Teething is an important and inevitable stage of your baby’s first year of life, but it can also be one of the most painful.
When babies go through teething, it can cause a great amount of discomfort. There are multiple signs to let you as a parent know your baby is starting to teethe, including:
- Increase in drooling
- Fussiness
- Running slight fevers
- Sleeping problems
- Eating problems
- Constantly trying to chew on things
Symptoms aren’t limited to just internal reactions or behavior changes, though.
There are several visible signs parents can look for when determining if their baby is teething or not, such as swollen gums and teeth appearing beneath the gums.
It’s hard to see your baby go through discomfort that’s unavoidable, but there are ways to help reduce the pain your little one undergoes — teething toys!
Baby teething toys relieve a lot of the pain teething causes.
As a parent, it’s important to know that what your little one puts in their mouth is safe. If you’ve been asking questions about these toys, we’ve got you covered — this is your ultimate guide to baby teething toys and which ones to buy.
What are Baby Teething Toys & Why Use Them?
Babies naturally chew, suck, gnaw and drool on things — it allows them to experiment with their body and learn how it works.
However, when babies start to teethe, they do these things for a different reason.
Teething is a painful process for babies, and chewing on things helps relieve some of the pain.
If you notice your baby gnawing on furniture, their fingers, toys, or practically anything they can get their hands on, then it’s very likely that they’re teething and looking for ways to soothe the discomfort.
What goes into your baby’s mouth is important — it could make them healthy or sick.
Baby teething toys are meant to be chewed on, which means they’re effective and safe.
With teething toys, babies have something to chew on other than things like wooden furniture and the people who hold them.
With teething toys, babies have something to chew on other than things like wooden furniture and the people who hold them.
When Can Babies Start Using Teething Toys?
While every baby is different, the typical age to start teething is anywhere from four to seven months old.
However, don’t be worried f your baby starts sooner or later than this age span. When a baby gets their first tooth depends heavily on genetics as well.
Something important to note is that babies don’t teethe only once.
In most cases, the first set of teeth babies receive are the two bottom ones. After these appear, they receive the four upper teeth. Most babies have a full set of primary teeth by the time they turn 3.
So, when can babies start using teething toys, especially if they go through the process more than once?
According to Infantino, the four to seven month age range is the perfect time for babies to start using teething toys. Plus, the right baby teething toys are made with your baby’s safety in mind. Most teething toys are certified for babies four months and older to chew on, which makes them safer than the odd items they find around the house.
Are Wooden Teething Toys Safe?
While some baby teething toys are made of materials such as rubber and silicone, a few are made out of wood.
What makes a teething toy safe goes beyond the materials it’s been made from, though. The size and shape play a big role in determining how dangerous an item is for children to put in their mouths.
Wooden teething toys are heavier and bulkier than ones made out of rubber, which means if it falls on your baby or they accidentally hit themselves with it, the toy can cause more pain than it relieves.
Additionally, it’s important to take caution when purchasing wooden teething toys. Only buy them from reputable companies, as poorly made ones can splinter.
That might be a disadvantage, but when looked at in a non-toxic and chemical free perspective, wooden teething toys are safest. If you don’t want to expose your baby to substances such as plastic and silicone, these are your best option.
Best Teething Toys to Buy for Your Baby
There is a multitude of baby teething toys out there, which can make it both easy and difficult to decide on which ones to buy.
As a parent, you don’t want your baby to have just any teething toy — you want it to be the best and safest one out there.
If you’re wondering which ones to narrow your list down to, here is a compiled list of only the best, safest, and all natural teething toys your baby will love.
1. Mali Wear Natural Wooden Teething Toy
This teether for babies from Mali Wear is a two-in-one: a pain reliever and a fun rattle.
Not only is it functional and entertaining for your baby, but it’s also made out of untreated organic wood and eco-friendly materials, making it among the best baby teething toys on Amazon.
The toy fits perfectly into the small hands of any baby and is easier to transport, so your baby can experience the relief of discomfort anywhere. Plus, the toy rattle supports early motor skill development through hand and eye coordination.
2. Natural Organic Silicone Baby Teething Toys (5 Pack)
This set of 5 natural teething toys are BPA free and perfect for babies aged 3 to 12 months old. Each one has a different shape, color, and design, making them fun and exciting to play with.
Not only do these toys give your baby something to chew on, they also massage the gums and stimulate teeth growth.
Babies can easily grip onto any of the five toys thanks to the helpful handles on each one, allowing them to hold onto it while gnawing.
3. Nuby Silicone Teeth-Eez Teether
The Nuby Silicone Teeth-Eez Teether is super soft and has multiple teething surfaces, which makes it incredibly easy for your baby to use. Not only are the teething surfaces soft and soothing to chew on, but they also aid in the eruption of new teeth.
BPA free, this silicone baby teething toy is safe and non-toxic. Plus, it comes with a hygienic carrying case so that it keeps clean when your baby isn’t using it.
Easy to hold, this teether is suitable for babies of all ages.
4. Beech Wooden Teethers Natural Baby Teething Toys (3 Pack)
These animal-shaped wooden baby teethers are all natural, BPA free, and colorful. Plus, they’re attached to bracelets, giving your baby something to hold onto and manipulate.
Not only is it easy for the baby to use, but it’s also easy for you to clean. All of these animal teethers are washable in warm soapy water and are safe to air dry.
5. Nuby Soothing Teething Mitten with Hygienic Travel Bag
If your baby tends to chew on their hands when they teethe, then this teething mitten from Nuby is ideal for your baby.
Perfect for babies who have trouble holding teethers or put their hands in their mouth, this mitten relieves sore gums with its teething surfaces. It can be worn on either hand and also protects them from scratching.
Made of BPA-free materials, the mitten is soft, flexible, and safe to go in the mouth and washing machine.
Finding the Perfect Teether for Your Baby is Easier than You Think
Some babies like rubber teethers and others prefer wood. Each baby is different, but regardless, there are plenty of safe and organic teethers for you to choose from.
Teething is a crucial stage in your baby’s growth, and despite how much pain it can cause, is vital to their development. A milestone as big as this should be as painless as possible, and baby teething toys help make the process more comfortable.
What teething toys have you tried for your baby?
Share in the comments below!
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