This article explores teething toys and other remedies available to help your (currently grumpy) baby through the seemingly endless period of teething.
People may tell you that a sure-fire way to know your baby is teething is when they start chewing on anything for some relief. But, in fact, there is no consistent sign that a tooth is on it’s way (Macknin et al, 2000).
Plus, it’s a distraction for them and you know they’re gnawing on something safe, rather than your phone charger.
Teething toys come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are good for young babies to grip easily, such as a teething ring. Others are great for those molars, as they get right to the back of the mouth. Here is the lowdown so you can try something that suits your little one.
Because they are non toxic, bpa free, and food grade safe silicone, they are safe for freezing on those extra tough teething days! Silicone doesn’t get overly cold or frozen, making it the baby safe without the worry.
Plain old ‘normal’ toys
Often your baby’s toys have a corner or hanging piece that is intended for teething and tempts them to chew. You will probably accumulate these in your collection without even realising their purpose. Oh that’s what that is for.
This can also be useful – even before those pegs need their first scrub. Just ensure the bristles aren’t splaying or coming loose in the mouth and don’t leave your baby unattended.
Surprising as it sounds, it could do just the trick. Use one of your baby’s weaning spoons as these are designed for little gums and you can rest assured they’re safe.
100% natural rubber teethers
Often these teethers come in animal or comedy ‘real food’ shapes, with plenty of lumps, bumps, loops and ridges to grip on and get those gums into. These appeal to parents as they are natural and often made with food grade or natural pigments. But they’re wipe-clean only so not suitable for the dishwasher or steriliser.
These teethers come in just as many varieties as the rubber teethers. The main difference is that silicone is man-made so these teethers can be put in the dishwasher or fridge. Look out for food grade or medical grade silicone.
These are the classic teethers. They can be solid or filled with sterilised water. Look out for those made free from BPA, PVC and phthalates, which might be harmful (Braun, 2011, 2013).
As there are many different plastics, check the packaging to find out whether you can cool or heat the one you buy (for soothing or cleaning).
These are a good alternative for those parents keen to cut down on plastic consumption. Usually wipe clean, make sure you get them from a reputable source so they don’t splinter.
These are novel for younger babies who just won’t get those little hands out of their mouths. Made of fabric with plastic or silicone chews, these are available in a variety of colours and textures.
Teething Baby Infant Tinabless Teething Toys – Freezer Safe Silicone Baby Teethers – Gum Sore Relief
FAQ
Why you shouldn’t freeze teething toys?
How do you store silicone teethers?
Can you put Frida teether in freezer?
What can you put in the freezer for teething babies?
Can you freeze teethers?
Yes. Put a teether in a zip lock bag, seal the bag and freeze it for 20 minutes. The cold from the frozen teether will numb your baby’s gums, letting the baby chew as long as it likes without causing any pain. The cold will also help reduce inflammation and swelling that results from teething. Can you put silicone teethers in the freezer?
Can silicone teethers be used in the freezer?
Silicone teethers are flexible and can be used in the freezer. These types of teethers are great for babies who don’t like to have their hands held or prefer something that stays in their mouths because silicone is soft enough that it won’t hurt them when they bite down aggressively.
Can I give my Baby a frozen teether?
If a plastic teether works for your baby, make sure it’s labeled as “freezer safe” (there shouldn’t be any warnings otherwise) and give it to her while still somewhat warm – it will be cold enough to numb her gums but not so cold that it hurts her. Are frozen Teethers safe? Freezing a teether that is made of non-toxic materials is completely safe.
Are silicone teethers dishwasher safe?
But they’re wipe-clean only so not suitable for the dishwasher or steriliser. These teethers come in just as many varieties as the rubber teethers. The main difference is that silicone is man-made so these teethers can be put in the dishwasher or fridge. Look out for food grade or medical grade silicone. These are the classic teethers.