by babysugar 11

I have been in toy stores when mothers in a mad panic came looking for Sophie the Giraffe ($18). Many times the stores were sold out because of the demand.

I wondered what the big deal was with the small rubber giraffe that looked and sounded more like a dog toy than a child's addiction so I asked mothers who swore by Sophie. The 47- year-old French toy squeaks when squeezed and makes babies smile.

The soft, lightweight, and bendable giraffe is made from natural rubber and painted with non-toxic paints so she apparently doubles as a teether.

I was sold, so I bought one for my daughter who was terrified of the toy at first. But, that didn't last long —Sophie's smile won my baby over and now they are slobber partners in crime. Oui oui we say to Sophie!