Baby teething toy

Types of baby teething toy

A baby teething toy soothes a baby's sore gums when new teeth erupt. Below is a highlight of the different types of baby teething toys;

• Rubber and Silicone Teething Toys

  Rubber and silicone teething toys are flexible and soft. Babies find it easy to grasp and chew them. The toys come in various forms, from simple shapes to more complex ones, like animals or characters. These toys are durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for parents. In addition, they are often made with food-grade materials that are free from harmful chemicals. Some silicone toys even have a bumpy texture, which can help massage a baby's gums gently.

• Organic Cotton and Wood Teether

  The organic cotton and wood teething toy combines everything great about fabric and wood teethers. The organic cotton part is soft and gentle on a baby's gums. At the same time, the wooden parts give just the right amount of resistance. This toy is also great because it uses organic materials, so it's safe for a baby to put in their mouth.

• Chilled Teething Rings

  Chilled teething rings can be filled with water and placed in a refrigerator to cool. When a baby bites down on the ring, it offers a cooling effect that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the gums. It is particularly helpful for teeth coming in the back of the mouth. However, it is essential to ensure the ring is not too cold, as this could hurt a baby's mouth.

• Teething Mitten

  Teething mittens are worn on the baby's hand. They have a soft, silicone, chewable surface that the baby can gnaw on. Teething mittens are perfect for babies who find it challenging to grasp teething toys. They also prevent the baby from getting wet hands, which can happen when they chew on damp toys.

• Braided Teething Toy

  A braided teething toy is made from cotton or silicone strands twisted into a rope-like shape. It is easy for babies to hold and chew on. The braided design makes the toy very flexible, so it can fit comfortably into a baby's mouth.

• Herbal Infused Teether

  The herbal-infused teether has organic, herbal materials like chamomile that are anti-inflammatory and soothing. The teether has a removable teething pad, which the baby can chew on.

How to choose baby teething toy

• Safety

  Choose a teething toy made of non-toxic material. It should be BPA-free, phthalate-free, and free from any harmful chemicals. The toy should also be large enough that the baby cannot accidentally swallow it and choke.

• Ease of Cleaning

  Avoid teething toys with many crevices that are hard to reach when cleaning. Also, avoid toys that cannot be cleaned well. Go for options that are dishwasher safe or can be wiped with a damp cloth. Always ensure the toy is clean to prevent any infections.

• Stimulating

  Go for teething toys with textures, patterns, or contrasting colors. Such features will make the toy more interesting for the baby. The textures will also provide more areas for the baby to gnaw on.

• Reviews

  Look at the reviews before purchasing a teething toy. Most parents comment on how easy or hard it is to clean the toy. They also share whether the child liked playing with the toy. This information can help guide the final decision.

• Type of Teething Toy

  Consider the type of teething toy that will suit the baby best. For instance, if the baby is fussy, a vibrating teething toy may work best. On the other hand, if the baby enjoys playing with cold things, a refrigerated teething toy may work best.

• Price

  Check the price of the teething toys. Some can be quite expensive for no good reason. Compare the prices of the different types of teething toys and settle on one that gives the best value for money.

Feature, function and design of baby teething toy

Teething toys for babies come in different designs, features, and functions to meet the needs of various children and parents. Here are some common ones:

• Material Variety

  Teething toys are designed with different materials such as silicone, rubber, wood, or plastic. Each of these materials has its own unique softness, durability, and safety features. For example, silicone is usually non-toxic and easy to clean, while wood is usually eco-friendly and has a natural texture.

• Shape and Size

  Teething toys are usually available in different shapes and sizes, ranging from small rings to large stuffed animal shapes. This allows parents to select an appropriate shape that their baby can comfortably grasp and fit into their mouth.

• Multi-Sensory Features

  Teething toys with multi-sensory features, such as crinkly fabric, rattles, or bells, can provide additional stimulation for babies. These features can help keep babies entertained and engaged.

• Ease of Cleaning

  Teething toys made from materials that are easy to clean and sanitize, such as silicone and plastic, are usually more convenient for parents. Some teething toys are also dishwasher-safe, while others can be washed in the sink with soap and water.

• Cooling Effect

  Teething toys that can be refrigerated or frozen provide a cooling effect that helps soothe swollen gums. The cooling effect numbs the pain and reduces inflammation, providing additional relief to the child.

Safety and quality of baby teething toy

Safety

• Material Safety: The rubber teething rings are fabricated from 100% safe silicone rubber, BPA-free, latex-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic. This means that the materials are safe for babies to chew on and put in their mouths. In addition, they are heat- and cold-resistant, which allows them to be sterilized and refrigerated without breaking down or releasing harmful substances.
• Design Safety: These toys are designed to be used by infants, so they are free of small parts that could cause choking and are made in sizes and shapes that are easy for small hands to grasp. The designs also ensure that the toys cannot be torn apart easily, which helps to prevent the ingestion of pieces that could be harmful if swallowed.
• Durability: Rubber teething toys are solid and long-lasting, so babies can gnaw on them without breaking. This is crucial because any breakage could result in sharp pieces that could cut the baby or be ingested, leading to choking.

Quality

• Safety: The materials used in creating the rubber teething rings are free of harmful chemicals. This ensures that the teething ring is free of BPA, lead, phthalates, and latex, making it harmless for babies to chew on.
• Ease of Cleaning: Rubber is an excellent material because it is easy to clean. Parents can ensure the teething ring is germ-free by washing it or putting it in boiling water without damaging the rubber. Some are even designed to be dishwasher-safe.
• Effectiveness: Teething toys made from rubber are tough enough for babies to chew on, which helps alleviate any gum pain. The toys distract infants from the discomfort they may be feeling and help massage the gums to relieve pain.

Q&A

Why are baby teether toys so important?

Teething toys alleviate gum pain and pressure on the child's gum due to growing teeth. They stimulate the teeth' growth while enhancing oral health. The toys are essential in soothing the baby and distracting them from the pain they experience.

At what age should a baby start using a teething toy?

Babies start using teething toys when they are around three to four months old. At this age, the baby's gums are swollen, and they experience discomfort. The toys provide relief to the baby's gums. One should supervise the baby as they use the toys until they are around ten months old when they can use them independently.

How does a baby use a teething toy?

A baby can use a teething toy by holding it and bringing it to their mouth. They can also ask someone to help them if they are not able to do it themselves. Babies often bite or chew the toy to relieve their gum pain. Some toys can be refrigerated before use, as the cold helps numb the baby's gums.

How does one clean a teething toy?

Cleaning a teething toy depends on the material. For silicone or plastic toys, wash them with warm soapy water and a sponge. Some toys are dishwasher safe and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Teething cloths require machine washing. Wipe wooden toys with a damp cloth and dry them well. Always dry the toy well after cleaning to prevent mold.