What Is a Teething Toy?
A teething toy, sometimes called a chew toy or a teether, is an aid given to teething babies. Modern teething toys today are usually made of silicone, but some are made of rubber or wood. Others are made of gel that can be put in the freezer or refrigerator. A teething toy can also come in different shapes and sizes, not all teething toys were shaped like rings anymore. Unlike pacifiers, teething toys are used for chewing and built to withstand it, while pacifiers are simply sucked by infants.
Top 4 Best Teething Toys – Comparison
Why Do Babies Need a Teething Toy?
A teething toy helps the newly erupting teeth, starting around the 3rd to 7th month, as the teeth pierce the baby’s gums a teething toy offers relief from the discomfort. Aside from a toy, a teething baby may also need something cold to press on their gums like a washcloth with ice wrapped in it to alleviate the pain. It also gives chewing babies a form of entertainment to pass the hours by while playing or traveling. Sore gums often make babies more irritable than they normally are and this is where a soothing teething toy comes in handy.
Different Types of Teething Toys
Each baby is unique, this is also the case when it comes to their teething toy preferences. Expect a little trial and error when trying to find the perfect teething toy for your little one. Selecting the right one will be easier, by knowing the different types of teething toys that are out there.
Plastic teethers
Plastic teethers are the most popular ones among parents and caregivers. Make sure the teething toy is BPA-free as this synthetic compound may be dangerous to your little one’s health.
Water-based teethers
Water-based teething rings are household staples. Mothers swear by this type as they claim it is easier to munch on and gives relaxation to babies as water-based teethers remove the irritation and achy gums brought on by teething.
Rubber teether
The rubber teethers are durable and chewy, and generally much enjoyed by children. Make sure to choose a non-toxic brand and wash the teething toy before giving it to your child. You may sterilize it when the product manufacturer permits so.
Wooden teethers
Wooden teethers are starting to become popular with parents today. If edges are smooth and rounded off, then they are safe for children. Because they are made of wood, fewer toxins are present in these items and can leave children with stronger healthier gums.
Gel-based teethers
A gel-based baby teething toy is similar to a water-based one except for the fluid inside. Be sure the gel is not made of toxic ingredients and always check for holes where the gel may come out. Once punctured it must be immediately discarded.
What To Consider When Choosing Teething Toys?
Not all children immediately become cranky once they start teething, this may give you ample time to search for the best teething toy for your child. Consider the following A-B-C-Ds of choosing the right teething relief toy:
A: Avoid harmful ingredients
Soothing a baby in pain because of teething is necessary but not all toys are safe. Consider teethers that do not contain harmful toxins like benzocaine, a gum-numbing ingredient that can have serious side effects like brain disorders and even death. Belladonna, an ingredient of “natural” teething toys is also not safe for your little one according to FDA. Keep an eye on Chinese-made teethers, commonly painted, as they may contain lead in the paint, and plastic teethers that may contain phthalates which are also harmful.
B: Budget
Teething toys are very affordable more often than not. There may be luxury options available but providing comfort to your teething child need not break the bank. Consider forms of teether that may cost you less and buy two, so one can be used whilst the other is sanitized. Most traditional teething rings are affordable, but more modern options are also available like the popular silicone teether, teething toothbrush or small toy teethers that may not look like a traditional teether at all.
C: Cleaning
Always remember that a baby teething toy spends all of its time inside your baby’s mouth. With this in mind, purchasing a teether that is convenient to clean may help you in assuring your child will not get sick because of bacteria left on the teether. Make sure to look for dishwasher safe, steamer safe, or boiler safe products. It will not only bring peace to your baby, but peace of mind to you as a parent as well.
D: Design and durability
Baby teething can go on for years and having to replace a teether regularly may not be a practical idea. Consider teething toys that will not disintegrate after one chew, nor end up torn into pieces after one trip in the dishwasher. Little babies may aggressively bite and chew on these products and they may prefer different textures and designs, over some simpler products. Teething biscuits may pose a choking risk, along with teething necklaces and beads they are also considered dangerous by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) since they can be a choking hazard. Easy-grip and overall size also matter, so consider the little hands that will hold the teether when choosing one.
Best Teething Toys On The Market
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
This teether boasts a unique shape, distracting noises for your baby, and distinctive tube rings. The colors are vibrant and the rattle also adds an additional experience for your little one. They’ll surely forget their teething pain with this multi-sensory toy. It is also BPA-free and can be cleaned by handwashing with soap and water.
Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether
If your teething baby prefers a softer and more elastic teether, then this Comotomo silicone teething toy could be a perfect choice. Made of high-grade non-toxic silicone and designed with different biting areas, it may seem simple but is effective enough to relieve a teething baby. Plus, it’s BPA-free and microwave, dishwasher and sterilizer safe!
Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether
If you heard of the famous “banana teether” this is it. The shape is attractive to the infant’s eyes and may also be used as a training toothbrush after your child’s first meals. The bristles also give your baby’s gums relief while they enjoy biting on this cute teether. It is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe and easy for tiny hands to grasp.
Green Toys Twist Teether
The Green Toys Twist Teether is made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. That way, purchasing this Green Toys product also helps reduce harmful greenhouse gasses, save energy, and therefore save the environment. To clean, simply hand wash with soap and water. Babies will definitely enjoy this easy-grip, 3D twist teether whilst alleviating their teething pain.
Sophie La Girafe
Popular with parents and caregivers, Sophie La Girafe is a cute giraffe-shaped teether made of 100% rubber material. It is a non-toxic, safe chew toy that is squishy and long enough to put inside their mouth and reach molars erupting at the back of their mouths that most teethers can’t do.
Boppy Teething Scarf
The Boppy Teething Scarf is a fashionable wrap that comes in different colors and patterns, specifically made for mothers. It has a connected teething ring attached for teething babies. The ring can fit perfectly in your little one’s hands and it is made of safe food-grade silicone. The full scarf is washing machine-friendly and will save parents from clothing drool and mess, while the baby gets teething relief.
Nuby Teeth-eez
If your family is always on the go, this BPA-free silicone teething toy is perfect for your child. It has a carry case for the teether to keep it clean in a diaper bag, when not in use. The Nuby Teeth-eez is soft and small enough for your baby to hold, as well as being easy to pack, making traveling a teething baby a little less hassle.
Fisher-Price Pizza Slice Teether
Fisher-Price is one of the brands that will definitely give you value for money. Being one of the pioneers of baby-related products, this pizza-shaped teether is easy for your child to hold. Its silicone “crust” along with the crinkly textures makes it easier for your little one to chew on and enjoy while they are teething.
Green Sprouts Silicone Fruit Teether
Another BPA-free silicone teether, but this item differs from the others because it can be stored in the refrigerator to be chilled for extra relief. The textured surface also offers a new chewing experience and its shape is easy for baby fingers to grasp and hold. The Green Sprouts teether is filled with distilled water so should the baby bite and puncture the product, it is still safe. Parents can also just throw it in soap and water for easy cleaning.
The First Years John Deere Massaging Corn Teether
A novel shape for a teether, this one is shaped like corn on the cob. The unique feature of this baby chewing toy is the vibration sensor that is activated once the baby bites on the rubber surface of the soft teether, providing added comfort and fun to the cute teether it already is.
How To Safely Use Teething Toys
Avoid freezing the teething toy
Parents and caregivers with experience always recommend a cold teether to refresh a baby. Experts agree that it is better to cool your teething toy in the refrigerator rather than in the freezer. When a teething toy becomes frozen, it will be too hard for your baby to chew on and may end up harming their gums. Freezing the teething toy may also affect the material and may reduce its longevity.
Check for teether damage regularly
Be on the lookout for damage and holes on the teether. In wooden toys, round edges may become sharp and can lead to harming the mouth while chewing on it. Not all products can stand the test of time and there is always a limit to the product’s durability. Inspect the liquid-filled items for holes that may cause the fluid to leak and always remember that a damaged teether can pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Always keep a bib handy
Babies often become more drooly when they’re teething. Slobbering often causes rashes and other skin irritations. Having your baby wear a bib, or using a bib to wipe all excess saliva running down their chin will keep their skin clean and dry, while playing and chewing down on their teether.
Watch out for mold
Damp places, like your baby’s teether, are mold’s favorite growing spot. Your baby may become ill when unsupervised munching on moldy teethers. Ensure the teether is cleaned and sterilized properly and disinfected often to avoid mold growth.
Avoid teething “jewelry”
With teething necklaces and bracelets for mothers becoming more popular today, the FDA still does not recommend the use of these products. Small beads and other tiny parts may become choking hazards for babies.
Final Thoughts
For a teething baby, teething toys are essential and can provide soothing relief for the baby. It may be a challenging time for parents, involving more sleepless nights with a cranky infant, but you can make it an easier time by providing your baby the best teething product for them. There are a lot of options on the market currently and they definitely provide a lot of help and support to survive your teething journey.
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