Why are teething toys important? How to choose the right one?
A baby’s firsts are very exciting. The first sneeze, the first laugh, the first time they sit upright, and the first tooth. You will notice how slowly-slowly your toothless baby will start smiling with just one or two teeth and then there’s no looking back. Teething is an important milestone. It helps the baby eat and chomp on delicious and nutritious food.
Teething is the process of cutting and growing milk teeth. It usually happens between the period of 4-7 months. The coming of milk teeth does depend on genetics and can happen early or even later on than this period. This phase is exciting but is filled with discomfort, tears, and pain for both the baby and the parent. Some common symptoms of teething include: biting, fussy and irritated mood, lots of drooling and sore gums.
During this process of teething, the baby has a constant urge to bite and chew on things. This gives them relief from pain and helps the process to happen naturally. The baby will start biting on random household objects and ruining them. However, that is a hazard and the baby can swallow anything and choke on it. If they don’t find objects to gnaw on, they will start biting on everyone’s shoulders and hands. Ouch! So, cue: Teething toys.
Teething toys are good for sore gums and make this process simpler for everyone. It is an added tool for teething along with massaging the baby’s gums and giving a cold wet washcloth to chew on. These toys mainly are of 5 types:
- Teething rings: They are circular toys and are a basic kind of teething toy.
- Teething toothbrushes: They resemble a toothbrush and are great for teething.
- Teething toys: These are toys that come in all shapes and sizes and are made for the baby to chew on. While you are at it, do check out our website: https://kindergardentoys.com/product/cute-crochet-baby-rattler/ for teething toys.
- Teething blankets: These are blankets or scarves that are chew-friendly. They can be made wet and cold to soothe the baby’s sore gums.
- Teething jewelers: These are necklaces and bracelets that have tiny beads that can be chewed. However, the tiny beads pose a choking hazard and should be used carefully.
Teething toys aren’t just for the process of teething though. They improve the language and motor skills of the baby. While using a teether, the baby moves its tongue and feels around the walls of its mouth. This helps the baby to make more sounds. In order to use a teething toy, the baby will have to grab it, feel it, understand and guide it to the mouth and then chew on it. This helps in the cognitive development of the baby. Taking a teether and using it to relieve pain in the baby’s gums make them realize that pain is temporary and they can get rid of it by themselves patiently. This develops fundamental thinking and problem-solving. This simple use of teething toys is actually a learning experience for the little baby. If you notice carefully, the first few times the baby will struggle to use the teething toy correctly, and get it right later on.
Every baby has a different teething experience. So when looking up the best one for your baby, keep in mind the following:
- A teething toy must be strong. The baby is going to chew it and hence it must not break due to any tiny pressure.
- A teething toy must not have tiny parts as that poses a choking hazard.
- The toy must be of the perfect size for the baby. It should not be too big or too small.
- A teether should not have toxic paint on it and should be BPA-free. You can use a trusted and reliable brand.
Conclusion: Teething toys are an important part of your baby’s teething process. They are not only required for the initial few teeth but are needed until the molar comes. You can speak to a doctor for a personalized opinion and information.