Meet our latest addition, known for its famous animal friend and French flair, Sophie la girafe.
Sophie la girafe's history began in Paris, France, in 1961. Created by Monsieur Rampeau, an expert in creating natural rubber from the sap of the Hevea tree. It was a new and exciting invention at a time when most baby toys were made from hard materials and depictions of farm animals or domestic pets. Rampeau's innovative idea was to design a toy from natural rubber that was soft, safe for chewing and visually appealing to infants. He chose the giraffe as the design for such toy, inspired by the exotic nature of giraffes in Europe at the time. This decision marked the birth of Sophie la girafe, a teething toy that was unique in both its material and design.
The name "Sophie" was chosen not only due to its popularity as a name in France at the time, but also because the introduction of Sophie la girafe to the market landed on May 25th, the feast day of Saint Sophie. The toy's immediate appeal was its softness, flexibility and the variety of textures it offered, which were ideal for soothing babies' sore gums. Moreover, the squeaker inside the toy provided additional sensory stimulation.
The name "Sophie" was chosen not only due to its popularity as a name in France at the time, but also because the introduction of Sophie la girafe to the market landed on May 25th, the feast day of Saint Sophie. The toy's immediate appeal was its softness, flexibility and the variety of textures it offered, which were ideal for soothing babies' sore gums. Moreover, the squeaker inside the toy provided additional sensory stimulation.
Sophie la girafe was an instant success in France, quickly becoming a beloved staple in nurseries across the country. Its popularity was driven by its safety - a critical factor for parents - since it was made from 100% natural materials and painted with food-grade paint. As word of its effectiveness and safety spread, Sophie la girafe gained international recognition and became a must-have item for parents around the world.
Over the decades, Sophie la girafe has remained true to its original design, which is a testament to its timeless appeal. The brand has expanded its product line to include other baby products including clothes all with the classic Sophie la girafe stamp, which you can shop here at Kidswear Collective.
