Every parent knows about teething and the way it can disrupt the family harmony and their baby's sleeping routine. Teething usually occurs from the first few months until they're one year old, even though there are always exceptions, of course. The first obvious symptom of teething is drooling, but if parents want to be sure, the best way to know is to gently rub their fingers along the baby's gums. And yes, there are many ways to relieve and soothe the symptoms, but the most popular among them all is a teether, so here are a few reasons why babies like them so much.
1. Teethers provide great relief
Growing teeth can be painful, and chewing things can provide a lot of comfort and support, so for best results, make sure to clean the teether and place it in the refrigerator. Keeping it cool will make chewing more pleasant since coolness is always soothing for baby's gums. But, it's essential to remember that not all babies are the same, so when it comes to teethers, there's often no one-size-fits-all solution. Some babies like to chew toys, blankets and other objects, so if you notice that your little one is especially fond of, let's say, a piece of cloth, don't try to take it away from them, instead, make sure to clean it and let them use it.
2. It can help with their development
Chewing and sucking on things isn't only helpful regarding the emerging teeth. Being able to lick, chew and suck an object can help your baby move their tongue and gain awareness of their own mouth. Also, these motions can be extremely helpful when it comes to developing proper speech patterns and sounds. However, if you're looking to buy your baby a teether, it's essential to do your research and check out various shapes and materials. There are many quality baby teethers made of non-toxic silicone that have been developed by dental hygienists, which is always a bonus.
3. Simply, teething is the necessary stage in a baby's life
As mentioned above, teething is useful when learning speech, so if you're noticing that your baby's suddenly fond of chewing, remember that it's a normal development stage, so you should never be worried. Growing teeth can be uncomfortable at times, so providing your baby with a relief tool can be of great help. Also, chewing helps teeth come in correctly, and it's widely considered as a necessary step in cutting teeth. In case you're looking to brush your baby's teeth as soon as they appear, make sure to talk to a pediatrician first, so you'll be able to get proper recommendations regarding the toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Conclusion
Teething phase can be exhausting, so be sure to prepare for it, so you won't be caught by surprise. Monitor your baby's behaviour, and keep in mind that teeth growth is closely related to family genetics and history, so don't feel compelled to compare your baby's development with other babies in your immediate circle of friends and relatives, as that will only lead to frustration. Finally, aside from teethers, feel free to opt for soothing sugar-free gels and cool foods such as yogurt, as that can help your baby go through teething without feeling too much pain and distress.