Matchstick Monkey Original Teething Toy and Gel Applicator: how to use it

The Original Matchstick Monkey is a teething toy and a gel applicator in one. Here is how the textured bumps work and how to get the most out of it.

What the Original teether does

Each Original teether is one piece of food-grade, non-toxic, BPA-free silicone. The raised bumps on the back of the monkey's head massage tender gums, and the same bumps hold teething gel so it goes onto the gums rather than onto little fingers.

• Textured bumps help massage sore gums, including the hard-to-reach back molars.
• Easy-grip arms are shaped for little hands, so your baby can steer it themselves and build motor skills as they go.
• It is flexible and lightweight, so it suits home, outings and travel.
• It is tested for babies and toddlers from 3 months to 3 years.

Using the gel applicator

1. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of your usual teething gel onto the textured bumps on the back of the monkey's head.
2. Hand the teether to your baby. The easy-grip arms let them hold and position it on their own.
3. Let them chew. The bumps massage the gel onto sore gums, with no gel on fingers or faces.

Gel is optional. The textured bumps also massage tender gums on their own.

Cooling and cleaning

• Pop the teether in the fridge for extra cooling relief, but never put it in the freezer, as frozen silicone is too hard for tender gums.
• Clean it regularly in a steam or cold water steriliser, in boiling water or in the dishwasher. It is a single piece of silicone with no seams for grime to hide in.

Ages, materials and BioCote protection for every Matchstick Monkey teether are covered in our article Matchstick Monkey teethers: common questions.

Colours in the Australian range

The Original comes in 14 colours, so it is easy to tell teethers apart or match one to a pram or nappy bag.

• Colours: Baby Blue, Blue, Confetti Cream, Dusty Pink, Emerald, Grey, Lilac, Mint Green, Olive, Orange, Peach, Pink, Red, Yellow
• Material: Food-grade silicone with BioCote antimicrobial protection
• Tested age: 3 months to 3 years