What Mommy Bloggers Are Saying About Sophie

The 2011 Sophie the Giraffe controversy

Usually quite discerning when it comes to the toys and comfort objects they buy for their children, many mommy bloggers have raised several questions regarding Sophie la Girafe, the famous rubber giraffe from the Vulli brand, to the point of publishing certain real-life account of Sophie the giraffe.

It is true that following the investigation conducted by the’UFC Que Choisir in 2011, when it was reported that toys from the famous giraffe released potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines, many mothers began to exercise much greater caution regarding various products available on the market.

This focused attention also enabled them to conduct more in-depth research into the distribution brands in question.

Summary of findings: Sophie would only release nitrosamine precursors, rather than pure nitrosamine. In reality, these particles are so infinitesimal that one would have to chew Sophie intensively for many years to develop even minimal side effects, such as a risk of asthma or allergies.

It has nothing to do with cancer. Besides, a few small nips from your baby on their arms or ears are not what will cause them to develop allergies.

What is even more serious, however, are the traces of pure nitrosamines found in much higher quantities in beer, bacon, deli meats, and anything cooked on a barbecue. While we ingest massive amounts of nitrosamines every day—and unknowingly feed them to our children—fearing a toy like Sophie la Girafe, made from 100% natural rubber and free of all chemicals, seems utterly trivial and disproportionate. Even the paint used on Sophie is edible and handcrafted in the Vosges region.

Is Sophie dangerous?

Sophie the Giraffe is not only completely harmless, but also very soft, flexible, and particularly plush and bouncy. She is also a delight to watch and listen to! In fact, the little bell—or the whistle that sounds when you press her tummy—is guaranteed to make every baby burst into laughter.
This allows them to create a connection between pressing their toy and the resulting sound, making them feel like active participants in their own play.

Sophie also helps soothe their gums during teething. They rub the giraffe against their jaws, which instantly stops the crying.

Of course, it goes without saying that the giraffe must be handled with care, following the instructions for use provided on the packaging and in the manual. For instance, ensure that Sophie is cleaned with a clean, damp cloth and avoid submerging her in the bath. If she becomes wet or submerged, be sure to dry the interior with a hair dryer or allow her to air-dry in the sun for 24 hours.