Teething is an important milestone in your baby’s development, one that may make you just a little bit anxious. The teething phase normally occurs in the first few months after birth till their first year. This is a time when your baby’s first set of milk teeth are beginning to grow. During this phase, babies are often given teethers to bite and chew on. Teethers or teething toys tend to provide some sort of relief and comfort to your little ones by putting light pressure on their delicate gums.
Read ahead for some important facts you should know about baby teethers:
- Why do babies need teethers?
While teethers provide great comfort to your baby when their teeth are growing, that’s not all they do. When your child puts a teething toy in their mouth, they’re learning how to move their tongue in their mouth. It’s a big step towards their development. Chewing, munching, and biting on teething toys makes your little one more aware of their mouth and what they can do with it. Your baby, at this stage, will often chew on objects, like keys, toys, blankets, and even your fingers. This is a sign that they’re teething, and that they are keen to learn about their body.
- How are teethers beneficial?
Teethers are helpful for babies in many ways:
- They help to strengthen your baby’s mouth and jaw, preparing for their eating and babbling sessions in the near future.
- As your baby brings the teether to their mouth, they’re learning about hand-mouth coordination. They are learning to control their arms, and hands to pick up an object.
- Chewing on teething toys will soothe your baby when they’re feeling fussy. Teething often causes some distress and discomfort in babies, and hence, teethers help alleviate the same.
- They learn about tongue and jaw movements helping them learn how to chew their food when they’re ready for it in the future.
- Types of teethers to look out for:
There are many different materials that a teething toy could be made of, like silicone, rubber, plastic, or even wood. They come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and colours.
- Teething Rings: They could be plastic or you could fill them with water. They make for a fun and comforting teething toy for your baby.
- Rubber Teethers: Teething toys made of rubber provide great relief to your little ones by applying pressure on their tender gums.
- Teething necklace: The latest addition to the teething toy market, these are necklaces made from safe chewable materials your baby can bite and/or play with.
Most babies normally start teething about four to six months after their birth. This is a great time for parents to introduce their little ones to teethers. Yes, it’s a slightly testing phase as your baby will bite and chew on everything and everyone in sight, but it’s a great milestone and a sign of healthy development for your baby. So, hang in there and get your baby a great set of chompers. Head to Mothercare Online and browse through a variety of teethers for your little one.
