It’s 3 am, and you wake to the sound of your 6-month-old baby crying, but it’s not their normal I’m hungry cry or even I need changed cry. This is something different; you pick your baby up, wondering why they seem fussy tonight when you see it, a tiny sliver of a tooth peaking through their bottom gums.
By the time your child is 3, they will have received all 20 of their baby teeth, so buckle up, they don’t call it the terrible 2s for nothing.
You remember the bag of teething rings you have stashed away from the baby shower, but which one do you choose? Keep reading, and we’ll tell you about the best teether to choose for your baby.
Teething Symptoms
All fussiness aside, there are a few other ways to tell when your baby starts teething even before the tooth starts to show, and if you aren’t so lucky to end up with a handful of teethers, make sure you have some on hand before the drama begins though!
One good way to tell your baby is about to hit this teething milestone is if they seem to be drooling more; yes, babies drool, but when teething, you may find yourself wiping up their dribbles a bit more.
Check their gums for any redness as that is a sure way to know a tooth is on the way. Some other symptoms include a mild temperature, a rash or redness on the cheek, and gnawing on things more than usual. Click on the link to discover more about teething in babies.
Natural Teethers
If you worry about what goes in your baby’s mouth, then a natural teether might be best, especially since many teethers contain BPA, a chemical that has been banned from drinking cups and baby bottles.
You can either purchase a toxin-free 100% natural rubber teether, or you can make your own using fruit such as mango and whole apples or vegetables such as large peeled carrots and frozen celery sticks.
Multipurpose Teethers
Some of the best teethers are the ones that have a multipurpose. If you have a teething baby getting fussy, have some teethers on hand that will also keep them occupied, such as teething keys, teether rattles, or any that have lots of texture to them.
A favorite among parents and their mini me’s is the banana teething toothbrush which gently massages their gums and teaches them early to brush those pearly whites.
Teetherpops
Some of the best teethers for your teething infant are the water-filled ones that should be chilled, not frozen, as freezing them can break down the material over time, causing them to weaken and break.
For this reason, we highly recommend teething pops, which can be filled with natural juice, breast milk, or even yogurt. Baby health is important, so give them a treat they’ll love that will also soothe their gums.
The Best Teether Overall
We can’t recommend teethers without mentioning one that should be in every parents teething arsenal. Sophie the Giraffe has been around since 1961 and has gained in popularity over the years and appeals to all of baby’s 5 senses.
Babies love the taste, smell, and feel of this all-natural rubber giraffe that squeaks with every squeeze and is appealing to their eyes with its contrasting colors.
Choose What’s Best
The best advice we can give you when choosing a teether for your baby is to pick ones that they enjoy and will be helpful to them, as each child is different, so keep a few on hand and experiment with what the best teether is for your child.
If you enjoyed this article on the best teether for your baby, then check out our other great parenting blogs.