As a parent, you must already know that babies start teething around 6 months old. During this time, babies will drool a lot and put anything they can get their hands on into their mouths in an attempt to relieve the discomfort caused by their growing teeth.
To avoid any harm to the baby, you have to be extra cautious about what they put in their mouths. That's where teethers come in handy because they provide a safe, chewable option for babies to relieve their teething discomfort. Read below to know more about Baby Teethers And Their Benefits.
Reasons Why Babies Like Teethers
There are many reasons why babies like teethers. One of the main reasons is that they provide relief from teething pain. By chewing on a teether, babies massage their gums and this helps to reduce the discomfort caused by teething.
Another reason why babies like teethers are because they help to develop their oral motor skills. Chewing on a teether helps to strengthen the muscles in the jaw and tongue, which are important for speech development.
Types of Teethers
There are different types of teethers available in the market.
Silicone Teethers: Silicone teethers are made of soft, food-grade silicone and are shaped in a way that is easy for babies to hold and chew on. They can be placed in the fridge to provide a cooling sensation for teething babies.
Wooden Teethers: Wooden teethers are made of smooth, sanded wood and are safe for teething babies to chew on.
What Is A Silicone Teether Made Of?
A silicone teether is made of soft, food-grade silicone. It is BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free. Silicone teethers are safe for teething babies to chew on and can be placed in the fridge to provide a cooling sensation.
Baby Silicone Teethers And Their Benefits
Some news articles have incorrectly propagated that silicone teethers can choke babies. This is an overly cautious warning because teethers are designed to be chewed on, not swallowed. If a teether is small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll, then it's small enough to pose a choking hazard and you should not give it to your baby.
Benefits of Silicone Teethers
There are many benefits of using silicone teethers for your teething baby.
They are safe: Silicone teethers are made of food-grade silicone, which is a safe material for babies to put in their mouths. They are also BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free.
They provide relief from teething pain: Chewing on a silicone teether helps to massage the gums and reduce the discomfort caused by teething.
They help to develop oral motor skills: Chewing on a silicone teether helps to strengthen the muscles in the jaw and tongue, which are important for speech development.
They are durable: Silicone teethers are very durable and can last long even with heavy chewing.
They are easy to clean: Silicone teethers can be easily cleaned with soap and water. They are dishwasher safe. They can also be sterilized.
They are non-toxic: Silicone teethers are non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals.
They are stylish: Silicone teethers come in a variety of colours and styles. You can find one that matches your baby's personality.
They come in a variety of colours: Silicone teethers come in a variety of colours, which can help entertain your baby while they are teething.
They are easy to store: Silicone teethers can be easily stored in a diaper bag or purse.
They are affordable: Silicone teethers are very affordable compared to other types of teethers.
They are eco-friendly: Silicone teethers are made of food-grade silicone, which is a sustainable material.
They are recyclable: Silicone teethers can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
What Is a Wooden Teether Made of?
A wooden teether is a teething toy made of smooth, sanded wood.
Benefits of Wooden Teethers
There are many benefits of using wooden teethers for your teething baby.
They are safe: Wooden teethers are made of smooth, sanded wood, which is a safe material for babies to put in their mouths. They are also free of harmful chemicals.
They are easy to clean: Simply wash them with soap and warm water, then allow them to dry thoroughly.
And other similar benefits compared to silicone teethers.
Disadvantages of Wooden Teethers
Wood comes from cutting trees and deforestation is a key environmental problem: not only does it destroy ecosystems and habitats; but it's also a major factor driving climate change.
Conclusion
Even though silicone and wooden teethers come pretty close to one another and it is difficult to choose one from the other, it is a known fact that silicone teethers are high in quality compared to wooden teethers. Silicone teethers are dishwasher safe and comparatively easy to clean than wooden teethers. Also, wooden teethers are made by cutting trees which is not a sustainable option.
All in all, it can be said that silicone teethers are a better option than wooden teethers, both in terms of ease of use, quality, and sustainability.
