Teething Toys

One of the greatest joys of parenting is that first toothless grin your baby offers you, and you’re sure to photograph and document that. Then, somewhere between four and seven months, your baby will start teething, and you’ll be writing down those milestones in your baby book. (Because teething doesn’t happen on a prescribed timeline, don’t be alarmed if your child teethes early or late).  Do, however, be prepared to help your little one soothe his sore gums by offering appropriate teething toys to help you both during this transition.

Cribs and playpens have soft, covered rails for a reason: babies who feel the need to chew will use just about anything as a teether.  Your baby’s urge to apply counter-pressure to his gums means he’ll be gnawing his fists, blankets, and probably you, so be prepared for this developmental stage by purchasing a few teething toys at the first signs of teething.

Some babies simply sprout teeth to their parents’ surprise, with little or no warning signs.  For most babies, though, the number one sign of teething is drooling.  You may find you have to keep a bib on your baby at all times, and that he’s unusually fussy or has difficulty sleeping, and refuses some foods.  Some babies have loose stools from swallowing excess saliva, and some may run a low-grade fever, although experts don’t agree on whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship between fever and teething. 

When shopping for teething toys, don’t be put off by the fact that it may feel like you’re selecting chew toys for a puppy.  The goal, after all, is the same: to provide a safe way to satisfy the need to chew and to provide comfort.
First of all, read manufacturers’ labels and check teething toys for toxins and safety problems, like rough edges or cords or other things your baby could choke on.  After you’ve determined that, you should look for toys that your baby can easily grasp, and ones that look like they’d be fun to chew on. 

Many teething toys are in the shape of colorful rings, and most have raised surfaces or bumps on them that will provide an extra massage for your baby’s sore gums.  Many teething toys are filled with a liquid that is designed to get cold when refrigerated, and even if they are not, you can store teething toys in the refrigerator to keep them at a soothing temperature. 
Baby’s mouth won’t withstand freezing temperatures, though, so avoid keeping these toys in the freezer.  Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for washing and sanitizing these toys, and throw them out if they show signs of wear, such as bits of plastic flaking off. 

Teething discomfort doesn’t last long.  Many parents don’t notice when their toddler’s final teeth come in; toddlers are distracted by bigger adventures and likely are used to the discomfort.  It may seem as though your cranky, drooling baby is inconsolable, but try testing out several different teething toys, and keep your sense of humor, and you will both survive the teething months unscathed.