How to Choose a Teether for Your Baby?

You may be wondering if a teether would actually make sense to buy for your kid but you can bet on cash, it does. You may not see a tooth in your baby’s little mouth for the first 7 to 8 months however the symptoms start as early as 3 to 4 months. 

This is usually the time where your little one experiences a lot of pain and agony and a teether saves the day or even months to help your baby pull through it. It is important for your baby to chew on things. It can be anything that your baby finds comfort in. 

How to choose a teether for your baby: Possible teethers 

Here are some options to choose a good teether for your baby, so that it soothes your baby in time of discomfort and irritation. 

Toys:

There is an abundance of choice, you have when you wish to pick a toy for your baby, and we recommend that you pick many toys as possible because what your child may like one day may not be the same the next day. The toys today come in different dimensions and you need to pick those which your baby can hold in his tiny hands.

A few things to keep in mind to make your purchase decision easier:

Texture:

Ensure it has multiple textures 

Make sure it can be washed and easy to maintain, maybe a cloth!

Ensure the material of the teether is strong and does not break quickly because of the continuous chewing

A teether should be multifunctional i.e. act as a teether and a toy.

You can keep a cloth or a teething blanket refrigerated for 15-20 minutes before giving it to your baby. Ensure it is not completely cold else you will have to hear your baby crying because it is too cold for him to handle and the teeth will give way, which will, in turn, bring a lot of pain to your baby.

Verify that whatever teether you buy for your baby is BPA free or phthalate. If you are a very conscious parent, you can also go a step ahead and check for any toxic material in the teether.

Ensure that it is sanitized to a great extent, if your baby is among other babies, you don’t want your baby teether to go into another baby’s mouth. Sanitization wipes will come in handy when you are outside or in a dust based environment if a situation arises, for example, if the teether toy falls on the ground. 

Nipples and Pacifiers: 

These are important and are a healthy alternative to toys. This equally helps in the development of the teeth. This is, however, to be carefully chosen based on the stage of the development of your child because you don’t want to your child’s upper and lower teeth to be facing any damage as it is quite sensitive and tender. Ensure that it is not too broad and it is enjoyed by your baby.

Ensure you check for regular cracks in the nipples and pacifiers as it is not healthy and has a scope for bacteria to creep in if not looked into it. 

This is also a stage where the first set of teeth sprouts that are milk based so it is important to exercise the right amount of caution. Ensure they are brushed gently and with a lot of care until your baby turns 20 months old. The brushing should be done before bedtime and after a bath. The usual morning brush can be started once your baby turns 20 months and it should be done under your supervision. 

It is also important that you change your baby’s toothbrush every two to three weeks. You could buy cheaper ones because it needs to be changed frequently. If you are planning to buy good ones then you may use it for a longer period of time though it is not recommended. 

What if my baby has sore gums?

Well, sometimes your baby can get sore gums and you need to understand that it is not a situation for you to panic. This is, however, an unpleasant situation and needs to be dealt with as early as possible. You can buy OTC products that will help with the irritation and not very pleasant sensation for babies during the cutting of the primary teeth. 

These products are safe and can be used regularly at different intervals of the day. It is however recommended that is used during feeding time and before bedtime. It is applied in small amounts and is rubbed on the sore areas of the gums.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go out and get that teether for your baby.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.