First published in May 2023, updated April 2026.
It’s one of those classic baby items — simple, nostalgic, and almost expected at bath time. But are rubber duckies actually safe for babies?
It’s something a lot of parents don’t really think about… until you notice your baby chewing on one, or squeezing water out of it, or you cut one open and realise what’s been sitting inside. Because bath toys aren’t just for play — they’re handled, mouthed, and soaked in warm water, over and over again.
Some duckies are made from simpler, more natural materials. Others are made from plastics like PVC, or designed in a way that can trap water inside — which can lead to mould building up over time, completely out of sight.
So while they might look harmless, it’s worth taking a closer look at what they’re made from — and what that means in practice.
A quick answer
Some rubber duckies are safe for babies, and some aren’t. It depends on what they’re made from and how they’re designed.
What are rubber duckies made from?
Many conventional rubber duckies aren’t actually made from natural rubber. Instead, they’re often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic that requires chemical plasticisers to make it soft and flexible.
One of the most commonly used plasticisers is DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), part of a broader group known as phthalates. These compounds are not chemically bound to the plastic, which means they can migrate out over time — particularly with heat, friction, or repeated use.
Phthalates, including DEHP, have been widely studied for their potential role as endocrine disruptors, with research linking exposure to hormone interference and developmental concerns.
In Australia, certain phthalates like DEHP are restricted in children’s toys and childcare articles for children up to 36 months, particularly where products are designed to be mouthed or chewed. However, these rules are limited in scope.
Products can still be sold if they are not classified as toys for young children — even when their design and typical use would suggest otherwise. As a result, some bath toys that appear suitable for babies may still be made from PVC and contain plasticisers you may prefer to avoid.
The good news is there are simpler alternatives made from natural rubber derived from the Hevea tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which does not require these added plasticisers.
Why material matters at bath time
Bath toys aren’t just handled — they’re regularly mouthed, compressed, and used in warm water, which changes how materials behave. Heat and repeated use can increase the rate at which additives migrate from plastics, particularly in products designed to be soft or flexible.
There’s also another, often overlooked issue: mould.
Many traditional rubber duckies are designed with a small hole, allowing water to enter and become trapped inside. This creates a consistently damp environment — ideal conditions for mould to grow. Because this happens internally, it isn’t always visible from the outside.
This combination of material and design is so important — especially for items that babies chew, suck, and interact with closely.
Are natural rubber duckies safer?
Natural rubber duckies can be a gentler alternative, particularly when they’re made without synthetic dyes or unnecessary additives.
Derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, natural rubber doesn’t rely on added plasticisers like phthalates to achieve softness. As a result, there are fewer components that can migrate out of the material over time — especially with heat, mouthing, and repeated use.
It’s an inherently elastic material, rather than one that has been chemically softened, which is why it’s often used in products designed for teething and infant use. Many are made with simpler formulations and tested to meet relevant safety standards, although this still depends on how the product is manufactured — including any pigments, coatings, or fillers used.
They’re typically soft, flexible, and suitable for teething, while also being biodegradable at the end of their life, unlike synthetic plastics which can persist for hundreds of years.
Note: “Natural” isn’t a guarantee on its own. It’s still worth checking how a product is made, what it’s treated with, and how it’s designed.
What to look for in safe bath toys
If you’re choosing a rubber duck (or any baby bath toy), a few small details can make a big difference:
Material
Look for toys made from natural rubber rather than PVC or synthetic plastics.
Free from common additives
Avoid PVC, BPA and phthalates where possible.
Mould-free design
Toys without holes help prevent water getting trapped inside.
Simple construction
Fewer seams and coatings mean fewer places for mould or bacteria to build up.
If your baby is in a teething phase, it can also help to separate bath toys from items designed specifically for chewing. Purpose-made safe baby teethers are designed to be mouthed safely and can be a more suitable option for that stage.
A note on PVC — and why we’ve spoken up
Back in 2016, Tracey and Biome launched a Change.org petition calling for a ban on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in products for children under 12 years of age in Australia.
It was a response to growing concerns around how widely PVC was — and still is — used in children’s products, despite the known health and environmental impacts.
This led to an article in The Courier-Mail, helping bring broader awareness to the issue and start an important conversation here in Australia.
Since then, progress locally has been limited. While some restrictions exist around specific phthalates, many baby and children’s products can still be made from PVC — particularly when labelling loopholes are used.
In contrast, parts of Europe have introduced much stricter regulations around PVC and plasticisers in children’s products.
PVC itself is not an inert material. Its production, use and disposal can release harmful substances, including dioxins and other volatile compounds. And despite this, it continues to be used across a wide range of toys and baby products.
At Biome, this has remained an ongoing focus — with a desire to make safer, simpler options easier to find.
Beyond toys: creating a safer bath space
Bath time isn’t just about what your baby plays with — it’s also about creating a safe, comfortable space for them to sit and splash.
Conventional bath mats can also be made from PVC or synthetic materials. Choosing a natural rubber bath mat can offer a simpler, non-toxic alternative, while also providing a soft, non-slip surface, helping make bath time feel a little more secure — for both babies and parents.
It’s a small swap, but one that helps create a more considered, low-tox bath space overall.
You can explore our mould-free bath toys and natural baby care collection, or read our non-toxic baby essentials guide for more.
For more on safer materials and ingredients, you might like to read about 4 hidden toxins in baby products.
FAQs
Are rubber duckies toxic?
Some can be, particularly if they’re made from PVC with added plasticisers like phthalates.
Can babies chew rubber duckies?
Many babies will chew bath toys, especially during teething. Choosing safer materials can help reduce unnecessary exposure.
Do rubber duckies grow mould?
Some do. Toys with holes can trap water inside, which may lead to mould over time.
What are the safest bath toys for babies?
Simple bath toys made from natural rubber or other non-toxic materials are often considered gentler options.
Related Reads
The Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Essentials Guide
Best Baby Wash for Sensitive Skin
Nappy Rash Worries? CastorBub Is Here For Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
Natural Methods to Clean and Disinfect Children's Toys
