When Can We Give Teether To Baby And Other Teether Facts

Instead of letting your teething baby gnaw on your remote control or mobile phone, a baby teether can be a safe choice to help them get through the teething process. But when can we give teether to a baby?

In a previous article, we discussed the different signs to look out for when a baby is teething. We also shared how teethers can be an excellent option for soothing their teething pains. So when can we give teether to the baby?

Teething is such an important milestone and part of baby development. The best time to give a teether is when your little one is already showing signs of teething. Generally, this is between 4 and 6 months. But what exactly will a teether be suitable for, you ask?

Teethers have many significant benefits for your little one.

1. It helps provide relief from pain and discomfort. For example, when a baby bites on a teether, the pressure applied on the gums offers comfort and allows them to feel less pain.
2. It’s safer for babies. Random objects lying around your house are never an excellent teething toy alternative. Teethers are designed to be safe for your little one, so you have one less thing to worry about.
3. It’s a form of entertainment. Since some teethers also come with rattles and other features, they can also be great at sensory play.
4. It trains the baby’s motor skills. A teether can help your baby’s development, from grasping to chewing.

Different Types of Teethers

Teethers come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Below are some of the different teethers you can consider for your baby and what makes them unique.

Teething Toy. This kind of teether serves multiple purposes–to help with teething pains and entertain your little one.
Wooden Teethers. These are generally safe and non-toxic; ensure the edges aren’t sharp.
Cooling Teethers. Designed to be chilled in the fridge, these provide extra comfort because of a cooling effect on the gums.
Water-based Teethers. These teethers are filled with water, making them easier and softer for babies to gnaw on.
Gel-based Teethers. Like a water-based teether, this teether is filled with a non-toxic gel to make it easier for babies to gnaw on. Be careful when giving this teether to a baby with teeth, though, as it may get punctured.
Plastic Teethers. Although a bit harder, these are fine as teethers too. Ensure you choose BPA-free options.
Teething Mitts. Teething mitts are unique because you don’t have to worry about your baby dropping them on the floor. Instead, this wearable teether stays in place and is fun for the little ones.
Silicone Teethers. A great teething option, silicone teethers can be safely stashed in the fridge or freezer. Even better, they’re soft and easy to clean.
Feeding Teethers. Besides soothing itchy gums, fruit feeders can also double as teethers. It’s a great way to give healthy snacks to your little one!
Teething Jewelry. This kind of teether is designed to be worn by mamas or anyone taking care of a baby, so a baby can chew on them while they are being carried.

When Can We Give Teether To Baby: Tips When Choosing A Baby Teether

Although teething pains are often associated with younger babies, some children still enjoy the benefits of a teether even as they approach their first birthday–or have already turned one! This is because molars start to erupt around 13 months of age.

Since your baby will use them a lot, it pays to scrutinize the teether you’ll purchase. Here are Mama’s Choice recommendations on choosing a teether for your baby.

1. Make sure it’s made of a safe material. Toxic materials are a big no-no. Ensure that the teether you’re buying indicates that it is free of BPA, PVC, or phthalates. The latter can affect a baby’s development, so be extra cautious!
2. Check for durability. Teethers will go through a lot of biting and gnawing. So choose a durable teether that would ideally not break no matter how hard a baby bites on it.
3. Hygienic or easy to clean. A washable teether is excellent but even better if it’s sterilizer-safe. Plus, try to choose teethers that are easy to clean, with no corners or crevices that can collect dirt, dust, and germs.
4. Mind the price. Of course, be practical about your purchase, too. Ensure that the teether you buy fits your budget.
5. Easy to grip. There are many fancy teethers, but not all are easy to grasp. The best teethers would have either a handle or a space for a baby to grip. Otherwise, a teether would fall off easily.
6. Versatile. Whether it can double as a toy or a teether, the baby teether you choose can have multiple uses, so your baby can reap many benefits.

The Safe Choice: Mama’s Choice Baby Teething Package

Get a 23% Discount on Mama’s Choice Baby Teething Package | ~~$12.90~~ $9.90

Find everything you need in a teether in Mama’s Choice Baby Teething Package, which comes with a fruit feeder, a finger toothbrush, and a silicone teether. With this special bundle of teething essentials, you can be sure that they are:

Made of 100% food-grade silicone
The silicone used is odourless
The texture of the silicone baby teether is very soft and supple
It can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, so it is sterilizer-safe and can be boiled.
Tested BPA-free (free of bisphenol-A), which can damage the baby’s hormonal system
It does not contain toxic substances that should be avoided in baby toys, such as PVC/Vinyl, phthalates, latex, paints, and cadmium. These toxins can cause allergies and poisoning in babies.