Did you know babies can start teething before they’re even sitting up alone? For some, the teething milestone can start as early as three months old, while others may start around six months. While it’s an exciting time for your little one, it’ll likely also cause discomfort.
So, what’s the secret to getting through the painful teething stage? Teething toys! These toys are specifically designed to be chomped on to help soothe sore and sensitive gums. Keep reading to discover the five best teething toys for your child and what teething remedies to avoid.
Signs your baby may need a teether
If you think the time has come for your baby to use a teether, but you aren’t 100% sure, here are some signs to look out for:
- Increased drooling.
- Red and swollen gums.
- Increased biting and chewing.
- Irritability.
- Loss of appetite.
- Changes in sleep pattern.
When to start using teething toys
You can start using teething toys as soon as your baby is showing signs of teething. There’s no harm in giving your child a teething toy early, even if there are no signs or if you’re unsure if they’re teething, as the toys are perfectly safe and a great way to keep your child busy and entertained.
How to introduce a teether
Introducing a teething toy to your baby shouldn’t be difficult. If the teether is colorful and fun, your child will naturally be drawn to it. All of our non-toxic teething toys provide a safe and clean chewing surface for your little one to enjoy. When their first tooth is emerging, encourage them to use the teething toy rather than chewing on other toys, furniture, or even their fingers.
We recommend always supervising your child when using a teething toy and ensuring it’s big enough so they can’t swallow or choke on it. Make sure the toy is also in good condition with no damage or pieces breaking off that could be accidentally swallowed.
Best teethers for babies
So, which teethers are best for babies? You’ll find a wide variety of teethers available in all different types of materials, and finding the best one for your child may take some trial and error. Here are 5 of our favorite teethers:
1. Best cooling teether
Cooling teethers chilled in the fridge can help numb your baby’s pain and soothe sensitivity. These coolers are perfect in the summer, offering a refreshing surface for babies to bite and chew on. Our cooling teether toys feature purICE technology which means they stay colder for longer!
2. Best vibrating teether
Vibrating teething toys are designed to increase the circulation in your child’s gums to help soothe them and reduce discomfort. Our vibrating teether will gently vibrate when your little one bites down to stimulate and comfort their gums instantly.
3. Best silicone teether
Silicone teether toys are generally the most popular thanks to their springy texture, which children enjoy biting down on. Made from BPA-free materials and easy to clean, soft silicone teethers are perfect for sore gums and putting pressure on a particular sore spot to soothe the pain.
4. Best hand teether
Teething mittens offer the perfect solution for babies prone to chewing on their hands when times get tough. These teethers can easily be slipped on over their hands and provide a soft, silicone surface that can help to massage gums, relieve pain and prevent your little one’s fingers from being chewed.
5. Best teething blanket
Some parents may give their child a wet cloth or sponge to chew on, but our specific teething blankets are designed with your child in mind. With a fun design and intriguing textures and sounds, these blankets will not only offer comfort as they cuddle up with them, but also provide multiple teething surfaces to chew on.
Teething remedies to avoid
When it comes to teething, there are some remedies you should avoid to prevent the phase from becoming even more uncomfortable or difficult. These include:
- Giving your child salty, spicy, or citrus foods as these will only irritate your child’s gums further.
- Rubbing any form of alcohol on your child’s gums can have a big effect on their system and irritate their gums.
- Giving your child ice to chew on can be a choking hazard and damage their gums due to the extreme coldness - stick to cooling teething toys instead.
How long do babies use teethers?
Your baby can use a teething toy for as long as they like. However, it’s recommended to take them away once the tooth has emerged, as continued use may affect the development of their other teeth. When you notice your child is teething again, give them the toy back. We also suggest regularly checking the teething toys for any signs of damage or weakness and replacing them when required.
Browse our full collection of teething toys, including pacifiers, designed to tackle the teething phase as quickly and smoothly as possible.
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