by the soft feeling of Sophie. The softness stimulates a response that can soothe and calm your baby when feeling stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable.
By using Sophie la Girafe you are not only providing your child a sweet, soothing toy, but you are stimulating their senses and actually promoting development.
Versatility

Versatility

Sophie la Girafe has many uses for you little one. She is a beloved teething toy with interesting textures to massage your baby’s gums and soothe them. She is a sensory toy which is ideal for encouraging early development in your baby. She is also a wonderful companion and comfort object to provide familiarity and reassurance to your little one in new places and her little squeak is perfect for keeping your little one interested and amused. For such a simple toy Sophie can be used for so much, she will surely become one of your child’s most loved toy. The versatility she provides is another reason why she is so highly admired as a children’s toy for so many years.
Portability

Portability

Sophie is 18cm and her body is designed perfectly to be held onto by even the littlest hands which makes her so portable you’ll never even notice you brought her. The soothing comfort she provides to your baby is priceless especially when you are out at a restaurant or an event where you want your little one to stay calm and happy for as long as possible. She is light and easy to hold on to so she isn’t very likely to be dropped and even if she is cleaning her is so simple and easy. Overall Sophie is extremely portable and easy to take anywhere, on a plane, in the car, or in the stroller.
Safety

Safety

When choosing a teething toy safety is a top concern since this toy is literally designed to go in your baby's mouth. Sophie la Girafe is made from 100% natural, organic, raw rubber from the Hevea tree. This means she is completely free from phthalates, BPA, lead, and latex. The Vulli company takes extreme care in creating a quality product for children and parents, they conduct both mechanical and chemical tests at several different labs. They also perform a quality test during all of the 14 stages of manufacturing. Sophie la Girafe products are the European Union CE label which states that the product is certified by the European Toy Safety Directive. Every Sophie is hand-painted using food quality, edible paint to ensure only natural products go into the beautiful design of your giraffe. The product also comes with detailed instructions on how to properly clean and care for your giraffe to prevent any chance of mold developing inside. Sophie la Girafe is an extremely safe, natural product that you can feel comfortable handing to your precious child.
Price Range

Price Range

Sophie la Girafe is considered by most to be on the more expensive side for a toy; however, almost all of them agree how Sophie is worth every penny they spent in quality and use. Her price is still reasonable especially considering how versatile and safe she is. She provides not only a soothing and comforting companion for your child but also stimulates development. Overall her simple, beautiful, useful design makes her a great investment for your little one.

Conclusion

Vulli’s Sophie la Girafeis the most well-loved teething toy by parents and children for more than 55 years and it easy to see why. She is completely natural and organic making her safe for your child from newborn and up. Her delightful sound makes her amusing and interesting. Her hand-painted dark contrast is visually stimulating for your child. She is a wonderful sensory toy perfect for encouraging early development for your little one. Every Sophie goes through rigorous testing to ensure they are of the highest quality to ensure durability and safety. Her different textures on her horns, ears, and legs make her soothing on a baby's sore gums. Her subtle and sweet vanilla smell gives her a warm and comforting feeling. Plus she is designed perfectly to fit in your child’s little tiny hands easily. The bottom line on Sophie la Girafe is that she is a must-have for a teething child, she is so safe and enjoyable there is no reason not to give your little one a friend like Sophie.
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