How to Buy Baby Teething Toys

For some babies, teething means days of feeling uncomfortable. Teethers are products designed to help soothe sore gums and alleviate some pain. But today's teethers don't stop at teething rings filled with water that can be chilled. Now there is a whole range of teething toys to keep baby happy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Choose teethers that will also stimulate your baby's development. Products range from teether books and blankets to rattles and plush animals. Leap Frog makes a "Gentle Vibes Teether" to introduce sensory awareness. The water-filled ring gently vibrates as baby teethes. Gerber makes an "OrbiTeether" that resembles a spaceship and has six different teething surfaces for baby to explore shape and texture in a way that prepares him for eating solid foods.
2. Go practical. Some teethers have different functions. Blankets with rubber corners can be a soothing toy for bedtime. There are also pacifiers that function as teethers. Combi makes pacifiers for specific ages: 4 months for bottom teeth, which usually come in first, and 8 months for molars (this pacifier is designed to reach deeper inside the mouth).
3. Make it entertaining. There are many toys out there that are colorful, make noises and are just plain fun for babies to explore. Graco makes a rattle ring and plush animals with teethers attached.
4. Look for products with your needs in mind, too. For You Bugaboo sells teething toys that are non-toxic, all-natural and organic. SmartMomJewelry sells jewelry for mom (pendants and bangles) that baby can chew on.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow instructions for first-time use on teether products. Some will say boil in water before giving to baby and some will say they are dishwasher safe.
• Check online for recalls on baby teether products.
• If you use a teething ring filled with water, check it frequently for punctures.
• Don't chill your teethers until they are rock hard. Baby can chew with a passion and easily could chip those first teeth.