As a parent, witnessing your baby go through the teething process can be both rewarding and challenging. Teething toys play a vital role in easing your little one's discomfort and promoting healthy oral development. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into various aspects of teething toys, including safety features, materials, benefits, and much more.

Matchstick Monkey Original

The FUN, FLEXIBLE SILICONE TEETHER is an innovative and lightweight toy that provides relief and entertainment for teething babies. The teether is designed with an ergonomic shape and easy-to-grip 'arms' to help develop fine motor skills and encourage self-soothing from an early age. The soft bumps on the back of the head stimulate and massage sore gums, allowing babies to apply teething products directly to the source of their pain.

We like

• The teether can also be used as a pre-training toothbrush, promoting early oral hygiene habits and reaching hard-to-reach molars.
• Made from FDA approved food-grade silicone and BPA free, this teether is safe, reliable, and easy to clean, even being dishwasher and fridge friendly.
• Matchstick Monkey offers a range of innovative, fun, and fresh teething and baby products, including plush toys, gift sets, and a full fabric range.

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£10

Nuby Nana and Corn

The teether set provides a soothing and massaging experience for growing teeth and sore gums. Designed for easy holding, making it perfect for little hands to grasp. Orthodontic approved, ensuring the safety of your child's teeth with Nuby.

We like

• The teether can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and sterilised to eliminate germs.
• The fun and playful banana and corn shapes make teething enjoyable for babies.
• Part of Nuby's extensive teething range, catering to every stage of a child's teething journey.

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£8

Nuby Teething Blankie

The teething blanket boasts an award-winning design, offering both entertainment and relief for teething babies. Various textures on the soothing sections help massage and stimulate your baby's gums, easing the discomfort of teething. The interactive toy combines vibrant colours, engaging characters and multiple textures to captivate your baby's imagination.

We like

• Bright colours and patterns promote visual perception development.
• The crinkle feature and squeaker contribute to sensory, tactile and motor skill development.
• The compact size of the toy ensures it is easy to carry, making it perfect for playtime or naptime.

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£7

Nuby Wacky Teething Ring

Assists in the eruption of new teeth with a variety of raised, offset surfaces that gently massage baby's gums. Specially designed textures for front, middle, and back teeth. Skin soft silicone with silicone bristles to gently massage tender gums and aid in the breakthrough of teeth

We like

• Soft fabric that crinkles to help develop hearing skills
• BPA free for safety and peace of mind
• Over 40 years of research dedicated to creating time-saving, easy-to-use, and truly effective products

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£3

MAM Mini Cooler & Clip

The teething relief feature massages sensitive gums, alleviating teething pains and soothing discomfort. The unique cooling element is shaped to perfectly reach back teeth, even for very young babies, providing relief for emerging molars. The curved handle of the MAM teether is designed for easy grasping and holding by small babies, and the entire teether is lightweight.

We like

• The innovative clip ensures the teething ring remains attached to the baby's clothing, preventing it from getting lost and keeping it within easy reach.
• All MAM teethers are made from BPA and BPS free materials, prioritising the health and well-being of the child.
• The MAM Mini Cooler Teether is suitable for babies aged 2 months and up, and can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher.

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£6

Cactus Teething Toys

The Cactus 2 in 1 Teether aids in the healthy growth of teeth by alleviating sore gums and promoting oral hygiene. The baby teething toy features an eye-catching bright cactus colour and an easy grip design with multiple textures for chewing. Constructed with the highest quality food grade silicone, the teether ensures safety against choking hazards and harmful materials.

We like

• The natural silicone material is free from BPA, PVC, Lead, and Phthalates, making it safe and reliable.
• Suitable for babies aged 3 months and up, the teething toy is freezer safe, easy to clean, and machine washable.
• Lindas Essentials, a family-run business, focuses on creating high-quality products and providing excellent customer service.

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£4

Bright Starts Chill & Teethe

Water-filled teethers provide relief for baby's gums. The product is designed with engaging colours and textures. The teethers are easy for babies to hold and grasp.

We like

• The teethers are BPA-free, ensuring safety for the baby.
• Suitable for babies and toddlers aged 3 to 36 months.
• Bright Starts focuses on creating joyful play experiences to help babies learn and develop.

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£4

Nuby IcyBite Keys

Nuby's Icy Bite Keys Teether offers multiple teething surfaces to alleviate sore and tender gums for babies around 3 months old. The teether utilises PureIce Gel technology, allowing it to stay cooler for longer periods compared to water-filled teethers. The product encourages oral motor skills development, aiding in speech, safe swallowing, and consumption of various textures.

We like

• The Icy Bite Keys Teether is part of Nuby's comprehensive teething collection, supporting new parents throughout their journey.
• Designed with bumps and ridges, the teether provides diverse surfaces for babies to explore and soothe their gums.
• The teether's size and design make it easy for little hands to hold, promoting hand-eye coordination and capturing their attention with its bright colours.

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£5

Baby Einstein Teether-pillar

The water-filled teether can be refrigerated for extra soothing relief. The colourful Baby Einstein caterpillar character is designed for easy gripping by little hands. The teether is designed to alleviate baby's sore gums both at home and while travelling.

We like

• Baby Einstein products are known for their quality and ability to inspire exploration and boost confidence.
• The toys and gear are created with Montessori-inspired design and STEAM content for a well-rounded approach to child development.
• The brand offers a variety of products, including toys, infant gear, books, and media, to support parents as their child's first teacher.

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£3

Safety Features and Materials

When selecting a teething toy, safety should be your top priority. Look for the following features to ensure the toy is safe for your baby:

• BPA-free: Choose teething toys made from BPA-free materials to avoid exposing your baby to potentially harmful chemicals.
• Non-toxic paint: Opt for toys with non-toxic, water-based paint to prevent ingestion of harmful substances.
• Smooth edges: Ensure the toy has smooth edges to avoid causing any injury to your baby's delicate gums.
• Durable materials: Select toys made from sturdy materials that can withstand constant chewing and tugging.

Benefits of Different Shapes and Textures

Teething toys come in various shapes and textures, each offering unique benefits for your baby:

• Raised textures: These provide gentle pressure on your baby's gums, helping to alleviate teething pain.
• Multi-textured surfaces: Toys with different textures help stimulate your baby's sensory development.
• Various shapes: Unique shapes encourage babies to explore and manipulate the toy, promoting hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Choose teething toys that are easy to clean and maintain:

• Dishwasher-safe: Opt for toys that can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher for convenience and thorough sanitisation.
• Freezer-friendly: Some teething toys can be chilled in the freezer to provide additional relief for your baby's sore gums.

How to Choose the Right Teething Toy

To select the perfect teething toy for your baby, consider the following factors:

• Age-appropriate: Choose a toy that is suitable for your baby's age and developmental stage.
• Comfortable to hold: Ensure the toy is easy for your baby to grasp and manipulate.
• Attractive design: Select a visually appealing toy that will capture your baby's attention and encourage play.

When to Introduce Teething Toys

Teething toys can be introduced as early as three months of age, when your baby begins to show signs of teething and shows interest in putting objects in their mouth.

Signs of Teething and How Toys Can Help

Some common signs of teething include:

• Drooling
• Irritability
• Swollen gums
• Difficulty sleeping

Teething toys help by providing a safe and appropriate outlet for your baby to chew, soothing their sore gums and providing much-needed relief.

Recognising High-Quality Teething Toys

High-quality teething toys often have the following characteristics:

• Made from safe, durable materials
• Designed to be easy for babies to hold and manipulate
• Tested and approved by relevant safety organisations

Potential Allergies and Sensitivities

Be mindful of potential allergies and sensitivities when choosing teething toys. Opt for hypoallergenic materials, such as silicone or natural rubber, to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction.

Teething Toy Alternatives

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional teething toys, consider the following options:

• Cold washcloths or teething mittens
• Frozen fruits or vegetables in a mesh feeder
• Wooden or fabric teethers

Proper Usage and Supervision

Always supervise your baby while they use a teething toy and inspect the toy regularly for signs of wear or damage. Discard any toys with broken or loose parts to prevent choking hazards.

In summary, teething toys play a vital role in your baby's oral development and comfort during the teething process. By selecting safe, age-appropriate toys and providing proper supervision, you can help ensure a positive teething experience for your little one.