How to choose the best teether (with photo)

Already in the fourth month of life, some babies begin to cut their first teeth. They have to go through a difficult path: to overcome bone tissue and break through the gums of the baby. Therefore, the eruption of baby teeth does not last a day or two, and they bring a lot of unpleasant sensations to the child. The gums swell, ache, and any touch to them causes itching. The baby may develop a fever, excessive salivation, and whims. During this period, the toddler may not sleep well during the day, often wake up at night, and put into his mouth everything that comes into his field of vision. The child wants to relieve discomfort by scratching the swollen gum. People usually characterize the situation as follows: “The baby’s teeth are itching.” Modern mothers are lucky in this regard. Today there are many devices to make your baby feel better. But how do you choose the best teethers?

What is a teether?

A teether is a special toy for a baby made from safe materials. The teething toy has a design that allows the child to chew on its parts, massaging the gums and thereby relieving itching during the teething of baby teeth.

If the baby’s gums are already itching, but the teeth are not yet visible, you can give him a slice of apple, pear, cracker or dried bread, or some kind of vegetable - foods that the baby is already familiar with. But in order for this process to be safe, it is necessary to use a nibbler - a special device with a mesh for chewing. This will protect the little one from the risk of choking. When our grandmothers were young mothers, children were given bread in a gauze bag or hung beads with amber stones around their necks as a teether.

With the help of a nibbler, the baby learns to chew by massaging the gums

The order and time of teeth appearance varies from person to person. Some people get their first tooth at four months, while others at seven. All of these options are normal. The cutting speed is also different. Usually the lower central incisors appear first. As soon as the first of them has broken free, it’s time to offer the child a special teether to “test his teeth .

Let's sum it up

Despite the wide range, choosing a quality teether is not easy. Before purchasing, you need to check the quality certificates to make sure there are no small parts or unpleasant odors. Be prepared that the rodent you choose may not be suitable for your baby, so it is wise to start with relatively inexpensive, but high-quality models. This way you will avoid unnecessary expenses. In order not to make a bad choice, take note of the models from our rating that most parents liked.

How to survive the difficult period when your baby is teething? Watch a video with useful tips from Dr. Komarovsky:

Range

The stores offer a wide range of baby teethers.

Among all the diversity, three functional categories can be distinguished.

Regular teethers.
Teethers filled with water or special gel.
Teethers with vibration to activate blood circulation in the gums.

Types of teethers by shape and material

Simple silicone teether. Made in the form of a small bright toy (car, boat, bunny, baby elephant, etc.). It is flat and has holes in it so that it is convenient for the child to grasp it with his hand.
Teether in the form of a finger attachment. It has special pimples or soft bristles. The mother puts on this attachment and gently massages the baby’s gums. However, not all children like this type of massage. Many people prefer to simply chew on their own finger.
Universal teether . Combines several functions. For example, a teether and a hanging toy. Such toys contain bright elements, rustling parts, smooth and rough plastic rings or other figures. They are placed above a crib or development mat and attached to a stroller. The child tugs at the bright parts, feels the toy, and scratches his gums on special pendants.
Teether rattle. It has a convenient shape or a special handle, thanks to which the baby holds the toy in his hand, rattles it and gnaws on parts specially designed for this purpose. The device develops fine motor skills.
Teether pacifier. Made in the form of a pacifier. This option is very convenient for walking. Attach the teether to the baby's clothes with a special clothespin with a chain, and the baby will always have his personal teether with him.
Cooling teether. Most effective for itchy gums. It is filled with gel or purified water. Place the toy in the refrigerator for an hour and then give it to your baby. The coolness will relieve discomfort.
Teether with vibration. Activates blood circulation in the gums. The mechanism inside begins to vibrate at the first bite. Children are usually delighted with this vibration.

What are baby sling beads and what are their features?

Baby sling beads are a simple and quite functional thing. This unusual toy is often used for the development of newborns and children under five years of age. With their help, you can actively develop hand motor skills. Just put the rattle in the hands of your child and watch how interest knows no bounds.

The baby will be able to calmly bite and chew on such a toy. Do not worry that it will damage unformed teeth or gums. The material used in manufacturing is safe and comfortable. Babywearing beads also often act as a small accessory for mom. There are many stylish and colorful models that will fit on strollers and bags.

You can safely take your baby in your arms or place him in more comfortable slings. This way you can quickly calm down your crying by turning all your attention to the unusual accessory on your neck. Bright beads made of elastic material can be easily cut, pulled and transferred from hand to hand. You will forget about problems when your baby constantly touches your earrings or pulls your hair. Now he will have something to do without harming you.

Another irreplaceable benefit of using such an accessory is comfort during breastfeeding. The child will not be distracted by extraneous sounds around and will not stretch your clothes in all directions. All attention will be focused on feeding and playing with baby slings.

Photo gallery “What types of teethers are there?”

Universal teether

Teether with vibration

Teether rattle

Cooling teether

Teether-pacifier

Teether in the form of a finger attachment

Simple silicone teether

Basic selection criteria

When choosing a teether, you should pay attention to some features. Among the rich and colorful assortment, it is important to find the right one. Here, a lot depends not only on the individual preferences of the little one, but also on what teeth are being cut .

For a baby 4-6 months old whose central incisors are emerging, simple models made of soft silicone that are easy to grip are most suitable.
When the toddler's lateral incisors begin to erupt, it is better to offer him an oval-shaped and medium-hard rodent.
When the molars appear, the baby will like the teether, the design of which provides stimulation of the distant gums. And it should already be quite tough.

Sequence of teething in children

Table “Classification of teethers depending on the age of the child”

Age (months)	What teeth appear	Type of teether depending on the age of the child	Teether shape	Material	Rigidity
6–12	Central incisors	First stage	Round	Silicone	Soft
9–16	Lateral incisors	First, second stages	Round, oval	Silicone, soft plastic	Medium hard
13–19	Molars (molars)	Second stage	With side projections	Silicone, soft plastic	Hard, combined
16–23	Fangs	Second stage	Round, oval, with side projections	Silicone, soft plastic	Medium hard
23–31	Second indigenous	Third stage	With side projections	Silicone, plastic	Hard, combined

Photo gallery “Tethers 1st, 2nd, 3rd stages”

Stage 2 teether

Stage 3 teether

Combined

Stage 1 teether

How to care for the accessory?

Care measures vary slightly depending on the material from which the teether is made. Silicone products can be sterilized in special devices. They easily withstand this process, and you can sterilize them many times and not be afraid that the product may lose its original appearance.

But you shouldn’t do this every day, because keeping the baby in sterile conditions is not recommended. After using the “rodent”, it should be doused with boiling water and stored in a dried form until the next use.

Latex products may not withstand regular sterilization and must be treated in hot water and detergent. The same goes for plastic. Wooden teethers cannot be boiled or sterilized, because wood does not tolerate water or high temperatures. And the types of wood from which the “rodent” is made have antiseptic properties.

Before first use, it is recommended to wipe such teethers with a damp cloth. This must also be done when soiled and stored in a dry place.

TOP 5 quality teethers

Which teether is better than others? There is no clear answer here. Still, the choice of this device is individual. Some people like soft rubberized material, others like gel filler and massage pimples. For older children, more rigid models are suitable.

Global manufacturers of children's goods have released a wide range of baby teethers. The choice is up to the parents of the little explorer and, of course, to himself. The best option would be to purchase several toys at once. The child will get to know them and choose the one that is most convenient for him at the moment.

Nuby

Teethers from Nuby have won the trust of many mothers. They are made in the form of contrasting bright toys. Kids love them. These teethers are universal, developing their horizons, imaginative thinking and finger motor skills. Nuby toys are suitable for children from 3 months and are made of silicone, soft and rubberized plastic.

Tommee tippee

The English company Tommee tippee produces excellent models of teethers for medium teeth. Such models contain several surface options, allowing the baby to choose the one he likes.

The company makes teethers from safe rubberized plastic. The products are recommended for use from 4 months of age.

Vulli

Vulli - Sophie the giraffe, Sham mushroom

The French company Vulli produces many popular models of teething toys. The most popular are Sophie the giraffe and Sham mushroom. Their interesting design and functionality appeal to both children and mothers.

They are safe and cute. These models have become real favorites among kids. Material: natural rubber plus food-based paint. There are no age restrictions for use.

Tips for use

Teether should not be a way to speed up the appearance of teeth; give it to your child as needed.
If swollen gums have become the cause of your baby's severe anxiety and whims, help him by massaging them with your clean finger and putting a special silicone massage attachment on it. This will help alleviate the baby's condition.
If you purchased a teether, but your son or daughter refuses to chew on it, do not be discouraged. As soon as the need arises, the kids will master the new toy themselves.
It is very important to always wash the teether with baby soap or baby product before giving it to your baby. Kids often use a rodent as a toy, so it can end up anywhere: on the floor, in food, in a pocket. Strictly maintain hygiene. Dry the toy naturally in the air.