thank you for choosing b.box
We hope the special little people in your life love their b.box goodies as much as we do! if you’re reading this, it’s likely you want to get to know your b.box a little better! We’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions and hope they provide the answers you’re looking for. if you need more support – we’re here for you! reach out to us at customerservice@bboxforkids.com
where are b.box products made?
b.box products are researched, designed and tested in Australia and manufactured in China – in line with all relevant international standards and our stringent design specifications and quality standards (we’re pretty tough on ourselves so that you don’t have to be!)
are b.box products BPA, Phthalates and PVC free?
we take our responsibility to kids and parents very seriously. all b.box products are free from these nasties so you can have total confidence that when choosing b.box, you are choosing products that are safe for your bubs and the environment.
A bit of background… while not banned in Australia (as in the EU and USA), it is commonly accepted in the juvenile products industry that the use of plastics containing BPA, Phthalates or PVC are potentially harmful to infants and children, with links to developmental and hormonal issues and various cancers.
Furthermore, PVC is a known carcinogen, is the least recyclable form of plastic and its manufacture has significant adverse environmental impacts due to the number of additives and processes it needs to undergo. It’s a no brainer! we stay away from these materials because keeping kids safe is our upmost priority.
can I buy replacement parts for my b.box items?
You sure can!
Over time, with general use and washing (and kiddie bites, bumps, drops and knocks), some parts of your b.box items may need replacing. You can refer to the spare parts on our website for specific replacement parts you may need.
If you are in need of a replacement straw, check our replacement straw packs.
can I put warm liquid in the cup?
In short, yes!
Our new sippy cup is suitable for warm and cool liquids. However, if you have our older style sippy cup we recommend cool liquids only.
They were not designed to serve warm liquids as the valve did not allow the warm air pressure to release – causing liquids to escape through the straw.
Not ideal, we know! We listened and innovated to bring you the new sippy cup!
can I serve formula in my b.box sippy cup?
We do not recommend you serve formula from your sippy cup for two reasons.
Firstly, the straw has a no-spill valve and the formula may be too thick to pass through easily.
Secondly, formula can cause a build-up in the straw which may be difficult to clean thoroughly.
As always we recommend washing all parts of the cup/straws following each use using warm soapy water and the cleaning brush and/or on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Formula is fine to use with the teat, spout and the training cups in our transition value pack.
can I put juice or carbonated drinks in the sippy cup?
Taking guidance from the Australian Dental Association (ADA), we wouldn’t recommend giving young kids carbonated drinks or juice due to the risk of tooth decay.
In addition, carbonated drinks can cause pressure issues which may lead to leakage from the straw.
can I place the sippy cup in the microwave?
In short, yes!
The sippy cup base is microwave safe and you can place it directly into the microwave to warm milk or other liquids. never place the sippy cup lid with straw in the microwave as these are not microwave safe.
Also, please refer to ‘can I put warm liquid in my b.box sippy cup’ with regards to suitability for our various sippy cup styles. remember to always be cautious when serving warmed liquids to young kids, to ensure they are evenly heated and not too hot. as a guide, to warm milk – allow approx. 20 seconds per 180mls in the microwave.
why is my b.box sippy cup leaking?
Sorry for the mess!
First, you’ll need to determine where the leak is coming from.
If the leak is between the cup and lid, check that the silicone o-ring (that’s the silicone seal that sits in the groove under the lid) is securely in place. Simply press gently on the seal and run your finger around the rim. On occasion, with use and washing, the o-ring may slip out of place. You can watch our instructional video on how to insert an o-ring so that it is leak-proof.
Please note, there are two types of o-rings – one with a pull tab and one without.
If your sippy cup has an o-ring with a pull tab, you’ll need to ensure that the tab sit on top of the rim so that it is securely in place and leak proof. All newly manufactured sippy cups have o-rings without pull tabs.
If your sippy cup is leaking from the straw, it’s likely you have an older style sippy cup that is leaking due to a build-up of pressure from serving warm liquids. Refer to ‘how do I know if my b.box is the new style, or older style sippy cup?’. You can solve this by releasing the lid slightly to ease the build-up and then re-tighten the lid before serving. Our new style sippy cup has an improved valve that is suitable for both warm and cool liquids.
If your sippy cup is still leaking through the straw it may be because your straw valve is damaged or worn out. This can occur from general wear and tear, from a chew-happy teething baby or from vigorous cleaning. The good news is, we have replacement straws available.
Make sure you are extra careful when cleaning the straw as the valve can tear. We highly recommend using our cleaning brush set as contains various brushes to gently and thoroughly clean your straws and other bits and pieces.
how do I effectively clean my b.box sippy cup straw?
Good question!
We recommend straws be thoroughly washed following each use with warm to hot (not boiling), soapy water. You
can keep your straw squeaky clean using our straw cleaner, available here.
Another alternative is our cleaning brush set. It has every brush you need to hygienically clean all your b.box faves, on one handy ring.
We recommend inserting the cleaning brush from the bottom of the straw (you can remove the weight or leave on – whichever you prefer) and then the top and just gently massaging around the straw with your fingers rather than pushing the
brushing back and forth. This method will ensure no damage is caused to the
straw or valve.
If you don’t have a straw cleaner, you can fill your sippy cup base with warm to hot (not boiling)
water, attach the lid with the flip lid closed (and covering the straw). Shake
vigorously and then, pointing the cup away from you, un-flip the lid so the
pressure from the hot water will flush through straw.
Be careful, as you know hot liquids may cause burns. Do not use with liquid over 45°C and be cautious when un-flipping
your sippy cup lid as pressure will build up and cause liquid to spray.
Then simply rinse clean or place in the top rack of your dishwasher. You can gently
pinch the straw to expel any excess liquid and always allow your straw and other
parts to dry completely before reassembling and putting away.
Refer to
our videos on caring for your new sippy cup and caring
for your older style sippy cup.
can I UV sterilise my NEW sippy cup?
Yes, you can. Please just be aware that UV sterilisation can sometimes cause discolouration to your sippy cup.
how often do I need to replace the straw on my b.box sippy cup?
That depends!
The longevity of our straws will vary between kids; how old they are, how they drink, how often they drink, are they teething, do they chew their straw and so on.
How delicately the straws are cleaned can also have an impact.
Some may last much longer, and others may need replacing sooner. when needed, you can find straw replacements for your sippy cup here.
how to remove the straw from the sippy cup?
Firstly open the flip lid or remove it, then to remove the straw, place your finger through the pull tab and gently pull in a downward motion to release.
To re-insert, hold the straw at an angle with 2 fingers on the wider side of the straw top. Push the wider side of the straw through the opening in the lid.
Then, pull the tip of the straw until it pops up through the lid.
Make sure the entire triangular top of the straw passes through the lid so that your sippy cup is leak-proof.
why is the flip lid on my b.box sippy cup popping off?
It shouldn’t!
So it’s likely that the flip lid is on the wrong way.
The clips on either side of the flip lid are of slightly varying sizes, as are the corresponding holes on each side of the cup.
This means that sometimes they can be squeezed into the wrong holes (and end up being back-to-front) although it won’t feel quite right! try flipping your lid around and your problem should be solved.
why is my baby having difficulty drinking from the b.box sippy cup?
The straw on our sippy cup has a pressure valve (this is the magical piece that makes it leak-proof).
Babies need to place their lips over the whole straw (rather than just the tip) and press down on the straw, to open the valve and enable liquid to flow.
This new design means the sippy cup can be used with both warm and cool liquids.
All kids are different – some adjust to the straw straight away and others need a bit more time.
Encourage them to explore and they will get there!
why does the weight keep falling off the straw?
Uh-oh it shouldn’t! Sorry for the inconvenience. You will need to check that your weight is securely in place.
This means the straw needs to be pushed down as far as possible onto the weight.
If you remove the weight to clean your sippy cup, it is best to wait until the straw and weight are completely dry before re-attaching the weight, to ensure it doesn’t slip away. You can refer to this video on how to care for your weighted straw.
how to remove the o-ring (without pull tab) from the sippy cup?
If you’re sippy cup o’ring doesn’t have a pull tab, simply run the back of a spoon (or similar) around the edge of the o-ring so that it lifts up to remove for cleaning.
When washed and completely dry, you can place the o’ring back in place and secure by running your finger around the ring.
can I steam sterilise my NEW sippy cup?
You can steam sterilise most parts of your sippy cup, however as they are produced from different materials they can withstand different temperatures.
Please see below, and always check the manual on your steriliser unit for specific instructions on use and maximum temperatures:
- PP cup base and lid – up to 100°C
- Silicone straw piece – up to 180°C
- Weighted ball – up to 100 °C
how do I remove the straw from my b.box tritan drink bottle?
It’s easiest shown in our Tritan drink bottle instructional video here.
But we can also explain…
firstly, unscrew the lid, open the flip-lid and pull the straw stem out of the silicone straw top. Then pull on the tab to release the straw top. Easy!
To reassemble, push the silicone straw top into the lid and turn the lid over, then pull the straw through until you feel and hear it click into place.
Reconnect the straw stem to the silicone straw top ensuring the cap of the straw stem is pushed in and tightly covering the base of the straw top.
Screw the lid back on and you’re done.
how do I effectively clean my b.box drink bottle straw?
Good question!
We recommend straws be thoroughly washed following each use with warm, soapy water. You can keep your straw squeaky clean using a b.box cleaning brush set.
It contains every brush you need to hygienically clean all your b.box items, on one handy ring. Simply remove the straw as shown in our drink bottle straw instructional video here and away you go.
And always allow your straw and other parts to dry completely before reassembling and putting away.
can I buy replacement parts for my lunchbox?
You sure can. With general wear and tear, particularly when there’s kiddies involved we know that bits can sometimes get lost or damaged. You can find replacements of your silicone handle, silicone seal, divider, and sandwich divider and here. Just choose your preferred color.
how do I effectively clean my lunchbox?
Firstly, separate all parts before cleaning to ensure no nasties get left behind. You can remove the silicone seal by pulling gently on the tab.
Handwash using warm soapy water and thoroughly clean every compartment.. You can use our cleaning brush set to get into any small crevasses. Allow to air dry completely before re-assembling, usually overnight before packing again the next morning!
Do not place in the dishwasher or use abrasive cleaning agents or scourers as they may cause damage to your lunchbox.
can I wash my lunchbox in the dishwasher?
To ensure the quality of your lunchbox and that the sealing capability is maintained over time, please hand wash only.
how do I disassemble and reassemble the seal on my lunchbox?
Use the small pull tab to gently peel the seal away from the lid.
After washing and drying completely, align the seal and pop the stretch feature through to the front side, making sure it sits flush with the lid.
On the inside of the lid, push down on the seal edges until it sits firmly in place.
can I use my lunchbox in the microwave?
Yes, you can warm food whilst it is in your lunchbox in the microwave. Just remember to keep the lid open.
how do I effectively clean my snackbox?
Hand wash using warm soapy water to thoroughly clean your snackbox. Remove the silicone seal and wash it separately to ensure no nasties get left behind. Use our cleaning brush set to get into any small crevasses. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or scourers as they may cause damage to your snackbox.
Alternatively, you can place the snackbox in the dishwasher (top rack only).
Allow to air dry completely before re-assembling.
can I wash my snackbox in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can place your snackbox in your dishwasher on the top rack only.
Reminder: Dishwasher is only okay for the snackbox. The lunchbox and mini lunchbox are recommended to be hand-washed only.
how do I disassemble and reassemble the seal on my snackbox?
It’s easy! Use the small pull tab to gently peel the seal away from the lid.
After washing and drying completely, align the seal and pop the stretch feature through to the front side, making sure it sits flush with the lid.
On the inside of the lid, push down on the seal edges until it sits firmly in place.
can I use my snackbox in the microwave
Yes, you can warm food whilst it is in your lunchbox in the microwave. Just remember to keep the lid open.