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Why a Good Teething Pacifier Makes
All The Difference
{Photo by Badger Badger Studios}
I realize that every corner grocery shop has teethers available, so I'm not going to waste your time discussing the standard run-of-the-mill
teethers you can get at Wal-Mart.
Instead, I'm focusing on those super-helpful teething toys (including the teething pacifier) that can make
all the difference between a day spent with a fussing baby and a day spent with a happy baby.
Here are the top gnaw-worthy teething toys to soothe and comfort your suffering infant. All the teething toys listed below are BPA-free. If you're
a purist, don't miss the "Natural and Organic Teethers" below!
To make things as useful (and simple) as possible, I've hyperlinked all the photos below. Find something interesting? Click on the photo to
be directed to all the specs and pricing for that teether. I don't sell them on the site, I just show you were to find them!
Side Note: Using good teething toys is just one thing you can do to provide relief. Here are some
other things you can do to make your teething baby feel better.
Amazing Teething Pacifiers
Using a teething pacifier is a great way for your baby to reach those far-back molars that are so hard to reach with regular teething toys.
(Not sure if your baby is teething molars? Check out this teething schedule.)
Here are three of the most popular teething pacifiers available online right now for you to choose from.
Teething Pacifier: RaZ-Berry Silicone Teether
This teething pacifier looks almost exactly like a regular pacifier with a few teething modifications. First, it's made of silicone, so your baby can't shred
it to pieces. Second, the bumpy texture makes it distinctly different and interesting to young babies (who do most of their exploring via the mouth).
Third, it's a hands-free teething solution to busy babies who would rather suffer than stop and give one toy attention.
This particular version comes in blue, red, and clear designs.
See the RaZ-Berry Silicone Teether here.
Teething Pacifier: 3-Stage Training Teethers
These teethers look pretty bizarre, but there is a method behind the madness. Each teething pacifier is designed to provide teething relief, while
teaching and developing your baby's chewing abilities.
The First Stage Teething Pacifier (the green disk with the two holes) is designed for babies around the 4-month mark. It stimulates the lips and tongue, helping
the baby learn how to transition from sucking to chewing.
The Second Stage Teething Pacifier (the orange donut with three yellow handles) stimulates front tooth development and prepares your infant for soft foods of
various firmness. It's designed for babies around the 6 month mark, when they are beginning solids.
The Third Stage Teething Pacifier (I won't even try to describe this one.) is for an 8-month baby to enhance molar development and get used
to holding a cup.
Each of these is dishwasher safe (yay!) and includes a carrying case for toting. You can purchase them separately, for which ever stage matches
your baby's current development. See the 3-Stage Training teethers.
Teething Pacifier: The Teethifier
Another odd teething toy to throw into the collection, The Teethifier is especially designed for older babies who are suffering from their
back molars coming in. It's easy for baby to hold, and the shield prevents your baby from trying to reach too far back into his mouth.
Parent-invented, the Teethifier is also an effective transition pacifier when you begin wean your baby away from his binky's (recommended around age 2).
See more information on the Teethifier.
A Teething Necklace:
Fashionable and Practical
One of the hottest "mom-trends" these days is the oh-so practical teething necklace. A well-designed teething necklace can be hidden in plain sight,
allowing your baby to grab (finally!) a piece a jewelry it's safe to chew on. Celebrities like Tori Spelling, Angela Basset, and even dad Chris Noth can
be seen sporting these necklaces around town.
The last necklace listed below is an amber teething necklace. Amber has been used for centuries
to provide natural comfort to teething babies in Europe. However, it is not for chewing. The idea is this: when the amber is worn
on the skin, the warmth of the skin releases trace amounts of healing oils onto the skin (remember, amber is fossilized tree sap). These oils
help keep your baby calm and relaxed during teething. Some parents swear by these necklaces.
If you decide to give an amber teething necklace a try, here are some shopping/using guidelines to follow:
- Choose one that is handcrafted, with a knot securing each bead in front and behind.
- Choose a necklace made out of Baltic amber. It is the highest quality.
- Never, EVER, leave your baby unattended while she is wearing the necklace. Naturally, anything around your
baby's neck is dangerous, so be super-vigilant when it's on.
- Always take the necklace off during sleep times.
- Do not allow your baby to tug or play with the necklace. Keep it tucked in against his skin, under his clothes.
Click on any of the photos below for additional information or different colors.
Organic and Natural
Teethers
Besides the oh-so-helpful teething pacifier, and attractive jewelry, you'll be pleased to hear that the organic and natural selection of teethers
has expanded tremendously in the past few years. All the toys below are either made from natural rubber and non-toxic paint, natural wood, organic
cottons, natural corn fillers, and come with 100% recycled packaging.
Side Note: If soothing your baby naturally is important to you, this article provides all natural teething
remedies other mothers have used successfully.
Besides the amber teething necklace mentioned above, here is a sampling of the best-sellers.
The Soothing Power of
Teething Rings
One of the most common teething relief recommendations is to put water or air-filled teething rings
into the fridge and let your baby gnaw on them. The cold will numb the gums, while the biting pressure provides additional pain relief.
The Zolo rings (pictured last below) are an exception to this.. These rings don't contain water or air, but can be linked together and
hung from car seats and stroller seats. I consider them one of my most valuable teething accessories and strongly recommend getting a set.
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IcyBite Teether
By Nuby |
Chan Pie Gnon Soother
Made in France |
Hand & Foot Teethers |
Zolo Linko
Teething Rings |
The 'Ole Favorite: Teething Keys
What was Elena's favorite toy in her 3-9 month phase (besides her teething pacifier)? My car keys. What is it about those dirty, clanky, heavy things that are so appealing to
infants? How many times did I yell "ICKY!" and dive to rip them away from that slobbery cave? A decent pair of teething keys is an all-around winner.
Baby gets to enjoy the rattle, mommy gets to put away the hand sanitizer.
I realize that teething keys are a dime a dozen these days, but having replaced more than my fair share of broken cheapo-deapo keys, these are
worth the purchase. If your going to shell out your dinero on teething keys, why not spend the same on a set that will actually last long enough
for the next baby? Or at least win back your money at your next garage sale?
Distracting Motion Teethers
I'm not sure who invented the "motion" teether, but whoever it is, they deserve a big hug and kiss from every teething mother out there. Not
only does this teething pacifier vibrate for soothing motion, the fact that it moves will intrigue your baby enough to calm her down
almost instantly.
The "Massaging Action Teether" (pictured last) is a favorite at the Boston's Children's Hospital...and those people know about babies.
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Flutterbug Teether |
Vibrating Fruit
Teether |
Massaging Action
Teether |
No-Category Teethers
These teethers are so unique, so bizarre that I couldn't think of a category they would fit in, besides the "No-Category" category.
As strange as they are, parents rave about their effectiveness. The "Twisty Teether" (pictured last) even won a Parent's Choice Gold Award!
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Wrinkle
Teething Toy |
Smooth and Smile
Teething Bib |
Beginning Bites
Teethers |
Twisty Figure 8
Teether Toy |
Having an armed arsenal of teething toys at the very beginning will set you up for better days when the teething actually happens. Having to
go out and buy second-rate, minimally effective, teething toys at the last minute is always stressful.
Plan ahead and choose a teething pacifier or other teething tool before the teething sets in. That way, when your baby is screaming for relief,
you have something ready to hand him.
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