A toy for teething. Teether: choose wisely

In stores you can find teethers for every taste: both simple rings and a variety of toys that have special areas that will be convenient and pleasant for the child to chew on. Some people prefer small rings that the baby can hold with one hand, while others prefer toys that can be hung from the crib.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to predict in advance how suitable a particular toy will be for a baby. However, parents should be responsible when choosing this subject. When purchasing, you must inspect and touch the product, noting the following points:

• is there any paint on its surface that could peel off;
• are there any small parts or anything that could come off or break during operation;
• how high quality the toy looks;
• Does the manufacturer have a safety certificate - good companies produce toys in packaging that indicates the composition.

It is best to choose teethers from well-known brands, as they are less likely to cause harm and are more likely to be liked by children. Thanks to a convenient teether, the baby will feel relief, and bright and interesting toys will entertain him and contribute to his development. Sometimes a child likes a simple teething ring more than a multifunctional rattle toy.

The cutting of your baby's first teeth is a very exciting moment. This event can occur from 3 to 12 months. The child may experience this stage painfully; his gums may swell and itch very much, and his temperature may rise. But you can help your child, and one of the most common and safest options for help is teethers.

Purpose of teethers

The main task of teethers is to relieve discomfort during the appearance of the first milk teeth. Watch your baby as he tries to put a toy in his mouth or chews on the edge of a book. All this time he is scratching his gums, trying, without realizing it, to help the tooth break out.

He will chew toys and objects within reach anyway, so offer him a specially designed, comfortable teether. Which? A better determination can only be made in practice.

Please note that all teethers can be divided into certain physiological groups, which directly depend on the stage of teeth appearance:

• At the first stage, soft, silicone teethers will be needed for the incisors;
• At the second stage, in the process of erupting the lateral incisors, molars and canines, you can offer the baby a more rigid option, the main attention is on the shape of the product, it should be convenient for scratching a certain area of ​​the oral cavity;
• At the third stage, hard teethers with special protrusions are suitable for distant molars.

Types of teethers

Each brand that produces toys or baby care products offers its own special teethers. They differ in shape, material, filler and rigidity.

Material

You can find silicone and latex teethers on store shelves. You may be offered a plastic or rubber option, there are even wooden teethers. All of them have the right to exist, provided that they are used in accordance with age restrictions and comply with sanitary standards:

1. At the first stage, exclusively soft products are used, made of latex, which is the softest material, or teethers made of silicone;
2. At the second stage, you can add an option made of high-quality plastic;
3. For the third stage, all of the options listed above, as well as teethers made of rubber or wood, are suitable.

Make sure that the product is not damaged during use. If there are tears or chips, the teether must be discarded. Additionally, both silicone and latex become dirty quickly, so wash and sterilize them frequently.

Form

The main three types of teethers are regular, with filler or with vibration. At the same time, all these products can be of a wide variety of shapes:

• beanbag;
• regular silicone ring;
• fingertip brush;
• bracelet;
• hanging toy made of combined materials;
• pacifier;
• clothespin toy;
• beaded teether;
• or a rag book with silicone inserts.

1. An ordinary teether is often made in the form of a rattle or a silicone ring. There is a hole in the middle that makes it convenient for the baby to hold the toy. It could even be a figurine of an animal made of rubber, on which the child will scratch his gums with pleasure. Read the useful article When a child begins to hold a toy in his hands >>>;
2. A teether with water is a good option for swollen gums. You can put it in the refrigerator for an hour and then, chilled, give it to your baby. Sea or distilled water is used as a filler;
3. Vibrating battery-powered products perfectly massage a child’s gums and improve blood microcirculation. These toys work by pressing on a certain part of the rodent.

The best teethers for teeth

Avent, Pigeon, Nubi, Kanpol Baby, Happy Baby and other well-known brands have several variations of teethers in their arsenal. All you have to do is choose your ideal option, taking into account the teething stage of your baby and the tasks you set for the product.

Avent teether

The Avent teether in the shape of an elephant deserves your attention.

• Firstly, it can be used as early as three months (about how a baby develops at this age, read the article: What should a child at 3 months be able to do?>>>);
• It’s easy for a baby to pick it up thanks to its rounded shape and a hole in the middle, and the pimples on the animal’s paws will make it convenient to scratch the gums;
• In addition, there is liquid inside the elephant from the British manufacturer, so after an hour of cooling in the refrigerator, the cute toy can relieve the pain and itching of teething.

Sophie's teether

You can be sure that the cute giraffe Sophie will become your baby's favorite toy. Here is what the French manufacturing company Willy writes about the safety of this option: “we use only food coloring, natural rubber and guarantee the absence of sharp parts.”

Despite the fact that this product has no age restrictions, it is better to offer it after the eruption of the first teeth, since the giraffe is made of medium-hard material and is ideal during the eruption of molars.

By the way, Sophie is not the only teething toy from Willy; the charming Sham mushroom in three colors fits comfortably in a small hand and copes well with the task.

Pigeon teether

The Japanese company Pigeon can please you not only with high-quality diapers, but also with an interesting teether. The packaging indicates that this product can be used from 4 months, that is, from the first stage of teething.

The Pigeon teether is made of plastic, in the form of an axis with flowers on the edges, and an additional axis with stringed rings. The first educational toy is very convenient, the baby will not let it out of his hands, will look at the bright details, and most importantly, will happily scratch his first teeth on the flower petals, each of which has a grooved pattern.

Teether-clothespin cooling from Happy Baby

You simply cannot do without a teether from Happy Baby with a clothespin when going for a walk.

The teether itself is made of high-quality silicone, with a cooling liquid inside, and there is a grooved pattern around the entire perimeter for scratching the gums;

The product is soft enough, so you can safely use it when teething;

The main feature of this toy is a clothespin attached to the teether with a thick ribbon with a cute bear on the front. The device allows you to attach the teether from the British manufacturer both to the cradle and directly to the baby’s clothes.

Teether brush from Kanpol Baby

The option with a teether in the form of a toothbrush is a win-win, and you will be convinced of this as soon as you hand your baby a perky banana brush from Kanpol Baby. The only drawback is the high price of the product, however, a high-quality toothbrush is also not cheap.

Even if the baby cannot yet brush his teeth himself, like adults, using toothpaste, he will happily chew on a soft brush, and the body itself is also suitable for this task.

The product from the Polish manufacturer fits comfortably in a child's hand; there are holes for a good grip with your fingers.

Teether bracelet from Nubi

A convenient option for a teething toy is the shape of a bracelet from the American manufacturer Nubi.

• The baby will not miss the product while playing; you can easily reach his mouth and chew on silicone and plastic animals;
• In addition to bright animals, beads of various sizes and with their own special relief pattern are strung on a thread. Some have convex points for scratching the gums, others, on the contrary, have depressions that can be chewed with the first teeth;
• A rodent of good quality, withstands the pressure and sharp teeth of a toddler;
• The fastening thread will withstand repeated tensioning and processing.

Teether from a domestic manufacturer

An interesting solution to the problem was found by the Russian manufacturing company Roxy Kids. A textile mitten with the funny face of Sally the cat has several rubber inserts and rustling ears.

You can easily put the product on the baby’s hand, who will simultaneously play with it and scratch his gums when they bother him. A teething mitten is recommended for use from birth; at first it will replace safe scratches.

There are several nuances that you need to pay attention to when buying a teether:

1. The product must have a quality certificate;
2. The product must not contain removable parts;
3. Follow the age label and expiration date;
4. Products with coolant cannot be frozen in the freezer;
5. Rodents should not be boiled, placed in a microwave or oven, or washed in the dishwasher.

And the most important rule is that if the body of the product is damaged, you must throw it away!

The appearance of teeth is a rather painful process for a child. To alleviate the baby’s condition and somewhat speed up the teething process, special gels with an analgesic effect and teethers are used. The article will tell you what types of baby teethers there are and how to choose them correctly and prepare them before use.

Types of teethers - advantages and disadvantages of different models in the table

Children's teethers have a massage effect on the gums, improve blood circulation, and eliminate pain during teething.

All models of teethers are divided into 3 categories:

• for front teeth (incisors) – stage 1 teether;
• to facilitate the appearance of middle teeth (canines and first molars) stage 2 teethers are suitable;
• stage 3 teethers, designed to facilitate the eruption of posterior teeth in (second radicals).

When choosing a teether for your baby, you should consider what material it is made of and what teeth it is designed for. It’s also worth paying attention to the availability of additional features in the teether (for example, there are rodent models for developing fine motor skills).

Table No. 1. Description of different types of baby teethers.

Types of teethers	Description/pros/cons
Classic	Classic models are made of silicone or latex material and are available in the form of various geometric figures. pros: Latex models are soft, can be used by children from 3 to 5 months. Silicone chewers are durable and reliable. Minuses: Dust, lint, pet hair, etc. quickly and easily settle on latex material. Silicone teethers are a bit harsh.
Finger guard with brush/teether for mom's finger	A nozzle with a small brush that is placed on the parent’s finger to massage children’s gums. pros: Additional close communication with the baby, control over the teething process. Minuses: Not all children enjoy this procedure, because it is better for the child himself to know where he needs to massage and how.
Teether rattles and teething toys	Toddlers chew toys with interest, which is why many manufacturers produce teethers in the form of rattles and toys. pros: Teether toys are an opportunity to combine business with pleasure. They promote the development of fine motor skills. Minuses: Not suitable for babies under 6 months.
Cooling with distilled water/gel	Rubber teethers are filled with a special safe gel or distilled water. Before use, cool them in the refrigerator for an hour. pros: Cold is a good thing, although not the only thing Minuses: Most often used by children older than 6 months, since they are quite heavy.
With vibration	Rubber teethers are equipped with a simple mechanism with a battery. The vibration starts when you bite lightly. pros: The baby’s interest in the process, enhancing the effect of the massage. Minuses: The battery needs to be changed periodically.
Teether pacifiers	Teethers in the form of pacifiers with various relief protrusions. pros: Used as both a pacifier and a teether at the same time. Minuses: Suitable mainly for children who use.
Books with teether	Books with teethers are specially designed teethers that allow you to keep your baby busy with bright pictures and scratch his teeth. They are made from washable fabric and have rustling material inserted into the pages.
For front teeth	For the teether of the front teeth, the first and second stage teethers are suitable for round and oval shapes, soft and medium hardness, made of silicone or soft plastic.
For back teeth	For cutting back teeth, rodents of the second and third stages are suitable, round and oval in shape with side protrusions, medium hard and hard.
Wooden	Teethers are made of wood (juniper, beech or maple). The shape may be different. pros: The main advantage is the durability of the product and its naturalness.

Which teethers are better for teeth: an overview of popular models in the table

Table No. 2. Review of popular baby teethers .

How to choose a teether?

It is very important to choose the right teether. To do this, before purchasing, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Material. It must fully meet safety requirements, which is reflected in the certificate of conformity. Silicone the models have no smell or taste, are quite tough, and can withstand high temperatures. Latex Teethers: soft, flexible and stretchy, can be painted in bright colors to attract baby's attention. Plastic models: solid, bright, colorful, very durable, easy to clean. Wooden Teethers: durable, hard, natural. Textile– the softest teethers, light and comfortable, absorb drool well, but at the same time it is unhygienic. Textile chewers can be used by children no older than 6 months, subject to regular treatment.
2. Form. It can be anything: from simple circles and ovals to sophisticated geometric shapes. It is also possible to make teethers in the shape of animals and various objects. The main thing is that the shape is comfortable for the baby.
3. Safety. Safety comes first, so pay attention to the size of the product, since a small one can completely fit into the mouth, while heavy and hard ones can lead to injury to the baby. The teether must be intact, the material must not crumble, and the contents, if any, must not leak out. The presence of protruding corners and sharp edges, as well as hazardous substances and foreign odors is not acceptable.
4. Filling. It is necessary in the teether for the cooling effect. However, there is always a risk that the child will chew through the product and the contents may enter the digestive tract, so the contents of the teether must be completely safe. In this regard, sea or distilled water or a special gel are used as a filler.

How to cool down a teether?

The pre-prepared teether is placed in the main section of the refrigerator and kept there for no more than an hour, then given to the child.

It is not worth using a freezer to cool the product, since the material can quickly become unsuitable for use by the baby; holding such a “rodent” is also problematic, since the baby’s hands will freeze, and the scorching cold will not give good results, but rather, on the contrary, will increase the soreness of the gums, and can also lead to colds.

How to prepare and use a teether?

• Before giving the teether to your baby, you need to wash it thoroughly with soap and rinse it well; if the material allows, then boil it. After processing, the product should be dried naturally in air. If the teether has a battery, it can be treated with disinfectant wipes.
• Before each use, the integrity of the product must be checked; if it is violated, further use is not permissible. If the teether has filling, it must first be cooled in the refrigerator.
• After each use and in case of contamination during use, you must immediately rinse the teether. It must be stored clean and dry, preferably in an airtight container.

When a child is teething, not only the baby himself has to deal with severe itching of the gums, but also the entire household, as the children become very capricious, have trouble sleeping at night, and cannot let their fists out of their mouths. Special pain-relieving gels and special teethers help alleviate the unpleasant sensations from teething. Teethers also help to form a correct bite, improve and develop fine motor skills and prepare the child for the chewing process.

The main purpose of teethers is to massage the gums. Massage helps reduce discomfort in the gums and causes a rush of blood to the massaged area, speeding up the process of teeth pecking. Despite the fact that the goal of teethers is the same, they themselves are very different from each other. Different types of teethers are designed for different ages and can serve different additional purposes.

If you are planning to buy a teether for your child, then you definitely need to think about the comfort and health of your beloved child. The fact is that a poor, low-quality product will most likely cause an allergy in a child, and an unsuccessfully selected model will simply lie idle. How to avoid such mistakes when choosing? Below you will learn about some important nuances.

What types of teethers are there?

Material.

Teethers are made of silicone, latex, plastic, thermoplastic rubber, or wood. Latex ones are considered the softest, and all because they are more elastic. However, the disadvantage of such a product is that it wears out faster. Make sure that the hard product does not contribute to the formation of a malocclusion - it must have an anatomical shape. Purpose

• .
• Manufacturers take into account that a child’s teeth are cut sequentially, and produce various types of teethers that are necessary for a certain stage of tooth growth and their location:
• Stage No. 1 – the product relieves pain when the lower front teeth appear;
• Stage No. 2 – the product is intended for the upper front teeth;

Stage No. 3 – lateral and distant teeth;

There are also universal types that perform all the functions listed above. In any case, you can always read the relevant information on the product packaging.

Safety. When choosing the right model for your baby, always pay attention to its excessively hard parts, as they can lead to injury. Do not take teethers that are too bright or have an “acid” tint – the dyes in their composition may be of poor quality and will lead to poisoning or allergic reactions due to their toxicity. Of course, the product must be durable so that the baby cannot bite off part of it and swallow it.

Shape and size. Do not purchase teethers that are too large or small as they are uncomfortable for the baby and he will simply refuse them. Both the shape and size of the product must be suitable for the baby’s mouth, in addition, the teether must lie well on the gums. As for pimples, bumps and other irregularities, this is quite normal - the child usually “scratches” his teeth about them. Usually the teether is made in the shape of a ring or other geometric shapes. Often, manufacturers, trying to attract the attention of children, create products in the form of animals or fruits.

Note to moms!

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There are also attachments with a tiny brush that parents place on their finger and massage the baby's gums with it. In addition, the market offers teethers with filler (plain water or a special gel), which relieves pain symptoms and softens swelling, and battery-powered options with gum stimulation - when turned on, the device begins to vibrate, which leads to improved microcirculation of blood in the gums.

Watch the video

Kinds

• Silicone / latex. Classic teethers. They can be in the form of any geometric figures. Designed for the child to “scratch” his inflamed gums against it. Silicone teethers are very soft, so they are best suited for babies 3 to 5 months old, that is, when teeth are just starting to cut. The peculiarities of silicone are such that dust, pet hair and various small household debris very easily stick to this material. This means that parents need to be extra diligent in monitoring the cleanliness of the silicone teether;
• Finger guard with brush. Mom puts the product on her finger and massages the little one’s gums. By the way, not all children like teething attachments, despite the fact that they use their fingers with pleasure;
• Teether rattles and teething toys. There are a great many options for such teethers. The teether in this case is an element of a rattle, plastic or even a soft toy. As a rule, these elements are made of soft plastic or rubber and can have different textures for an additional massage effect. The calculation in this case is that children love to put all their toys in their mouths. An attempt to combine business with pleasure often turns out to be successful. Such teethers are suitable for babies older than six months who already confidently manipulate objects;
• Cooling with water or gel. These teethers are made of rubber and filled with distilled water or a special gel. They can look like abstract figures or animals. As a rule, there is always a handle so that the child can comfortably hold this useful toy. Before giving the teether to your baby, it needs to be cooled. To do this, it should lie in the main chamber of the refrigerator for no more than an hour. The cold slightly numbs the gums. The contents of such a teether are safe for the baby, so you don’t have to worry about the baby biting through the rubber. Due to the filling, these teethers are quite heavy, so they are suitable for older children. Famous brands - Nuby, Avent, Bright Starts, Nuk;
• With vibration. It looks like an ordinary rubber teether, but if you lightly bite it, the vibration starts. These teethers are equipped with a simple mechanism and a battery. Vibration enhances the massage effect of the teether, and babies can also find the process interesting;
• Teether nipples. They can be made of plastic, rubber, silicone. The point is that these teethers are shaped like pacifiers. The nipple itself, intended for biting, may have different raised protrusions, and may be voluminous or flat. Such teethers are suitable for babies who are “friends” with a pacifier;
• Books with teether. The book allows you to keep your baby busy and scratch his teeth :)

Photo gallery (clickable)

Finger attachment

With liquid coolant

Plastic with rattle

Pacifier

Beanbag

With vibration

Silicone

Komarovsky about teethers

1. The teether must be safe for the baby. The guarantee of safety in this case will be a trustworthy manufacturer that complies with all requirements for the production of children's products.
2. Choose a teether based on the age and capabilities of the baby. Regardless of the type of teether, it should be “proportional” to the child: it should easily fit in his hand and mouth. In addition, the child should understand what to do with this item, and it should be interesting to “use” it. So, for a three-month-old baby, a complex toy with teethers may still be inaccessible, and for a one-year-old baby, a simple teething rattle is no longer interesting.
3. Try different models of teethers within the child's age range. You can never tell in advance which teether your baby will like.
4. Don't forget about hygiene rules and clean your teether regularly.
5. Don’t be upset if your baby prefers his finger or any other toy to all the newfangled teethers. The most important thing is that the child can get relief during the teething period.

It is not always the case that parents manage to teach their baby to chew on teethers. Some offer children dried, hard vegetables, for example carrots. If the child is not yet receiving complementary foods, it is not advisable to use food for teething purposes. In the end, you can simply temporarily increase control over the cleanliness of all the baby’s toys and hands: let him chew on any rattle or his fist.

Our creative workshop Premium4Baby produces accessories for babies! We are pleased to offer you a wide selection of teethers, personalized pacifier holders, sling beads and sling pendants made of high-quality food-grade silicone. You can order your own design model or use ours. (delivery throughout Russia and the world)

(how to teach a child to brush his teeth).

A baby’s first tooth is joy and pride for parents. Eruption of the anterior units begins at four months. The norm is 2 teeth by six months.

The teething process causes a lot of trouble for the baby. During this period, the temperature may rise and the tummy may become upset. The gums itch and swell. The baby drools and puts various objects into his mouth.You can make this difficult period easier for your child if you use special teethers. Nowadays a great variety of them are produced. The main thing is to figure out which ones are better, healthier and will appeal to the baby.

What is a teether and what is it for?

The teether is a toy made of safe material designed to gently massage your gums. The most common are ring teethers. Massage relieves pain and relieves itching.

Since ancient times, children who were teething were given various objects to chew on to help speed up this process. Starting from the 17th century, special designs began to be used for this purpose, which were a metal toy with ivory or coral inserts. Some children had amber beads hung around their necks. Smooth inserts or beads gently massaged the gums when biting, causing a rush of blood, facilitating the passage of the tooth through the soft tissue. It is clear that such devices were not available to everyone. In simple families they were made with their own hands; rag bags with bread were used for this purpose.

When teeth have just begun to cut, you can offer your little one to chew on a piece of hard apple, carrot, or dried fruit. However, care should be taken to ensure that the child does not bite off a piece and choke. For this, a special device is used - a nibbler, which contains a mesh in its design that prevents the swallowing of bitten off pieces.

The easiest way to entertain a child and help him during a difficult period is to use special teethers. They are made from different materials, but do not contain harmful substances, are durable, and have a smooth surface. All types of teethers, or “rodents,” are designed for small children’s mouths. The choice of form and brand is left to the parents.

Types of teethers

A teether is a universal thing. The baby can use his favorite toy until all his teeth appear. However, different age groups prefer their own designs that differ in appearance and size.

Usually, when the very first teeth are cut, the baby is given a ring or rattle made of soft material to chew on. For the smallest children we can recommend a product in the form of a pacifier. The familiar design will be convenient for the baby; the toy is made of corrugated latex, slightly larger in size than a pacifier, and can be boiled. For middle and lateral teeth, harder products are needed. A hard or medium-hard teether with easy-to-bite cusps is useful for back teeth.

However, parents often do not take such subtleties into account, and the baby gnaws on the same objects throughout the entire period of baby teeth growth. For such parents, there are universal models suitable for any age. Separately, it should be said about the convenient design - a massager that fits on the finger, made in the form of a toothbrush, allowing the mother to massage the baby’s gums.

Shapes, sizes and designs may vary. Their number is growing every day. There are teethers that have a cooling effect, soothe gums, and are filled with gel or water. A wise choice of teethers will help your child prepare to use a toothbrush in the future. Wooden teethers can be seen in the photo.

Manufacturing materials

The main materials used for the production of teethers are latex and silicone. The first is much softer, suitable for the initial period when the front teeth are coming in, but the service life of products made from it is short. The second one is much stronger and lasts longer, but the silicone is tougher. Due to this, latex toys are used first, and as the child grows up and new teeth appear, they are replaced with silicone ones.

The main criterion is the absence of bisphenol (BPA) in the product. A dangerous toxic substance negatively affects the nervous and reproductive systems of the human body. Leading manufacturers specifically indicate on their products that they do not contain BPA.

Cheap products from small manufacturers can be made from different types of plastics, which are not always safe. It is not necessary to buy an expensive branded item, but you should not give your child cheap consumer goods from the market either.

Many parents prefer to give their children wooden “gnawers” ​​and care about the naturalness of the source material. When choosing such time-tested products, you should pay attention to their strength and quality of processing. The teether must be well polished so as not to damage the baby's mouth.

From how many months can it be used?

The first tooth should appear by six months, but the baby begins to put everything in his mouth much earlier. To prepare the gums for the appearance of teeth, to strengthen them, it is worth giving the baby the first “chew” at 3 months (see also: teeth are cut at 3 months - is this good or bad?). The teether acts as a massager, a kind of scratcher, relieving itching and helping to relieve swelling of the gums. By the time teething occurs, the child will get used to biting the toy, he will pick it up and hold it in a comfortable position with the handle (we recommend reading: what creams are there for teething gums?). The best option for a three-month-old baby would be a “rodent” in the form of a pacifier or ring.

How to choose?

When choosing a teether, you should pay attention not only to the material, but also to the weight. The difference, imperceptible to adults, can be very significant for children.

The main thing when choosing is safety. The “rodent” should not have sharp edges or contain dangerous dyes. Fragile plastic objects can burst and injure a child's mucous membranes. The baby's preferences should also be taken into account.

It is better for the youngest to purchase latex products. They are softer and easier to bite. The classic shape is a ring. Later, it is better for the baby to buy a “rodent” made of silicone. It massages the gums better and is stronger.

An interesting option is teethers with filling. Some contain sea water inside, which will soothe sore gums when chewed. Others are filled with gel, which affects the pliability of the toy.

Branded teethers are equipped with instructions for use, which indicate how to properly use the product and care for it. Of course, the best ones are those that the baby likes.

Instructions for use

You should not force your child to chew on the teether. This is voluntary. When using a toy, you must follow a number of rules:

Rating of the best models of teethers for children

There are a number of companies specializing in the production of children's products. An approximate rating of manufacturers producing teethers is given below. It will help you navigate and choose the right option:

Can I do it myself?

Teethers manufactured in compliance with medical safety standards have appeared relatively recently. Before this, mothers made do with pieces of apple or carrot wrapped in cotton cloth. This option is still applicable today.

If you have the desire and time, you can make a “rodent” with your own hands. The easiest way to sew or knit it is to use wooden beads, cotton threads, pieces of bright cotton fabric and natural fillings: beans or peas.