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First things first, the primary use of teethers is actually NOT for teething. I know, I know… like, what? But, it’s true. Let me tell you why.

When to Introduce Teethers

Teethers are AMAZING, the benefits of using them are infinite, and we recommend using them way before the first tooth pops through. The best time to introduce is right around 3 months of age. From a developmental standpoint, baby has likely started reaching and grasping (with support), so they are ready to start holding on to items and bring them to their mouth!

When babies are born, their mouth is very “unorganized,” hence why sucking on a pacifier or nursing is very soothing and regulating to them. During the first year, we want baby’s mouth to experience different textures during play and meals to help regulate their oral sensory system- so teethers are an excellent way to do that! Start to offer around 3 months of age and continue into toddlerhood!

Teethers are especially helpful between 3-6 months of age because they help move the gag reflex back, help practice the motor plan for chewing, support mature oral motor development, and are great for baby’s oral-sensory development. Essentially, baby is prepping for solids with teethers! They can help introduce textures to baby before they are introduced to textured foods. Pretty cool, huh?

Baby’s First Teether

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. 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!

This one is the Eat Play Say top pick for baby’s first teether! This one 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!

Favorite Teethers for Baby

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 months old.

Teethers for 6 Month Olds

When it’s time to start solids, it’s really time to start chomping!! This teether is a great option for littles to practice the motor planning for self-feeding and increase jaw strength. Once they can handle a teether like the Nuby or the hollow sticks, 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!

Teethers as Toothbrushes

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.

Why Is It Important to Offer a Teether?

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. Remember, their mouth is very unorganized in early infancy! 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.

Replace the Pacifier with a Teether

Yep, you heard me right! Around 3 months of age, try to minimize use of a pacifier during the day and try to decrease reliance on it for sleep if you can. The sucking reflex is naturally starting to integrate at this age, and to support baby’s maturing oral motor skills, we want to encourage more chomping and less sucking. (And we want baby’s mouth to be closed at rest with the tongue up under the hard palate as much as we can! If you’re an Instagram follower, you know I say this allllll the time!)

Try to completely eliminate use of the pacifier if you can by 6 months of age (that’s when that suckling reflex is usually completely gone), with a stretch goal of elimination by a year. After 12 months of age, we know that prolonged pacifier use or finger sucking can change the shape of the mouth.

If you want to learn more about weaning the pacifier and thumb sucking, check out this blog!

Do Toddlers Use Teethers?

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. Again, 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.

Favorite Teethers for Babies & Toddlers

You bet we have an extensive breakdown of all of our favorite teethers, all in one place! It’s one of our top-view pages in our Favorites tab! Check out what teethers (and yep, you’re seeing right- some silicone spoons) we recommend and how to best use them right here!!