A full set of teeth can take three years to develop, and there are a lot of symptoms you might experience as they come in. Symptoms include: irritability, trouble sleeping, sore gums that make it difficult for your toddler or baby to eat well or sleep through the night without waking up crying from pain; excessive drooling because their mouth is so dry due to all that increased moisture production around those new tooth buds coming in
A bad toothache is never a good thing, but it can be worse with the appearance of each new baby tooth. The best defense against this pain is to find which soother works for your child and keep some on hand just in case they fall out or lose them.
Teething is never easy, but there are plenty of things you can do to help your baby cope. Check out these 11 teethers and toys that will make it more bearable for them!
1. Sophie the Giraffe
Sophie the giraffe is more than just a cute toy to chew on. She’s also durable, flexible for easy feeding and comforting eyes that look after your little one as they hang from her neck high in their stroller or car seat. All these qualities make Sophie not only baby’s first best friend but a treasured companion too!
2. Natural Wood Teethers
Wood teethers are a great alternative for those who prefer one made from all-natural materials. Plus, some babies will like gnawing on something harder for relief of sore gums when they begin to cut teeth and get extra drooling as they grow more hungry due to the new development. The soothing design is also perfect with its simple construction in mind!
3. Gum Massage
Zo-li’s Gummy Teething Stick is a good option when it comes to teethers. Other options are too rigid for the back teeth, but this one will get them in their mouth with ease. It also has an anti-choking shield which you’ll be glad about if your baby loves drumsticks and wooden spoon handles! If not, there’s always massaging gums using your clean finger or knuckle instead.
4. Frozen Washcloth
If you are lucky, the cheapest remedy might be the most effective. Wet a clean washcloth and put it in your fridge or freezer for half an hour before giving it to your little one to bite into and suck on. The textured fabric plus numbing effect from cold could create perfect calming combo!
5. Mesh Teethers with Frozen Fruit
Sharing a sweet experience with your little one can save the day when teething is making feeding difficult. Wrap some of his favorite fruits in clean cloth and place it in the freezer to make an instant frozen fruit treat for him to chew on! It’s also helpful if he has other teeth coming through, as these tastes may get them interested again at meal times. For those not wanting this complication or just looking for something more convenient, there are these mesh dishwasher-safe silicone “teethers”.
6. Raid the Fridge
Chilled foods such as yogurt or applesauce are an easy and tasty way to help soothe sore gums. For babies eating solids, gnawing on crunchy cold vegetables is perfect for putting pressure on swollen gums without hurting their teeth. Just make sure your baby doesn’t bite off too big of a chunk that they can’t manage!
7. Amber Teething Necklace
Amber bead teething necklaces have become increasingly popular—and not just with the new-age crowd. Containing succinic acid, a naturally occurring substance, amber is believed by some to be an organic pain reliever and anti-inflammatory when worn against skin– without any of the side effects or harsh chemicals that come from other pain relief medications like ibuprofen. Since these necklaces could break easily and loose beads are a choking hazard for babies who put them in their mouths, make sure you buy one made especially for children under 3!
8. Razbaby RaZberry Teether
The Razbaby is a teething toy that doubles as a pacifier. The silicone nipple has an interesting texture for soothing sore gums and it’s mess-free because there are no parts to lose like with other chew toys. Plus, the four cute colors will have your baby feeling calm in seconds!
9. Nuby Nibbler Teether
This self-feeding teether and ice tray are perfect for making a safe, fuss free frozen treat! Fill the molds with your favorite fruit or veggies to give them an authentic taste sensation. They’re also great at providing relief from painful gums while being gentle on baby’s teeth as they grow in. So cool that this one product can do two jobs – just pack it up with some delicious food options when you need something cold (or hot!).
10. Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether
The Munchkin teething toothbrush is the perfect way to help your little one transition from their first set of teeth, and provides a great example for excellent oral hygiene habits as they grow up. This brush stimulates gums gently with silicone bristles that won’t harm delicate mouth tissue. It also has easy-to-grip handles shaped like bananas!
11. Nuby Soothing Teething Mitten with Hygienic Travel Bag
The silicone surface of this teether is safe on baby’s gums and protects their hands from scratches. The shape also keeps it securely in place to allow them to focus all the attention they need for relief with those sore, achy teeth!
