How to Choose Baby Teething Toys

Babies usually start teething between 4 and 7 months old. As her teeth start to push through her gums, you may notice gum swelling, tenderness, irritability, more drooling than normal and a low-grade fever, according to HealthyChildren.org. Biting down on something hard or cold helps ease the discomfort your baby feels as the teeth erupt. Teething toys come in a variety of styles, from simple teething rings to stuffed animals with attached chewing surfaces. Comparing the options available allows you to choose a safe teething toy that your baby will want to use.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider the times when your baby seems to feel the greatest discomfort from teething. If he fusses frequently while sleeping, a teething blanket with little chew tabs might work best. During play time, a chewing ring or an interactive toy made for teething doubles as entertainment.

    • 2

      Read the packaging to identify the materials used in the teething toy. Mayo Clinic suggests choosing a toy made of firm rubber while avoiding the toys filled with liquid. Your baby's chewing could cause the liquid-filled toy to break open and leak.

    • 3

      Hold each teething toy in your hand to test the durability. Look for a toy that feels like it will hold up to your baby's chomping. Check the seams on a blanket-style or stuffed animal teething toy. If you choose a teething toy with multiple pieces, such as a bead-style teether, check the connections to ensure they aren't loosely or poorly connected. A small piece breaking off the teething toy becomes a choking hazard. A one-piece teething toy is generally safest because there are no little pieces that might break off the toy.

    • 4

      Hand the toy to your baby to see if she grasps it easily. The shape of the toy affects how well she can get her hands on it. A lightweight teething toy is generally easier for a young baby to hold since her grip isn't strong yet.

    • 5

      Count the number of teething surfaces on the toy. The teething toy may hold his interest longer if he has multiple chewing surfaces and textures to explore. Toys often have chewing surfaces with a slight texture to create a soothing sensation.

    • 6

      Look at the appearance of each toy to determine which one might appeal most to your baby. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests toys that have a sharp contrast and use bright, primary colors. If your baby is with you when purchasing the teething toy, hold up a few of them to see which one draws his attention.

    • 7

      Read the cleaning instructions on the teething toy package. Since your little one chews on the toy frequently, you'll want a toy that is easy to wash. If it has lots of little grooves in the chewing surface, you may find it difficult to clean out those small areas.

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