Sophie the Giraffe

21.11.08 / Health & Safety / Author: Dimitri & Dimitra

So the latest topic in parent circles these days is about Sophie the Giraffe.  You know, the cute little teether toy that squeaks and pacifies our little ones as they proceede to knaw on her head or legs.  Apparently, that knawing is what’s getting Sophie into some hot trouble.  Moms have complained to Toys ‘R Us that Sophie has made their child choke, and as such, Toys ‘R Us has voluntarily recalled this adorable culprit. 

My daughter is just shy of five months, and we suspect that she has begun the teething process.  Naturally, we have given her almost every possible teether we own in the store, however, she absolutely loves Sophie!  Having said that, I have noticed that when she puts one of Sophie’s legs in her mouth she sometimes has the tendency to take too much.  This is where I step in as a concerned parent:  I PULL IT AWAY FROM HER!  I flip it around and offer her Sophie’s head once again to be drooled on, sucked on, spat on, and malled in every way at leisure.  As a parent and the proprietor of Baby in Gear, I have no problems with Sophie the Giraffe.  I would also like to state that there’s a difference between choking and gagging.  To choke requireds an object to be lodged in one’s throat.  I have yet to see the body of Sophie implanted in the throat of an infant.  I can see an infant gagging on her, but honestly folks, infants gag on their own fingers.  Does that mean their hands need to be recalled?

Now as for those parents who do not feel confident in acquiring Sophie for their little ones, I completely understand.  Every parent has the right (and I believe obligation) to protect their young for any forseeable and unforseeable risks.  Neither my commentary nor those of others should dissuade you from making a conscious choice of what you hand to your child!  I will say that until Health Canada officially produces as recall statement, this is one store that will continue selling the almost fifty year old giraffe (and doesn’t she look great!).  Vive la Sophie!