Q:   Is MY VERY OWN® Rattle sterile?

A:  In its sealed package, MY VERY OWN® is as sterile as the inside of a tree -- probably more so, since much heat is generated in the manufacturing process.  It is more nearly sterile than most other objects in a five-month-old's environment. It is best if it is not handled too much by other members of the family, and especially not by visitors. 

Q:  How can I clean MY VERY OWN® Rattle?
A:   Wiping thoroughly with alcohol is the preferred cleaning method.   Alcohol is an effective germicide, much better than "antibacterials", which promote the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria. 
     One of our customers suggested using 100 proof Vodka, which is a fairly strong alcohol-water mixture. This is an ideal method. 100 proof Vodka is 50% pure, food-grade grain alcohol and 50% water, with no additives.  Vodka is made to drink, so it is "food-safe", but of course it would not be good for a baby to ingest.  Once the Vodka has evaporated and the rattle is thoroughly dry, the rattle is perfectly safe for teething.  After cleaning with alcohol, rub firmly with clean cotton cloth to restore some of the shine.  

* Do not use rubbing alcohol, antibacterials, or soap. 
* Do not allow rattle to soak.  
* Do not clean with hot water. 
* Do not put rattle in oven or otherwise apply heat.  

Q:  Will MY VERY OWN® Rattle it come apart, especially if it gets wet? 
A:  MY VERY OWN® Rattle is made from a single piece of wood, so it can't come apart. Water will not hurt the Rattle. Moisture, however, will dull the polish of the new rattle.  Remember, there is no lacquer, wax, or oil - the shine is just very fine sanding. After the rattle gets wet (from teething, for example), it may have a soft velvety roughness, which a baby does not mind, and is not a problem. Do not soak the rattle!  It will not come apart, but will need to be dried slowly to prevent cracking. 

Q:  Isn't it too big and heavy?  What if baby hits himself?
A:  This is mostly a question of baby's age.  At 5 months, most babies have the coordination to control the rattle.  Healthy babies do not deliberately injure themselves. 

Q:  Do babies like it?  It's just plain wood.  Babies like bright colors.
A:  The experience of Will MY VERY OWN® Rattle is primarily tactile, not just for babies, but even for adults. Pick one up and feel it.  See what we mean? Older babies (around 10 months and up) enjoy watching the rings as they move them.  Infants prefer MY VERY OWN(R)Rattle because of the textural complexity.  The appeal of the Rattle for an infant is only partially visual, which is why color or the lack of it is not an issue.  Since most adults live in a world which is almost exclusively visual and auditory, they (both infant development professionals and the lay public) tend to neglect tactile sensory development.  The moving rings and complex textures encourage tactile learning, which doesn't always get the emphasis it deserves in a child's development.

MY VERY OWN® Rattle meets or exceeds all relevant standards for safety, both 
Federally mandated and voluntary, and has been laboratory tested for import into Europe (CE Certified).

The perfect gift for baby showers, maternity, baptism, christening, new baby. Moms will appreciate this classic heirloom toy. Also a great gift for Christmas, Easter, Hannukkah.  Smart mothers want natural wood for teething.