Even though your child is the one physically going through it, the teething process can be an absolute nightmare for both babies and parents. We get it — it’s hard to see that your child is angry and in pain — not to mention the fact that they’re also not being quiet about it. You’ll pretty much try anything to help ease their pain, but how do you know what’s safe?
With so many baby teethers on the market, many of which have been recently recalled, it’s hard to keep track of what parents should be aware of when trying to soothe their babies. But don’t worry — our list of the best and safest baby teethers is here to help.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
To find out what parents should consider when finding the best baby teethers, we spoke to Dr. Jonathan L. Wong, D.M.D., for some pointers. First and foremost, he wants you to know that teething is a marathon, not a sprint. After all, once babies begin teething around 5 or 6 months old, they’ll get about a tooth per month until all 20 baby teeth have made their way through the gums. Timing-wise, Wong says that “Teething for each tooth lasts an average of 8 days. Usually, 4 days before the tooth breaks through the gums (some say colloquially ‘the tooth is cut’) and for about 4 days after.”
Taking advice straight from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Wong says you should look for a couple of key factors when shopping for a baby teether or toy. He advises that your baby teether “should be large enough to not be a choking risk, hygienic, and the paint or color should be lead-free.” The ability to get cold is another helpful feature to look for, and just like car seats to strollers, choosing a baby teether that’s washable is critical.
And those amber teething necklaces? Toss them immediately. Wong tells us he’s not a fan of teething rings that go around a child’s neck, noting that “several children die each year from strangulation, so they’re a big no for me. I also do not like beaded chew toys, as the beads can break free and cause aspiration or choking.”
Pick up one of these baby teethers that will ease your child’s pain safely and gently, one tooth at a time.
Your baby can shake and rattle her way to pain-free bliss with this handy set of teething keys. Toys end up in their mouths anyway, so entice them to take a bite by making it more fun.
Our testers noted that this teether kept babies engaged for longer than their other teethers, but that you do have to soak it in soapy water to get all the small parts adequately clean.
We can’t get over how adorable this training toothbrush and teether is. A true two-for-one, the banana teether will familiarize your baby with the concept of brushing teeth, and it’ll serve as a soothing teether in the process. This one is best for babies under a year old.
It’s easy to clean, too — you can just pop it right into the dishwasher.
Teething can start and end at different times for every baby. For your tot, who seems to be in an endless cycle of budding chompers, the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder is perfect.
Pop in a few cold (but not frozen) fruits like bananas, and let your little one gum the soft, mesh pouch. The cool sensation from the fruit will help soothe their swollen and sore gums while offering them a yummy treat. Wong says that frozen foods are often too hard for baby’s gums and can present a choking hazard.