Parents usually get anxious when their toddler begins to grow teeth. Teething is a natural growth process which happens anywhere from the first few months of age through their first year. Drooling is also a sign of teething in babies. Parents often rub their hands along the baby’s gums, looking and feeling for newly emerging teeth to check if they are teething. Babies are given toys, often called as baby teethers, that the toddlers can put into their mouth when new teeth are developing. Chewing on toys. Like teethers, gives babies some comfort and relief when their teeth are growing in. Tender gums might feel better when light pressure is applied via chewing in teethers.
| S.No. | Types of Teeth | Upper Teeth | Lower Teeth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Incisor | 8-12 months | 6-10 months |
| 2 | Lateral Incisor | 9-13 months | 10-16 months |
| 3 | Canine | 16-22 months | 17-23 months |
| 4 | First Molar | 13-19 months | 14-18 months |
| 5 | Second Molar | 25-33 months | 23-31 months |
Teething Symptoms and Treatments
Every baby is different, and the types of toys that one baby likes might be very different than another. Some parents invest in teethers that can be chilled in the refrigerator, providing a soothing coolness to baby’s gums when the child puts it in their mouth. Refrain from freezing the teether to long as it could hurt and be uncomfortable to a baby’s delicate gums. Some teethers come with a vibrating effect that has a vibration when a baby bites down on the toy, which can also provide relief to the gums.
Why are baby teethers important?
Teething is a part of child development that babies try to put things into their mouth at an early age. All that chewing, mouthing, and munching encourages a baby to move their jaw and tongue inside their mouth. This gives the child an idea of how to use their mouth. This also helps to lay the foundation for learning speech sounds as babies begin to babble while learning to say their first words. Also, babies love to bite on their favourite stuffed toys, blankets, edges of baby books, keys, their fingers, or even their parents’ fingers during the time of teething.
Teether Buying Tips
Teethers are made from all types of materials like rubber, silicone, plastic or wood. They can be bought in different shapes, colours, and sizes. Many toys have different textures on them, and some tethers are round, so they are easy for a baby to grip and hold before they bring it to their mouth. When buying a teether, look for one that your infant will be able to hold and safely put in their mouth. Do not use items like toys and other small things that are not meant to be teethers as a toy. They can cause serious accidents. Keep in mind to verify that the teether you are choosing is safe for the baby to put into the mouth. Choose only phthalate and BPA-free baby teethers. Also, never buy a used teether.
Cleaning Teethers and Toys
Cleaning and sanitizing teethers are important to reduce the spreading of germs, especially if other babies in your house might want to put the toy in their mouth. Keep sanitizing wipes near and wipe immediately if the toy falls on the floor. Wash the toys and teethers regularly with soap and water.
Summing Up
If you are planning to buy teethers for your baby, then buy from a trusted baby teether manufacturer and provider. Inspect the quality and material before buying to ensure your child’s safety.
