When & Why Babies Should Use Teethers
TEETHER TIMELINE
Here is a general overview of when to introduce tethers and what types are recommended! There’s really no “wrong” teether, but shape and texture are important things to consider.
WHEN TO START
It’s time for baby’s first teether when you see these two things: baby has started bringing hands/fists to mouth and CHOMPING (not sucking) on their hands AND when baby has started GRASPING and bringing items to their mouth. That usually happens right at the end of the newborn stage- 3 MONTHS. Baby will likely need some help with holding the teether and getting it to their mouth, so you can offer assistance as they need it! Start with one that is thicker and not too stick-like, as baby’s gag reflex is still very forward in the mouth. Some gagging can be expected as baby navigates this new texture. Plus their fine motor skills are still developing, so they don’t have the best control of how far to put things in their mouth!
START WITH ONE LIKE THIS
This $5 Nuby teether is my favorite one for parents to start with around 3 months. You can pop it in the dishwasher or sterilizer, and it has little bristles for some texture. Plus, it can’t go too far back in baby’s mouth and comes in a variety of colors!
THEN WHAT
Once baby does well with those types of thicker teethers that are easier to hold, moving to stick-like teethers is recommended. These help move the gag reflex back, which helps prepare baby for solids. They also help baby practice the motor plan of self-feeding, and you can even dip them in baby’s favorite food in the high chair when they take their first bites! You can start with HOLLOW tubes for chomping, but make sure to move to thicker, more resistive stick-shaped teethers as baby nears 5-6 MONTHS.
Teethers can also help with TOOTHBRUSHING. Babies typically get their first tooth between 6-12 months. If you’ve been using teethers, baby will be more prepared for the feeling of bristles in their mouth! Here is a great training toothbrush that can double as a teether.
THEN MOVE TO THIS
This $7 Comotomo Octopus teether is a great option for littles who will be starting solids soon (4-6 MONTHS). Once they can handle a teether like the Nuby, this is a great next step. Still easy to hold, can be put in the dishwasher or sterilizer, and has SHORT sticks so baby doesn’t overly gag themselves!
DO YOU KEEP OFFERING?
Yep! Continuing to offer thicker, resistive and stick-like teethers after 6 months and into toddlerhood is recommended. Continued use strengthens the jaw, helps continue to move the gag reflex back (which fully moves back around a year of life!), and can help with teething pain as baby’s teeth continue to pop through. Replacing PACIFIERS with teethers around the 6 month mark is a great way for baby to continue to receive oral input WITHOUT prolonging an immature suckling pattern. If you want some information about pacifier weaning or thumb sucking, head to this blog.
AND LASTLY, THIS.
This Ark Y Chew is very resistive and has a longer stick shape. This is great for littles who have started solids and are working on chewing. It helps continue to build jaw strength, and it’s longer sticks allow for more chomping in the back of the mouth.
We know that littles who did NOT put toys and items in their mouth in infancy are at higher risk for oral sensitivities when starting solids. Babies are meant to put things in their mouth because that is how they EXPLORE the world. Crinkle books with teething corners, silicone rattles, and other soft baby items are also great for mouthing! Have teethers nearby or on a pacifier clip once you start to introduce and if they reach to put things in their mouth, encourage it as long as it is safe and they are supervised! I know that germs can be scary, but remember that putting items in baby’s mouth is normal and should be encouraged.
