A Guide to Choosing Baby Teething Toys
As much as it’s an exciting milestone for you and your baby, teething – the time when a baby’s teeth start to come in – can be equally as much of a struggle as a monumental moment (if not more so). While it’s exciting to have your young one develop their own set of chompers, the pain and crankiness brought on by teething can be a nightmare for babies and parents alike.
So, how can we soothe our little ones, and ultimately get through the sore gums, the cries and the whines in one piece? Parents have all sorts of coping mechanisms to help their children, from rubbing babies' gums to popping a cold washcloth in children's mouths to ease their pain. But teething toys, otherwise known as teethers, are a holy grail of relief. In this blog, we will dive into when your baby would benefit from teething toys, how to properly use them, and some of our favourite products.
When is the Right Time to Give My Baby Teething Toys?
Typically, it’s around the six-month mark when a baby starts teething. However, this is an estimate and every baby is different. Depending on how soon your child’s teeth decide to arrive, you can introduce teethers as early as three months. Of course, if you have any questions about this, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor or pediatrician to get their opinion. As soon as teething starts (along with the inevitable sleepless nights), you can introduce your baby to a teething toy.
How to Use a Teething Toy
With various types of teething toys on the market, you have your pick of the chewable litter when it comes to high-quality teethers that will provide some relief to you and your baby. However, there are a few important things to note when choosing which teething toy to invest in and how to use and maintain them.
It may seem obvious, but as these toys are made to basically live in a baby’s mouth, they need to be durable and kept clean. It’s a gross thought, but mould lives and breathes in wet areas. So, when choosing a teether – whether it’s a teething rattle with multiple components or a stand-alone toy, make sure it’s one that will be easy to clean and do so frequently. It’s also important to keep an eye on the integrity of the toy. If your teether is made up of small pieces, these will start to become loose as they get chewed by your baby. This can then lead to small parts becoming a choking hazard, so make sure to keep an eye out for these and replace the teether when needed.
Our Favourite Teething Toys
Toys for teething come in various shapes, sizes, textures and colours to suit any preference – basically, they are any toy that is designed to be chewed. Teethers are made with multiple materials that make them highly tactile to help soothe irritation, and many teethers contain beads or ridges that can massage and apply pressure to the gum area. For example, soft, plush teethers are perfect for cuddling and provide comfort during times of distress. With quite a range of teething toys to choose from, let’s take a look at some of our favourite products on Alex & Moo:
Hevea | Kawan Natural Medium Rubber Duck – This simple and adorable teething toy offers what every parent is looking for in a teether. The rubber duck is non-toxic and doesn’t feature any holes, stopping mould from getting trapped and hidden within the toy. This keeps it clean and stress-free for you and your baby.
Tikiri | My 1st Garden Friends Natural Teether/Rattle – Available as a ladybug, grasshopper, caterpillar, snail, butterfly or bird, this all-rubber teething toy is perfect for grabbing, squeezing, and of course, chewing with no holes for mould to get stuck in. Plus, the little bell inside the figure offer fun and delight for the little one – further distracting from any aches and pains.
Tikiri | My 1st Arctic Animal Natural Teether/Rattle – For babies delighted by animals, this adorable toy is also a dream for parents as all Tikiri teethers are hand-made of sustainable, natural rubber that is 100% plastic free. It’s also hole-free and easy to clean with an easy wipe of the surface with soapy water and a damp cloth – voilà!
Kikadu | Rabbit Teether – This adorable rabbit-adorned teething ring is sure to keep your baby busy when discomfort sets in and the calm comes to a close. Its light weight makes it easy to hold in even the littlest of hands, is hole-free, and also serves as a rattle to entertain (and further distract).
Re-Play | Teether Links – This affordable link of teething rings create an exemplary form of distraction from a baby’s pain. Made from upcycled milk jugs, the keys are safe for your baby and can be shaken to hear sounds, are brightly coloured and feature multiple textures.
Teething toys are a lifesaver when it comes to alleviating you and your baby’s teething torment. Shop our wide range of teething toys at Alex & Moo, and visit our FAQ page for any questions you may have.