First Grip, First Chew
Babies don't pick up toys on purpose at first. They swipe, the toy lands in their palm, and the rattle answers. That small cause and effect is where reaching begins. This horse is built for that moment: a compact, rounded body with soft curves that fits a newborn's closed fist and a young baby's two-handed hold. Around 3 to 4 months, when hands start finding mouths, the soft natural rubber becomes the main event. Chewing on the ears, legs and nose gives sore gums gentle resistance to push against. It's a satisfying texture too, with a little give that hard plastic simply doesn't have.
A Sound That Rewards Without Overwhelming
Inside the sealed body sits a soft rattle. Each shake produces a quiet, muted sound, so babies learn that their own movement makes the noise. It's quiet enough to use in the pram, the car seat or beside a sleeping sibling. As wrists strengthen, you'll see shakes become deliberate. By 6 to 9 months, the horse gets passed from one hand to the other, dropped over the edge of the highchair and handed back. That's early problem-solving and hand-eye coordination in action.
Made From Natural Rubber, Built for Water
The horse is made from 100% natural rubber and is free from BPA, phthalates and PVC, which matters when most of what a baby holds ends up in their mouth. Tikiri lists compliance with ASTM F963, EN71 and the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act. Because the body is sealed, it also works in the bath, floating while babies splash and chew. Wipe it with a damp cloth or wash it in mild soapy water. Then dry it well and store it somewhere airy. It's a small toy that travels easily, so it can live in the nappy bag.
Where It Leads
From newborn grasping, it moves to teething at 4 months, then to naming animals at 12 months. Add "neigh" and "gallop" to the play, and the same horse becomes a first farm character. It makes a good start for a collection of natural rubber teethers, because the Tikiri farm range also includes a cow, a sheep and a chicken, each shaped for small hands.