When a baby begins to cut teeth, for parents this can be a reason for both joy and sorrow: the baby is capricious, teeth breaking through the gum tissue cause itching, pain and all sorts of discomfort. Special rodents are produced for erupting and growing teeth. Which are called teethers.
Tips for parents on choosing a teether for baby teeth
A teether is the best option for relieving painful sensations. Moreover, it can be used repeatedly. But, before you go about purchasing this product, you need to familiarize yourself with some recommendations that are important to pay attention to.
Accessory material
The material from which teethers are made may vary. It is better to choose safe materials that are easy to process. Also, the product should not emit an unpleasant odor.
Silicone
The most popular among mothers are silicone teethers. This material is the safest and most pleasant to the touch. Silicone has no unpleasant odor or taste. Silicone teethers are also quite elastic and dense, so they are almost impossible to chew or deform. They are easy to sterilize and do not lose their appearance.
A silicone teether has a fairly long service life and is undoubtedly recommended for purchase.
Latex
Latex teething products have a more elastic, pliable, thin material. Therefore, such teethers are not durable. Another disadvantage is that latex is not suitable for sterilization. Latex products should be treated in warm water and detergents. This material has a specific smell and taste that the child may not like. Latex can take on a different color and quickly lose its original appearance.
Plastic
Teethers can be made of high-quality plastic. This material is quite dense and easy to process. It is quite difficult to bite off a piece of plastic; it does not crumble, so it is safe.
Tree
You can also find wooden teethers on the modern market. But such a teether requires special attention before purchasing. Products for teeth should be made of hard, dense wood (beech, maple, juniper). Teethers can be natural colors, and this option is better suited for the child. There are also multi-colored products.
Although most manufacturers use safe paints that contain food additives, it is still recommended to give preference to natural colors. Wooden teethers do not crack or break. If a chip or other defect appears, this indicates that the product is made of softer types of wood (birch, linden).
A wooden product that has lost its original appearance may be unsafe and giving such a teether to a child is strongly not recommended.
Textile
Textile teething devices are quite soft and cannot fully provide an analgesic effect. Such products quickly absorb saliva and are easily washed after use. This type of teether can be used by babies when cutting their first teeth.
Teether shape
The next parameter that requires attention is the shape of the teether. This indicator can be very different. The basic shape for “rodents” is oval or round with a hole inside. That is, the ring is easy for a child to pick up and use for its intended purpose. But there are other shapes, for example, triangular. This type of teether is very convenient because this shape can reach any part of the gums.
Where should I buy a teether?
Today, more and more different children's specialized stores are appearing, where you can find any device or accessory. You can also use an online store, of which there are also plenty on the Internet. This option is very convenient for mothers, for whom shopping is a very difficult task.
Five reasons why you should buy chewers for babies:
- massage of sore gums;
- cooling, relieving swelling;
- distraction, anxiety relief;
- positive emotions,
- development of tactile sensations, familiarity with color and sound.
Most modern devices not only ease the baby’s suffering when teething, but also provide knowledge about the world around us. Bright products are made in the shape of animals, plants, and there is even a teething book. The baby is interested, he enthusiastically chews on the toy and, at the same time, massages his swollen gums.
What are the benefits and how to use Miswak teeth cleaning stick?
We have the answer! Read about the specifics of dental endobleaching on this page.
What types of teethers are there?
Over time, manufacturers create various teethers. You can find your ideal option for a specific child.
Teethers with cooling effect
The cooling teether is the most popular product among mothers. In addition to the fact that the baby can “scratch” his gums, the teether has an additional function - the cooling effect significantly reduces pain. This product looks like various figures or animals. The teether is usually equipped with a comfortable handle so that the baby can hold the “teeth” independently.
The material can be combined. As a rule, it is made of silicone and plastic elements. This option is the most optimal, because a child can chew both silicone and plastic inserts. The silicone contains water or a special gel inside.
Before giving the teether to your child, the item must be placed in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. The liquid or gel cools and maintains a cool temperature. When used, such a “gnawer” provides an analgesic effect.
In addition, silicone inserts on the surface often have various elements, thanks to which the child can scratch his gums more effectively. The cooling teether is quite heavy, so it is recommended to give it to babies from six months of age.
Teether pacifier
Teether pacifiers, as their name suggests, are pacifier-shaped. They can be made of silicone, plastic or other materials. You can chew on the pacifier itself, the ring, and the stopper. The nipple itself may have additional protrusions and elements for a better effect.
This teether is intended for biting only; sucking will not be possible. The pacifier can have a variety of shapes. This “rodent” will be an ideal option for those who love pacifiers. The advantage of this teether is that with the help of a special accessory you can attach it to your baby’s clothes.
Teether rattle
This device is a combination of a teether and a rattle or toy. Such a “rodent” can also consist of several different materials. For example, the rattle is made of plastic, and the biting elements are made of silicone.
The teether's inserts can have different colors and shapes, as well as additional elements necessary to provide a massage effect. Many children love to chew on their toys, so this item combines business with pleasure.
Silicone brush
A silicone teether equipped with bristles that resembles a brush is also in great demand. It can be located on a stick or have a special fingertip that the mother can put on her finger and scratch the baby’s gums.
Teether with vibration
The teether can be made of various materials. But the distinguishing feature is its additional vibration function. This item runs on batteries and begins to vibrate after the baby bites on the item. The massage effect improves the child’s condition and improves blood supply to the gums.
What is it, what are its features?
Externally, such a product is practically no different from an ordinary pacifier, which is given to children as a substitute for a breast. This is where the similarity ends: the pacifier-shaped teether is made more rigid. Its main function is to actively stimulate and scratch aching gums, reducing discomfort. To achieve this goal, such a pacifier is equipped with a pronounced relief. It contains pimples, stripes, and protrusions.
The production of one pacifier with a teething function requires more material, which is why it costs more. Experts say that a teether is a 100% useful acquisition that will be useful to all babies. Another thing is that not all babies like pacifiers as such. Then you should choose any other teether model.
Teething pacifiers have their own classification. A situation is possible in which the baby does not like or does not fit one particular model. However, this does not always mean that he will not appreciate such a product. Perhaps the parents simply did not understand the selection criteria.
At what age can I use a teether?
The process of teething is quite individual. Some people got their first tooth at 4 months, others at a year. This process cannot be influenced in any way, and it is not necessary. In any case, if there are rudiments of teeth, they will erupt sooner or later. You can offer a “rodent” to a child as early as 3 months of age. During this period, the baby begins to be interested in toys and put everything in his mouth.
It is better to let the child move a clean, specially designed teether in his mouth than with his hands, food or pieces of fabric. To begin with, a three-month-old baby can be offered the simplest “rodents” that have a simple shape (oval or round), homogeneous material and the appropriate size.
Many experts agree that a child should be given a toy that is larger than his fist.
After 6 months, when the active process of teething begins, you can use cooling “biters”, as well as teethers of various shapes. Because some children will need to scratch the entire gum, not just the central incisor areas. Closer to the year, when premolars and molars erupt, you will need products with all kinds of protrusions so that the teether can reach the right place.
conclusions
Quite often, teethers or bright toys with biting parts are given to children by relatives and friends at birth. In search of the best gift for a newborn, guests buy the most fashionable, but not always safe. Therefore, parents should reconsider gifts and protect their child from certain items.
Avoid using teethers with small or fragile parts that could break. Also, do not give your baby rodents with traces of paint. It is better to choose a small, convenient product from a familiar brand rather than a bright, age-inappropriate toy that will easily scare a baby. Then both parents and baby will be happy and healthy.
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 10 most popular teethers
Canpol Babies Teether Rattle
This product consists of a combination of plastic and silicone. The rattle has the shape of a ring, which is convenient for the baby to hold. Hollow, transparent plastic inserts inside contain colorful balls that are fun to watch. They also create a pleasant sound. Silicone inserts have different colors and relief elements that create a massage effect. The ring is fitted with silicone rings of different shapes and colors, and also have different surfaces.
This product is suitable for children from 3 months. Kids can finger them in their hands, developing fine motor skills. This “rodent” is the best value for money. The cost of such a teether is 320 rubles.
Teether-rattle Canpol Babies Multi-colored rings 2/450
Rattle-teether Pigeon
The “rodent” from the Japanese manufacturer has a simple shape and laconic design. It has a very modest size and light weight, so it is suitable for children from 3 months of age. The teether consists of a handle, inside of which small balls roll, making a sound. A flat silicone part with a relief surface is attached to the handle. This “rodent” has no unnecessary parts. The price is 350 rubles.
Teether-rattle Pigeon R-1
Giraffe Sophie Vulli
The world-famous giraffe is produced in France. This toy is created by hand from natural, high-quality, environmentally friendly and safe rubber. The giraffe is light and very pleasant to the touch. The manufacturer tried to create a material that would imitate the mother's skin.
From the first days of life, the baby can hold a toy in his hands, feeling more comfortable. After 3 months he can use the giraffe as a “chewer”. You must be careful when purchasing, because there is a high probability of encountering a fake. The price is quite high and amounts to 1800 - 2200 rubles.
Teether-rattle Vulli Giraffe Sophie 616400
Rattle-teether Tiny Love Flower
This product resembles a small dumbbell. At one end there is a ball that has the function of a rattle, and at the other there is a flower. One layer of the petals has silicone material, which is ideal for the role of a “rodent”, the other layer is rustling, producing a pleasant sound. The thin part is the handle, supplemented with silicone balls that prevent the toy from slipping out of the baby’s hand.
This rattle can be played with your baby from early months. But for independent play, such a “rodent” is suitable for older children, because the rattle is quite heavy. The price is 450 rubles.
Teether-rattle Tiny Love Flower 385
Cooling teether Chicco Cherry
This “rodent” of the Italian brand is an ideal option for children in the first months of life. Inside the silicone cherries there is a special gel that has a cooling effect. But first, you need to keep the teether in the refrigerator for some time. The “rodent” is made of high-quality and safe materials. This product cannot be boiled. To disinfect, the teether must be kept in the freezer for about 2 hours. The price is 320 rubles.
Chicco Fresh Relax teether
Cooling teether Happy baby
This teether has a ring shape that is comfortable to hold and use. This “rodent” is filled with water, thereby ensuring a cooling effect. The advantage of the teether is that the product comes with an additional accessory - a clip that is attached to the baby’s clothes. The price is 200 rubles.
Happy Baby Water teether 2018
Tommee Tippee teether
This product is ideal for distant teeth due to its oval shape. Despite this, it can also be used by children in the first months of life. It is also suitable for teething front teeth. This product can be processed in a sterilizer, as well as by boiling. The price may seem a little high to some, as it is 450 rubles.
Tommee Tippee Teether Medium Teeth
Pigeon teether toy
Interesting design and shape will interest any child. The product is made in the shape of a flower, the petals of which can be chewed. Silicone, durable material can retain its original appearance for a long time. This product is suitable from 4 months. The toy has a stand.
This product is suitable for the sterilization process. It can also be cooled in the refrigerator for better effect.
The price is 450 rubles.
Teether Pigeon Educational 4+ months. 13069
Teether pacifier Dr. Brown's
This special pacifier can be used from 3 months of age. The product consists of durable, hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly silicone. The corrugated surface of the nipple has a massage effect. This product is best used for children who are used to pacifiers. The teething pacifier has a ring with which the “rodent” can be attached to the baby’s clothes. The nipple tolerates boiling well.
The price is 380 rubles.
Teether Dr. Brown's Orthees transitional
Philips Avent teether Elephant
The elephant shape will appeal to many children. The product is made of heat-resistant, highly environmentally friendly, safe material. The teether has a hole that is very convenient for the baby to hold on to. The product also weighs little, which is suitable for the smallest children. The price is quite high and amounts to 550 rubles.
Philips AVENT Teether Elephant SCF199/00
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.
- 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.
