Are teethers for babies safe? This is a common question that we answer in today’s post, along with a guide on choosing the right teether.

From the time your baby is born, every milestone is something that delights you and your partner, as you marvel at all the new things your little one is learning as the weeks roll by. However, there is one milestone no parent is really looking forward to – teething!

Teething is the process of the baby’s first teething coming through the gums. As those hard teeth push through those gums, it’s understandable that it creates a great deal of discomfort and pain for babies. And in the process, a lot of distress for new parents!

When does teething occur?

 

For most babies, teething begins around 3 months, although this can depend upon when the parents got their first teeth. Some babies may not start teething till they’re past their first birthday. Generally, the two front teeth on the bottom sprout first, followed by four front teeth on the top.  The molars come in after the first birthday, and are usually more painful than the front teeth. By age 3, most children will have a full mouth of milk teeth.

So how do parents find out that their baby is teething? The fact is that while you’ll spot that tiny first tooth at 4 months or later, your baby wills start experiencing teething symptoms approximately a month earlier. The most common symptoms of teething are these:

• General fussiness and irritability
• Drooling more than usual
• Difficultly sleeping
• Redness in the gums
• Reduced appetite

You’ll notice that most of these are similar to symptoms of the common cold, which is why many parents start treating the cold instead of teething. However, if your baby has crossed 3 months of age, it is quite likely that she’s teething and needs some comfort.

The best form of comfort in this phase is something hard to gnaw on to soothe irritated gums. Babies may put their fingers inside their mouth or bite harder when nursing or if you put your finger near her mouth. You can stop baby from putting random objects into the mouth by getting her a baby teether.

Are teethers for babies safe?

Baby teethers or teething toys are objects that babies can chew on to relieve the irritation and pain in their gums. Teethers are generally considered safe, as long as you buy them with care. As the baby’s teeth start to erupt below the surface of the gums, the gums experience soreness and discomfort. A teether helps apply some pressure on the gums, which helps relieve some of the pain and discomfort.

There are other benefits to using teethers for babies. It offers babies an opportunity to explore the insides of their mouth by moving their tongue around. It increases their awareness of their own body and strengthens facial muscles, which helps speech development later. Chewing on a teether also helps the teeth come in properly, and prevents babies from putting dangerous objects in their mouths.

How to choose teethers for babies?

There are a wide range of teethers available in the market today, in all price ranges. They are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, rubber, silicone, wood or fabric. They come in all shapes and usually have a handle for the baby to grasp. Some teethers may have textured surfaces which offer some extra relief for sore gums. Here are some tips to help you choose a good teether for your baby.

1. Avoid teethers made with BPA. Bisphenol A or BPA is a chemical that is used in the manufacture of various plastic products, including baby teethers. The Environmental Science & Technology journal found that many teethers made in the United States tested positive for BPA. BPA can interfere with neurological development, especially since babies suck on their teethers and the chemical can enter their body directly.

2. Look for possible allergens. If your baby or anyone in the family has a history of food intolerances or allergies of any kind, you should pay extra attention to the materials used to make teethers. Avoid materials like latex, that can trigger an allergic reaction.

3. Avoid teething jewelry. You are likely to find some teethers that appear as beaded necklaces or bracelets. The Food and Drug Administration does not recommend these for babies as the beads could prove to be a choking  hazard. They may also get tangled around the baby’s neck.

4. Never choose battery operated teethers. Batteries can leak, fall off or loosen, and all of these can be dangerous for babies. The bright lights or sounds are not worth the risk.

5. Stay away from liquid or gel-filled teethers. Many teethers come filled with gel or liquid, so they can be frozen. However, they can tear or pop when the baby applies pressure on the gel-filled part, and the liquid can leak into baby’s mouth.

6. Choose a sturdy material. Teethers are meant to take a lot of rough handling, so they need to be durable enough to withstand it. The best materials for teethers are high quality silicone, rubber or wood, that offer enough pressure without breaking, unlike plastic.

7. Consider ease of cleaning. Since teethers go into the mouth, they need to be cleaned and sterilized on a regular basis. Make sure the teether you are buying can withstand your mode of cleaning and sterilizing, whether it is dishwashing, microwaving or boiling.

8. Look at the design. Make sure the teether has a handle with enough space for baby’s hands to grasp onto. It’s a good idea to get a teether with varied textures so the baby can experience increased comfort and also get more of a sensory experience.

Best Teethers for Babies in India

1. Nuby Nana Nubs Banana Teething Toothbrush – This banana shaped cute teether does double duty as a teether as well as a toothbrush. It is made of 100% strong silicone and has a textured tip for added comfort.

2. Nuby Silicone Teethe-EEZ Teether – This teether has bristles for added texture that can soothe irritated gums. The teether is 100% BPA-free and comes in its own hygiene case for storage.

3. LuvLap Sunshine Silicone Teether – This is a pack of two teethers, with a nice long  handle for easy grip. The teethers are flexible and soft, while also having varied textures across its surface. 

4. Mombella Dancing Elephant Teether – This teether has a smooth seamless design, making sure there are no cracks to collect dirt. It is made of strong silicone that can withstand very high temperatures, making them suitable for boiling.

5. Dr. Brown’s Flexees Friends Elephant Teether – This Dr. Brown’s teether has a handy design that can be gripped on two sides while baby can chew on it. It also contains different textures for an increased sensory experience for baby.

6. NatureBond Baby Food and Fruit Nibbler Teether – This is a wonderful teether that also works well as a weaning tool. It can be filled with breast milk or fruit juice so baby can get some nourishment along with relief for sore gums.

7. Dr. Brown’s Coolees Soothing Watermelon Teether – This dishwasher-safe teether has been designed by pediatric dentists and features a simple design that works at soothing teething pain effectively.

8. Shumee Wooden Crochet Shaker Rattle – This is a handmade teether cum rattle made with wood and cotton fabric. It has been certified and tested by ASTM International. 

Tips when using Teethers for Babies

• After the initial teething phase, babies undergo another bout of teething when the molars come in after the first birthday, so be prepared for it in advance
• Put teethers in the fridge for added comfort – avoid freezing them as they can be too hard and can break easily
• Always clean and sterilize any teether before offering it to baby
• Have a few teethers on hand so you have one ready when the current one is being cleaned
• Examine baby’s teethers regularly to watch for any cracks or tears as dirt can accumulate in them or they can hurt baby
• Never leave a baby alone with a teether in any position, whether lying or sitting
• Let baby wear a bib since babies drool more than usual when teething
• Keep baby’s face clean and dry – excess saliva on the face can irritate the skin
• Avoid using homeopathic teething tablets – most of them contain toxic substances like belladonna
• In addition to teethers, you can also offer older babies cold vegetable sticks or teething biscuits to chew on
• If you find yourself in a position without a teether, you can also use a clean finger, a clean chilled spoon or moist gauze pad

The American Dental Association suggests taking your baby to a pediatric dentist by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Never give baby any medicine to ease the pain without express instructions from your doctor. Seek medical help right away if you notice any fever, diarrhea, rashes or drowsiness.