Wooden phone from Vilac

What do babies need to make important phone calls about? Not much, which is lucky, since I doubt that this model's technology (a jangly bell and a bendy spring) would get very good reception.

Jokes aside, there's no doubt that the mobile phone ranks alongside the TV remote and Mummy's purse as top Irresistible Thing You Shouldn't Play With. So, while we've had limited success with the toy phone we attempt to substitute when the sticky, jabby fingers get a bit too intense, it's always worth a try.

And these ones, from French site Vilac.com, are much nicer than a lot of the more plasticky, beepy, flashy models on offer. In fact, the entire site is worth a look for its large selection of toys with a similar sensibility.