TRIED AND TESTED - MATCHSTICK MONKEY

I don't really know how I feel about teething. Is my son not sleeping because of his teeth? I truly have no idea, but it's what I'm enjoying blaming it on right now, it seems easier than admitting he's just being incredibly difficult. I laugh when I think back now to a four month old dribbley baby, gnawing on his hands and noting it as teething, in the most literal sense it probably is but it's nowhere near the distress it causes them as their teeth are ready to come through. I felt really helpless however for those months between 3-6 months because apart from teething gel you are kind of alone, a lot of teething toys just aren't practical for younger ones - or so I thought. Hello Matchstick Monkey.


If you haven't heard of the Matchstick Monkey then don't worry, it's very new on the market but I have absolutely no fear in predicting it will be a teething staple over the next years for so many babies out there. In my eyes it offers what not much else does, a good grip for smaller babies. Some babies are born with teeth, some get them at 5, 6, 7 months and others not till later - so it does seem a little perplexing that a lot of teethers are aimed at older little ones with chunky handles that would be impossible for such delicate hands to grasp on to. Matchstick Monkey isn't just a teething toy you have to grasp by a handle you really can grab onto it whichever way you like, perfect for babes that have absolutely no clue what the right way and wrong way is.

The Matchstick Monkey isn't a one trick pony though it doubles up as a fantastic teething gel applicator. Personally I hated popping my hands inside my little ones mouth to rub gel onto his sore gums, it felt a little wrong given how much we're pushed by health visitors on hand washing and cleanliness etc. I just felt that even if I washed my hands right before - turning the tap off could give me fresh germs, or the teething gel cap and then I would be transferring that into Patricks mouth. It wasn't something that sat well with me. I love being able to squeeze a drop onto his Matchstick Monkey and watch him gnaw away till his hearts content, knowing that all the while it's medicating him too. Let's not forget that teething doesn't stop at one tooth, I certainly don't fancy getting bitten as I continue to apply it in the future and now I'm safe in the hands of the Matchstick Monkey knowing he's happy to take the chewing instead.

Your little Matchstick Monkey is a sweet and useful friend, both dishwasher and freezer safe - I think it makes the perfect teether for bursting gums. I'm really not sure how we would be without it at the minute. Did I mention it's so dinky and adorable - making it a handbag essential for teething on the go.

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