When your infant begins teething, it could be very difficult for you and your little one. When teeth cut through the gums it is often very painful for your babies. But there are some things you can do to help make your baby’s life easier. Having a teething toy can be very beneficial, as it gives the baby something to bite on to soothe his aching gums.
Normally, babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months. This is when the teeth begin to show through the gums. You may see the front teeth peeking just above the gum line first, then this is usually followed by molars and canines. Babies usually continue to teethe right up until they have a full set of baby teeth.
There are several symptoms of teething that you may observe in your baby. These include pain, crying, fever, and drooling. You can massage the baby’s gums with your finger or give her something to chew or nibble. If you rub the baby’s gums with your finger, you may feel the bump of her teeth trying to push through the gums.
Probably the best baby teething toys on the market are silicone teethers and there are a couple of reasons why this is true. First, silicone teethers are less likely to break down from frequent chewing. They are also durable, and babies can get a great deal of use from them.
Also, these baby teething toys made of medical-grade silicone can be purchased with the knowledge that they can be safely implanted in the body. So, its risk to the baby is very low to non-existent. There is also food-grade silicone which makes it safe to make oral contact.
Some baby teething toys are great for other uses besides comforting a hurting infant. There are also excellent silicone teethers that have bright colors, unique shapes, and soothing visual patterns and textures that strengthen the brain’s visual cortex, increasing the visual acuity of the baby. Other teethers can assist in strengthening your baby’s grip. They have even shown to help develop hand-eye coordination, enhance early motor skills, and encourage tooth development.
Whatever silicone teething toys you decide to use there are a few things of which you should be aware.
- Do not buy toys made in China. Toys from China are known to carry lead or to be made cheaply, meaning they may have dyes or other unsafe chemicals inside them.
- Avoid plastic toys as they break easily and may have sharp edges on the breaks that could cut the baby.
- Look for toys that offer a guarantee and indicate high quality. You may pay a little more, but the extra cost is more than worth it to guarantee your baby’s safety and to make sure they receive some comfort during the difficult period of teething.
If you choose to invest in silicone teething toys for your baby, make sure that you purchase them from reputable companies that have established trust with the buying public. Good luck and prosperity to you and your baby.