When does the Teething Stage start?
The teething stage is a period when a baby's first teeth begins to emerge through their gums. This exciting development process can vary from baby to baby. Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age. As you closely monitor your little one through this stage, you might notice increased drooling and chewing on their hands before any teeth appear. The discomfort and pain associated with teething may also lead to increased crying and difficulty sleeping through the night.
Why are Teethers important?
Teethers are beneficial tools for babies to ease the discomfort and pain caused by erupting teeth. They are designed to help with pain management, promote better sleep and healthy gums.
Beyond pain relief, teethers can also assist in:
- Sensory Exploration: Different textures and shapes can stimulate your baby's senses.
- Developing Motor Skills: Grasping and manipulating a teether helps refine hand-eye coordination.
- Oral Motor Development: Chewing on teethers can strengthen jaw muscles, which are important for speech and eating later on.
Navigating the Teether Market: How to choose the right teethers?
Choosing the right teether can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into key considerations can make the process so much easier:
-
Material Safety: Look for teethers made from non-toxic materials like:
- Silicone: Durable, easy to clean, and can often be chilled.
- Natural Rubber: A sustainable and safe option, though some babies with latex allergies may need to avoid it.
- Wood: Often unfinished and naturally antibacterial, providing a firm chewing surface. Ensure it's from a safe, splinter-free source.
- Shape and Size: Consider your baby's age. Lightweight teethers are easier for younger babies to grasp. Different shapes can target different areas of the gums. Some popular shapes include rings, animals, keys, and textured surfaces.
- Texture: Some babies prefer smooth surfaces, while others find textured bumps and ridges more soothing. Giving your baby a wide range of textures can help you discover your baby's preference.
- Ease of Cleaning: Consider teethers that can be easily washed with soap and water or are dishwasher-safe.
- Cooling Properties: Chilled teethers can provide extra relief for inflamed gums.
Teether Safety First!
While teethers are designed to help, it's crucial to use them safely:- Inspect Regularly: Check teethers for any signs of damage, such as cracks or tears, before each use. Discard immediately if damaged.
- Avoid Freezing Solid: While chilling can be soothing, freezing teethers can make them too hard and potentially harm your baby's gums.
- Supervise Use: Always supervise your baby while they are using a teether.
- Clean Frequently: Regularly wash and sterilize teethers
- Don't Attach to Cribs or Strollers with Long Strings: This can pose a strangulation hazard.