Two Skwish Toys, Two Looks
If you are deciding between the Skwish Natural and the Skwish Classic, the choice comes down to color and material preference. Both are wood baby toys from Manhattan Toy that serve as a rattle, teether, and sensory play item. They share the same award-winning design: springy elastic cords strung between rubberwood rods, with beads that slide and rattle. Each toy skwishes and returns to its original shape, encouraging grasping and reaching.
The main difference is the finish. The Skwish Natural uses sustainable rubberwood with a natural look and no added color. The Skwish Classic uses primary colors on the rods and beads, giving it a more traditional nursery appearance. Both are suitable for infants and support similar developmental play.
Key Facts at a Glance
-
Skwish Natural: The Skwish Natural is made from sustainable rubberwood teether rods with a natural finish. It features springy, rebounding elastic strung between rods, with beads that slide and rattle. The natural finish appeals to parents who prefer an uncolored wood look, and the rubberwood is safe for teething.
Skwish Natural
-
Skwish Classic: The Skwish Classic is made from renewable rubberwood and strung with durable elastic cords. It uses primary colors on the rods and beads. The bright primary colors provide visual contrast for babies and match many classic nursery themes.
Skwish Classic
How They Compare for Play and Teething
Both toys offer the same core play mechanics: grasping, reaching, shaking, and teething. The elastic design lets the toy be squished and it springs back, which babies find fascinating. The sliding beads add a rattle sound and tactile variety.
The Skwish Natural has no painted surfaces, which may be a consideration for parents who want to avoid any paint. The Skwish Classic has painted rods and beads in primary colors, but the paint is part of the finished product from Manhattan Toy.
Neither toy requires batteries or assembly. Both are lightweight and easy for small hands to hold.
- Material and Finish: Skwish Natural: natural rubberwood, no paint. Skwish Classic: painted rubberwood with primary colors.
- Teething Use: Both have rubberwood rods that are safe for teething. The Skwish Natural has no paint, so no paint contact during teething.
- Visual Stimulation: Skwish Natural offers a neutral, wood-grain look. Skwish Classic provides bright primary colors for contrast.
- Awards: Both have won awards. Skwish Natural: Cribsie Award finalist, Parents' Choice Classic Award. Skwish Classic: multiple awards including Parents' Choice Hall of Fame and NAPPA Gold Award.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer an unpainted, natural wood look and want a teether with no paint, the Skwish Natural is the straightforward choice. It offers the same play value as the Classic but in a more minimalist aesthetic.
If you like bright, classic nursery colors and want a toy that has a long award history, the Skwish Classic is a proven favorite. Its primary colors also help with visual tracking for young infants.
Both toys are made from renewable rubberwood and are designed for infant grasping, teething, and sensory play. The decision is really about color and finish preference.