August 23, 2020
Just as parents emerge from the blur of the newborn phase and start getting into the swing of things, teething seems to come along and ruin any plans for regular sleep. Teething can be one of the most challenging aspects of raising a baby and is the leading cause of night waking from six months to age two. Some babies can go through teething with little to no symptoms while others will show signs of fever, runny nose, drooling, and feeding strikes along with sleep disruption. Having the right baby teether toys on hand can help.
What are Baby teethers?
Baby teething toys are infant toys used to soothe babies’ gums as primary teeth start coming in. Babies love to put almost anything in their mouths, but some toys present a choking hazard or contain harmful chemicals like lead, heavy metals, phthalates, latex, cadmium, and BPA. When it comes to choosing toys for babies, safety should always come first. Some of the safest products are teething toys made of silicone, 100% natural rubber, organic cotton, and unpainted wood. And as with all things baby might put in their mouth, it is important to find products that are easy to clean and sterilize.
When to use Baby teethers?
Babies typically begin teething between the ages of six months to eight months old. But it isn’t the same for everyone. Some infants are born with teeth and others will not get their first tooth until 12 to 14 months old. Usually, the front two bottom teeth (lower incisors) come in first. The follows the front two top teeth (upper incisors). Then the pattern typically follows with the other incisors and the upper and lower molars. Finally the canines come through and the upper and lower second molars are typically last. Most children have all 20 primary teeth in place by the age of two and a half years old.
What are the benefits of baby teethers?
Teethers give infants something durable and safe to chew and suck on. And when light pressure is applied to tender gums it can soothe the pain and irritation. Babies can start to feel better and teething toys can make the entire teething process a little easier for everyone.
Top 10 baby teether toys
Some of the safest baby teething toys recommended by dentists include:
10. BEBE Cookie Teethers and Gum Massagers
This teething toy comes in a two-pack. One teether is soft and one is a little more firm. These are made from high-end silicone and the unique ridges on the cookie shape have a different massaging effect.
9. Tinabless Fruit Teether
Teething can lead to eating strikes. So if a baby has been refusing nursing or bottles, a fruit teether might be a good option. The unique design allows parents to help baby get started on solid foods. It is made with non-toxic materials and is easy to sterilize. And parents can add cold fruit into the mesh portion to help soothe, entertain, and provide some extra nutrients for the little one.
8. Vulli Sophie La Girafe Chewing Rubber
This is a good alternative to the traditional Sophie La Girafe. This teething toy is smaller and perfect for younger babies. It is easy to hold and features ridges to help massage the gums.
7. Vulli Sophie La Girafe
This is one of the most popular baby teething toys on the market and makes a common baby shower gift. The teether is made with natural rubber and the shape of the giraffe legs can reach the back of the mouth to soothe gum area for the molars.
6. Loulou Lollipop Taco Silicone Baby Teether
This baby teething toy is made from food grade silicone. It has a nice, nubby texture great for messaging baby gums. And the shape and bean-shaped hole make it easy for baby to grip and hold.
5. Moonjax Silicone Infant Teething Toy
This baby teether is made from 100% medical grade silicone. It does not contain any dyes or toxins. It is durable, yet soft. And it ensures baby’s safety with a gag-free design that is easy to hold and easy to find.
4. Camden Rose Wooden Teether
This U.S.-made unfinished wooden teether is a really safe, non-toxic teething toy. This is made from either maple or cherry wood. It doesn’t chip or have any harmful coatings, and can be polished with beeswax.
3. Natursutten Natural Rubber Starfish Teether Toy
The natural rubber of this teething toy contains no artificial colors, chemical softeners, phthalates, PVC, nitrosamines, or BPA. It is lighter and softer than most teethers because of the cushion of air between the two sides. And the points of the starts have slightly different textures for massaging the gums and soothing pain.
2. Under the Nile Carrot Plush Toy
This carrot plush is made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton. It is colored with metal-free dyes and safe for a baby to chew on. Parents can get the tip of it wet and put it in the freezer, then let baby chew on the cold end for a bit to help ease pain.
1. Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether
This baby teething toy is made with 100% food-grade silicone. It is lightweight and easy to hold. And because of its shape, babies cannot put it all the way into their mouths. This keeps them from choking on it. It also features bristles, so this great teething toy can also double as a first stage toothbrush.