Those tiny first teeth are a huge milestone in your baby’s growth. But along with those adorable pearly whites comes a fair share of fussiness, tears, and gum grumbles. That’s where teethers come in – the perfect present for a pained little munchkin with a growing urge to chew.
These simple yet genius toys make the teething journey so much easier for babies and can reduce stress for parents. But what are teethers used for, and how do you choose the best teethers for your little one? Let’s find out.
What is Teether?
A teether is a pain-relief toy designed for babies whose teeth have started to develop. Even the happiest, smiliest baby can experience teething pain, which can cause a lot of discomfort and irritability.
Teething toys help soothe your baby’s discomfort by giving them something safe to chew on, helping ease the pressure, distract them from the pain and resulting in an overall less cranky tiny tot. Think of a teether as your baby’s first stress ball!
The best teethers for baby gums will help strengthen your baby’s growing teeth, gums, and jaw muscles, which will help them with chewing solid food and speech development later on down the road.
When Do Babies Need Teethers?
Your little one’s journey to a toothy grin typically starts around 6 months, although every baby is different. It’s not uncommon for some babies to begin teething before 4 months, while others are late bloomers and don’t get their mini molars until after 12 months.
They might not tell you outright, but they’ll give you plenty of signs that it’s teething time. Look out for:
- Sore and red inflamed gums
- A mild temperature (under 38°C)
- Excess dribbling
- A sudden love for gnawing and chewing on everything
- Trouble sleeping
- A single flushed cheek
- Feeling fussier than usual
- Ear pulling
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to bring in a teether to save the day (and your sanity!)
Types of Teethers
Teething toys come in a variety of different shapes and sizes in order to match the stage of teething your little one is at. As your baby progresses through their teething journey, their needs from a teether change.
Early-stage teethers often need softer toys for soothing their sore gums, while babies later on in the teething process prefer firmer or more textured teethers that can help with the discomfort as more teeth come through.
Here’s a brief run-through of the most popular types of teethers available:
Cooling Teethers
These can be popped in the fridge (never the freezer!) and help provide extra soothing relief for your baby’s inflamed gums. The coolness helps numb sore gums naturally, and they’re particularly useful during those extra-fussy teething days!
Textured Teethers
These teethers come with ridges, bumps and textured paused patterns that massage the gums and soothe discomfort. They offer targeted pain relief for babies and promote a more peaceful teething experience.
Wooden Teethers
Wooden teethers are great for babies who have already seen some milk teeth break through. These harder teethers are durable, and a natural option for eco-conscious parents. They’re free from any chemicals and have their own antibacterial properties that help ease pain and discomfort.
Silicone Teethers
Made from food-grade silicone, which is quickly becoming a favourite among parents, these are super safe and easy to clean. They’re typically soft yet durable, which makes them perfect for those early days when gums are particularly sensitive.
Multi-Sensory Teethers
These combine teething relief with developmental play. They feature things like rattles, bright colours, and different textures to help develop motor and cognitive skills as well as provide pain relief.
Can Teethers Be Sterilised?
Keeping their teething toys clean is crucial for your little one’s health. Since teethers spend most of their time in your baby’s mouth, proper sterilisation helps protect them from harmful bacteria.
Most teethers, including those made from wood, silicone, plastic, or rubber, can be sterilised using the following methods:
- Boiling: Place the teether in boiling water for 5 minutes to kill off any bacteria. Make sure to dry the toys thoroughly after and ensure they’re cool before giving them back to your baby.
- Steaming: Use a steam steriliser or microwave steriliser, which works by using steam to kill germs.
- Dishwashing: Some toys are dishwasher safe (typically silicone toys, although always check the manufacturer’s instructions), so a quick run through the dishwasher should be enough to kill any bacteria.
What are the best teethers for infants?
We have two of the best teethers for baby gums available right here at Munchkin:
The Munchkin WildLove Koala Natural Wooden Teether is made from natural beechwood and food-grade silicone, so you can rest assured that it’s durable and safe for your tiny human. It includes a rattle to entertain and multiple textures to help soothe sore gums.
The Sili Twisty Bendable Multi-Texture Teether Toy is a great multi-sensory teether that is safe for your baby and also fun! It features multiple textures, rings, bumps and ridges and will also help develop your little one’s motor skills.
Reduce both you and your baby’s stress levels by purchasing one of Munchkin’s premium teethers. Interested in learning more about your little angel? Head on over to our blog, or listen to an episode of our StrollerCoaster podcast!
Leave a Reply