Test result preview
The baby teething stick from the MiniMates brand is a chew stick designed to help babies with teething.
The stick is shaped so that babies can use it to explore their own mouths and soothe hard-to-reach, painful areas by chewing.
In addition to exploring the mouth, the stick can also help to develop the child ‘s motor skills by grasping and holding the product .
This product is made from 100% food-safe, soft and durable silicone . According to the seller, it is free from BPA, PVC or phthalates.
The easy cleaning of the product should be emphasised: it can simply be cleaned in the dishwasher or under warm water. Two small cleaning brushes are also included in the scope of delivery, which guarantee that the inside of the teething toy can be reached.
Due to its size, the chew toy can easily be taken anywhere. It would be desirable if a small storage box was also included in the scope of delivery, as this would make the chew toy even easier to transport and protect it from dirt when travelling.
Advantages
- Dimensions optimised for baby size
- 100 % food-safe silicone
- Supports teething and motor skills development
Disadvantages
- No storage option for transporting the sticks included in the product scope
The test
General information
We took a close look at the product and tested it in practice. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
show more +Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided, the plastic film protects the product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions for use
Product is self-explanatory
Points
TOTAL
98
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
This product was delivered in a paper envelope .
One positive aspect to emphasise is that the inside of the bag is padded with paper and that no plastic was used.
A total of eight chew sticks and two brushes for cleaning are contained in transparent plastic packaging that is optimised for the size of the product. With regard to the amount of plastic in the packaging, it would be desirable for the seller to consider a more environmentally friendly packaging option.
Instructions for use are not included with the product, but are not required as the product is self-explanatory.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
show more +Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive design
Points
Processing
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No details, but use of high-quality materials
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The product includes eight different sticks in different colours . With the exception of the black stick, these are lighter pastel colours. These are pleasing to the eye and can have a calming effect.
The sticks feel pleasant at first glance and the food-safe silicone has a high-quality appearance .
Each stick makes a sturdy first impression and the workmanship is also of high quality.
At first glance, the dimensions for baby’s hands and mouth are also very well thought out and suitable.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
show more +Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Chewing safety
High safety due to material, nothing comes loose
Points
Strength of the stick
Very firm
Points
Handling by the baby
Easy to grip, size well matched
Points
Flavour neutrality
Tastes like nothing
Points
Cleaning and hygiene
Washable in the dishwasher, easy to clean
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
This product has undergone a thorough practical test.
You can pull firmly on the chew stick and also twist it , the silicone chew stick remains firm and quickly winds itself back into its original shape. There was never any danger of a piece coming off during the practical test .
The stick is small and its thickness is designed so that it can easily be held by a baby’s small hands . Little fingers can easily grip the stick.
With regard to flavour neutrality, it should be noted that this product is completely tasteless . If you smell the chew stick, you will also notice that the silicone is almost completely odourless .
In terms of hygiene, the product is convincing. It can simply be washed in the dishwasher or washed by hand with water. The cleaning brushes supplied are perfectly sized to fit the chew sticks so that they can be thoroughly cleaned and the product can be used again and again.
The chew sticks were convincing in the practical test due to their pleasant firmness, which invites chewing and the unproblematic cleaning .
.
Test plan of the Prüfengel Institute
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria of the practical part of the test and the distribution of points can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
show more +Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
Rating cut
Still too few customer reviews, not included in the overall rating
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
At the time of testing, the product had not been listed on Amazon for long enough. Therefore, the existing reviews do not sufficiently reflect the advantages and disadvantages of the product, so this point is neglected in the evaluation .
Prices of up to €15 are charged on the internet for equivalent products. Very cheap products are available from as little as €9.90 . The chew sticks for babies from MiniMates are therefore currently in the lower price segment with a price of €9.90. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Score achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer ratings
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points
