If you’ve been through the joy (and challenges) of having a little one, you know all about those first tiny teeth showing up. One thing that might be on your mind is, “How many teething toys does my baby really need?”
As a mom who’s been there, I’ve got some helpful tips to share. In this article, we’re going to talk about picking the right teething toys – it might sound easy, but there’s more to it than you might think.
And, of course, we’ll chat about how many of these toys your baby might actually need.
Let’s talk teething toys, choices, and a bit of mom-to-mom advice. Stick around until the end for some questions you might have too. Let’s dive in!
This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
Are teething toys necessary?
No, teething toys are not absolutely necessary but they’re super handy. You know how it goes when those tiny teeth start showing up – your baby turns into a fussiness expert. They want to chew on everything in sight, including their own little fingers.
While teething toys aren’t a must, they can be a big help. Instead of your little one munching on their fingers or trying to chew on whatever they can grab, hand them a teething toy.
It becomes their favorite chew companion, saving those cute fingers from becoming their go-to snack.
It’s a smart move – less fuss for them and a bit more peace for you.
Benefits
- Soothes Discomfort: Eases teething discomfort for babies.
- Promotes Jaw Development: Helps in jaw and gum development.
- Reduces Fussiness: Provides a distraction, calming fussy babies.
- Prevents Finger Chewing: Offers an alternative to chewing on fingers.
- Texture Exploration: Introduces various textures for sensory development.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: High-quality teething toys are designed to be safe for babies to chew on, often made from materials that are free from harmful chemicals.
- Easy to Clean: Teething toys are often easy to clean, which is crucial when dealing with items that babies frequently put in their mouths.
- Portable and Convenient: Teething toys are usually small and easy to carry, making them convenient for on-the-go use to provide relief wherever you and your baby may be.
Drawbacks
- Sterilization Hassle: Teething toys need frequent sterilization.
- Tooth Misalignment Risk: Improper use may push baby teeth, affecting alignment.
- Choking Hazard: Low-quality materials can pose a choking risk.
- Dependency: Overuse may lead to a child becoming dependent.
- Preference Changes: Babies’ preferences for teething toys can vary.
How to choose the right teething toy?
Selecting the right teething toy is essential for your baby’s comfort and safety. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the best choice:
- Safety First: Ensure the teething toy is made from non-toxic materials. Look for BPA-free and phthalate-free options.
- Age-Appropriate: Check the age recommendation on the packaging to ensure the teething toy is suitable for your baby’s developmental stage. Younger babies often use silicon soft teethers but they switch to harder ones as their teeth grow.
- Size Matters: Opt for a teething toy that is the right size for your baby to hold and maneuver easily. Avoid toys that could pose a choking hazard.
- Texture Variety: Choose a teething toy with various textures to provide sensory stimulation and promote oral development.
- Easy to Clean: Select toys that are easy to clean and sanitize to maintain good hygiene. Dishwasher-safe options can be convenient.
- Chill Factor: Teething toys that can be chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen) can offer additional relief for sore gums.
- Avoid Liquid-Filled Toys: Steer clear of teething toys with liquid filling, as they can pose a risk if punctured.
- Secure Attachments: If the teething toy has any attachments or handles, ensure they are securely attached to prevent any potential hazards.
- Brand Reputation: Choose teething toys from reputable brands known for their commitment to safety and quality.
- Monitor Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect the teething toy for any signs of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can confidently choose a teething toy that provides comfort and promotes your baby’s well-being during the teething process.
The best age to introduce
The ideal time to introduce teething toys is when your baby starts displaying teething symptoms, typically around 3 to 6 months of age. Look for signs like increased drooling and fussiness.
It’s important to note that your baby should also have developed the ability to hold objects and bring them to their mouth, which usually happens around 3 months.
This ensures they can actively engage with the teething toy for comfort during the teething process.
Always supervise playtime and choose age-appropriate teething toys for a safe and soothing experience.
How many teething toys do you need for a baby?
For optimal teething relief, it’s recommended to have 3 to 5 teething toys for your baby. Keep one for direct use, store two in the refrigerator for a cooling effect, place one in the baby caddy, and keep an extra in the diaper bag or vehicle for on-the-go soothing. This ensures accessibility and comfort in various situations.
My recommendation:
For young babies who do not hold large objects and do not have a good grip, I recommend Frida Baby Get-A-Grip Teether, that is designed for young babies lacking full motor skills, featuring an easy-to-hold shape and textured surfaces, promoting early grasping and soothing gum relief.
As your baby grows, they can switch to the world-famous Sophie la girafe.
Sophie la girafe teether is a popular natural rubber toy with a giraffe shape, designed to soothe baby’s teething discomfort and stimulate sensory development through safe chewing and gripping.
Mommy tips
Let me share some things that I learned while my little one was using teethers.
Used pacifier clip
If your teether doesn’t come with a built-in clip, using a pacifier clip is a handy trick.
It keeps the teether from taking repeated tumbles, saving you from having to sanitize it too often.
A little clip can go a long way in keeping things clean and your baby happy!
Invest in a small UV sterlizer
Consider investing in a small, portable UV sterilizer. It runs on batteries and lets you sanitize on the go, saving you from frequent trips to the kitchen.
Plus, it’s not just for teethers – perfect for keeping pacifiers, bottle nipples, and other small items clean wherever you and your little one roam!
Only give them to the baby when they are in the teething phase:
When your baby’s teething symptoms take a break, it’s a good idea to tuck that teether back into its case.
Teething signs often come in phases, so when those little cues make a return appearance, bring the teether back out.
This way, you’re using it when needed, and your baby gets the comfort they crave during those teething times.
It also helps make sure your baby doesn’t get too attached to it. Plus, using teethers too much can sometimes cause issues when those tiny teeth decide to make their debut.
Keep them sterilized
Always make sure those teethers stay nice and clean. Sterilize them regularly because when those little toys get dirty, it can sometimes make your baby more prone to getting sick.
A clean teether is a happy and healthy teether for your little one!
Put the teethers in a refrigerator only
When it comes to cooling those teethers, stick to the refrigerator, not the freezer. This way, the teether gets a nice chill without becoming too hard.
It’s the perfect temperature to soothe those little gums without risking any discomfort. Cool and comfy for your teething baby!
FAQ’s
Now let me answer some really basic questions about teething toys that are often overlooked
When to replace teethers?
When it comes to replacing teethers, keep an eye out for any cracks or damage. If you notice things looking broken or messed up, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a new one. Safety first for your little one’s teething adventures!
Can you use them for other babies?
If your teether is perfectly sterilized and in good condition, it can be safely used for other babies. Just make sure it’s clean and in top-notch shape before passing on the comfort to another little one.
When to stop using teethers?
It’s time to put those teethers away when your baby takes a break from showing teething symptoms.
As your little one grows, you’ll notice the gaps between teething phases getting longer until they eventually disappear.
This usually happens around the ages of 2 to 3. So, when those teething times become rare, it’s a sign it’s time to say goodbye to the teethers!
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the world of teethers as a mom involves keen attention to your baby’s cues and utilizing practical tips for cleanliness and safety.
From introducing teethers at the right time to knowing when to replace or pass them on, these mom-approved insights aim to make the teething journey smoother for both you and your little one.
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