Teething can be just as uncomfortable for parents as it is for kids. While this is a significant milestone, getting those first few teeth can at times be painful. The discomfort and pain may mean sleepless nights, irritability, and a desperate search for any way to soothe your baby. That’s where teethers come in. These are toys that your little one chews on to help soothe their sensitive, sore gums.
As you look for the right teether for baby, you will find lots of options. Here is everything you need to know about teething toys and how to pick the best teething toys for your baby.
What Exactly Are Teethers?
These are special toys made to help soothe a baby’s gums once their teeth start to come in. They can be made from several materials such as wood, natural rubber, silicone, fabric, and BPA-free plastic. Since teething can cause discomfort, chewing on a teething toy can provide some relief, and it feels good because it provides counterpressure to the emerging tooth.
Many, but not all, babies experience some pain and discomfort during teething. To help ease the pain, they will often start sucking and chewing on anything they can get their hands on. Teethers present a safe pain-relieving option that babies can chew on. This way, you don’t have to worry continually about your baby trying to chew on everything they come across.
Types Of Teethers
Teething toys are available in different shapes and sizes. These include:
Teething rings - many of the teething toys available for infants are in this form. They can be solid or filled with water for teethers that are chilled. They can also be smooth or studded. These striations help massage the baby’s gum as they chew on the teething toy.
Teething toys - these teethers are made for playing and for soothing sore gums. They are made from safe materials such as natural rubber or fabric, making them ideal for babies. They are available in different shapes, often animal-themed.
Teething mitts - these are gloves or mitts that are made from fabric, with some parts made from plastic or silicone. What makes these types of teethers great is that they allow the baby to chew on their hand, something that a lot of babies like while providing relief.
Staged teethers - these are meant for all teething stages and often come in packs of about four different teethers for a specific age or teething stage.
The Best Baby Teethers
When picking a teether, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as the material, shape and size, color, and type. This can make picking one out a bit overwhelming, so to help you, here are some of the best teethers for babies.
- Sophie, The Giraffe This teething toy has been around for many years and is quite popular. It is made from natural latex rubber, which is BPA-free and colored using food-grade safe paint, making it safe for babies. The giraffe shape makes it easy for the baby to hold onto the toy; for instance, they can grab the legs while chewing on the head. They can also chew on the legs, which can reach further back toward the molars. It also squeaks to get your baby’s attention, and while it can be pricey, it is a worthy investment as baby can use it for a long time.
- BooginHead Bandana Teether These teethers are great at catching drool, and the silicone teether tip makes for a great chew toy. The snaps allow you to easily put on or take off the bib. Available in different colors and designs, this bib-style teether is in the same class as a teething blanket and makes for a great alternative to traditional teething toys for babies.
- Nuby Silicone Gum Massager This teether is a two-in-one gum massager and toothbrush. The Nuby is excellent because it can reach those molars in the back that teething rings miss. It also has a carry case, so you can always have it handy and keep it clean while it’s in a bag. You can put the toothbrush end into some ice water to chill it instead of putting the whole teether in the freezer. This way, the handle doesn’t become cold.
- Razbaby Teether This teether is shaped like a pacifier, and the baby can chew or suck on it, depending on what is most soothing. This teether can also distract a hungry infant, buying mommy enough time to prepare something.
- Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt This mitt-style teething toy provides pain relief that babies can literally keep on hand. The mitt allows the baby to chew on their own fingers with the added relief from the silicone. The fabric part is designed with crinkly material that produces some noise drawing your baby’s attention. It comes in many different styles and is also machine washable.
Can I Give My 3-Month-Old Toys For Teething?
If you are a first-time parent, you might wonder when to give your little one a teether. Babies start teething from as early as four months to as late as 11 months. Having a teether on hand means you are prepared, and at 3 months, it’s a great time to introduce them to teethers.
When your baby’s first teeth emerge depends a lot on genetics, but you can be sure that they will start teething within this window. The incisors in the bottom jaw usually appear first, followed by the four upper front incisors. When your baby turns three, they should have a full set of baby teeth.
Tips On How To Choose The Best Teething Toy For Your Baby
Teethers come in a wide range of materials, shapes, and sizes, so picking the best teething toys can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you out as you shop for teethers.
- Think about the type of teether - while ring-shaped teethers are classic, more innovative designs are now available. Now you can get teethers that double up as toothbrushes and others that look like small blankets. Staged teethers are an excellent investment because your kid will use them in all teething stages.
- Consider the material it’s made from- teething babies will happily chew on anything they can get their hands on; however, they are drawn to some materials more than others. Some babies like soft, chewy materials such as silicone or rubber, while others prefer something harder, like wood.
- Watch out for mold - teethers are frequently wet and are susceptible to mold. When picking out a teething toy, select the one you can easily clean, disinfect and dry off quickly.
Every infant has a unique personality. The toys your baby likes may differ significantly from what another baby prefers. Picking a teething toy’s ideal shape and size will depend on your child’s preferences. However, it should fit in baby’s mouth and be easy to grasp so they can hold onto it by themselves.