Baby Teething: A Parents' Guide to Soothing Teething Pain

As a parent, you are excited to witness and share the experience with your child as they go through the wonderful stages of life. Although teething is a major milestone, this stage may be uncomfortable for you and your baby. It is when their first few teeth tend to come out, which can be extremely painful for them. Thankfully, they can get relief and soothe their irritated gums by giving them a teether.

When to Use a Teether

Most babies get lower central incisors between six and ten months of age, while their upper central incisors appear between 8-12 months. It is best to use a teether when your child is anywhere near those ages. It is also necessary when their molars start to appear around 13 months of age because molar eruption can be very painful.

Some obvious indications that your baby is teething are excessive drooling, swollen gums, and irritability. You may also notice that they frequently chew on random items to ease their gum pain. 

How to Ensure Safety during Teething

While you may already be used to your baby’s usual fussiness, it’s normal to get surprised by their behavior during teething. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe ways to reduce your little one’s teething pains. These include the following:

Avoid Teething Jewelry

Teething jewelry became popular among many parents as  accessories made of materials that provide relief for children when they chew on them. Although many swear by their effectiveness, the tiny beads on necklaces, bracelets, and anklets can become a choking hazard. This is why it’s vital to buy a teether that specifically caters to your child’s needs.

Use a Bib 

Babies in their teething stage tend to drool more, which unfortunately leads to a sloppy situation. Saliva can cause skin irritation, which is why it’s advisable to have a bib ready to wipe the drool up. Instead of using those made of plastic that can run against the neck and result in a rash, choose cotton ones made of soft fabric.

Check the Teether Regularly

Teethers are generally durable and can withstand your baby’s gnawing and biting. However, they can get damaged over time, thinning them down until they eventually become a choking hazard. To prevent emergencies caused by a broken teether, check for tears on its surface and replace it regularly. 

Never Freeze the Teether

A cold teether can provide a refreshing relief for your baby’s teething pain. However, freezing it can make it too brittle and hard. This can cause your cold teether to damage your child’s gums. For this reason, it is recommended to chill it in the refrigerator instead of freezing it.

Choose a Teether Made of Wood

When buying a teether, choose one made of wood materials. Unlike those made of plastic or rubber, a wooden teether is non-toxic and free from chemicals, metals, and lead that can harm your baby. 

Additionally, wood has organic antimicrobial properties. Although a wooden teether is constantly in your child’s mouth once they start teething, you have one less thing to worry about because this type of teether is naturally bacteria-proof! 

Conclusion

Teething causes a lot of pressure in the gums and jaw bone, which can harm your baby’s sensitive mouth. Although this is a normal part of your child’s growth, seeing them through this uncomfortable stage is your responsibility as a parent. One of the best ways to offer relief is to buy eco-friendly teething toys from a trusted store.

At O.B. Designs, we offer sustainably sourced and ethically made wooden teethers. Our products are made of food-grade silicone and beechwood timber, making it a safer option over other commercially available teethers. Check out our collection or place an order today!