Chomping at the Bit (Tommee Tippee Icy Bite Keys)

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	Tommee Tippee Icy Bite Keys
Date:	29/07/08 (93 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Multi-function basic toy and teething aid

Disadvantages: All your friends will have them!

There's nothing more frustrating than watching a young baby in pain as they cut their first teeth. The discomfort is clear for all to see and no amount of magic can take away the obvious pain. For severe cases good old Calpol can be used but no one wants to dose their little one up day after day. Topical ointments and gels such as Calgel can also be used, but often these are hard to apply and their effect is minimal. All junior wants to do is to chew.

Tommee Tippee have long been associated with good quality children's products and their icy bite keys are a great solution to a common problem. The "keys" are in fact gel filled shapes. They can be put in the fridge to be cooled (but not in the freezer) and a combination of the cooling effect and the biting seems to work wonders. The non-toxic gel seems to stay cooler for longer than water-filled products.

The three keys are not only differently coloured but also have differently shaped raised areas on them. Children learn a lot through touch and texture and often use their mouths to explore and learn different shapes. Amongst our group of friends it was noted that each child seemed to have a favourite texture and would always go for the same key.

The combination of soft and hard textures on the keys mean that there is always something of the right feel to satisfy baby's needs.

The keys are kept together on a soft-touch ring. This is sized brilliantly for little hands and the youngest of babies seems to be able to grasp the ring and hold on. Held by the ring the keys also act as a rattle and joy was had from the keys even when not being used as a teether (both before and after teeth cutting).

The keys are ideal for the cutting of the first few teeth (generally top 2 and bottom 2) although it isn't much good for the back teeth as the shape of the keys and their size make it awkward for the child to get the right spot. There's nothing about the teether that made me worry about bits coming off and being swallowed.

Despite active chewing my set of keys shows no sign of distress and, with a wash, looked as good as new. I have put the keys in a cold-water steriliser and in the top rack of the dishwasher without harm (although after each they were thoroughly checked for safety).

This is a popular teether and, if there is a downside, it is that it is readily available and so you may well find that all the babies in a group end up having one meaning that you have to try and keep your eyes on which one is yours. There are colour variations and so this can be one way of distinguishing them!

The teether retails at around £4 and can be bought in high street stores and supermarkets without much trouble.

This one comes recommended and is probably my favoured teether for those first few teeth. It's ability to act as a rattle and the varied textures means it is a great, compact little toy that's ideal for the changing bag and when out and about.

Recommended.

Summary: A great changing bag toy and teething aid in one!