Teething is arguably one of the most challenging phases in the first year of a baby’s life (right after colic, that is!). I’m sure you have searched far and wide for a solution to your little one’s discomfort, and as a mum of 2 of my own, I’m here to share the recipe to success:

Your presence, lots of cuddles, patience and of course, a good teether!

Functions of a good teething toy: 

When your little one appears unsettled, begins to produce a lot of saliva, and puts anything and everything in their mouth, it is a clear sign that teething has begun. This is something I recommend preparing yourself for ahead of time, and having teethers at the ready has proven to be an essential during this period.

The main function of a teething toy is to alleviate the pain. While chewing, the baby is able to massage their gums to ease the pressure and the swelling caused by erupting teeth.

However, the benefits of these particular toys do not stop here. Selecting the right teether can also help stimulate eyesight, which is key for a baby’s brain development. As well as this, it assists the learning of fine motor skills, which is crucial even from as early as the new-born stage. This is because there is evidence to support that it positively impacts speech development further down the line. Finally, a teether is an excellent starting point for practicing hand-eye coordination, a skill necessary for when your baby begins learning to feed themselves.

Teethers we recommend:

The first 3 teethers listed we recommend for the youngest babies, from approximately 3 months old. During this period of time, your little one has already had time to settle into their new surroundings, and the time has come to provide them with additional support that will aid their general development. I have specifically selected here the most lightweight and easy to grip teething toys for the littlest hands, followed by some suited for slightly older babies. Take your pick!

1.  Mombella Mushroom Teether

One of my personal favourites, not only does this mushroom teether have an adorable design, available in a variety of colours, but it is also super multi-functional. Take a look at some of its impressive features:

• Teethers and pacifier combined in one
• Breast and nipple shaped
• Massages gums and releases discomfort
• Super light at only 25g
• Mushroom shape guards the baby’s hands to prevent chewing on their fingers
• Easy to hold
• Can be stuck to smooth surface to practice pulling motion
• Doubles as a snack cup
• Made from 100% medical grade silicone by US DFA certified manufacturer
• Freezer safe, dishwasher safe, and all kinds of sterilizer safe

2. Animal range from Lanco

The animal range by Lanco is also perfectly designed for our tiniest customers. They provide various gorgeous designs to choose from, including a panda, a hippo and more! All animals are held to the same excellent manufacturing standard, with some individual design features to choose from:

• Kimo the hippo, Nui the penguin and Nalu the tiger feature a textured side for sensory development
• Kori the panda has an internal rattle, doubling as a fun toy
• All feature a handle/ teething ring which is easy to hold
• Super lightweight
• Contrasting colour-block design to engage eyesight from first months
• 100% natural Hevea rubber
• Hand painted with food grade, non-toxic dyes
• PVC, BPA, Nitrosamines and Phthalates free
• Suitable from birth
• Ecological and environmentally friendly

3. Sophie the giraffe teething ring

Born in France, 1961, Sophie is arguably one of the most famous teething toys to date and we completely recognise the appeal. This teething ring adaptation of the original toy has been designed for the youngest of customers, with its small size, light weight and softer material. The iconic retro-style toy is loved all over the world, with over 50 million happy babies. Here’s why:

• A perfect first toy that stimulates all 5 senses
• Flexible, renewable and natural materials
• Non-toxic food grade painted
• Plenty of handles for little hands to hold
• Variety of textures to soothe teething at all stages
• 100% natural rubber derived from Hevea trees
• Produced using a closely guarded process involving 14 manual operations
• Stunning packaging, ideal for gift giving

For slightly older babies, we recommend sizing up to the original Sophie the giraffe teether. This toy has proven to be a phenomenon amongst teething children, as it is yet to disappoint. The original Sophie toy also features a variety of textures, with tougher feet and a softer neck, suitable for various stages of teething.

4. Chew cube

The Malarkey Kids Chew Cube is a mom-invented toy. It is a modern take on a rattle, doubling as the perfect teether with its geometric silicone frame. We love this one for its sleek, unique look, the stunning variety of 9 colours available, and of course the high-quality finish. This toy offers the following features:

• Soft texture for tender gums
• Rattle stimulates baby’s hearing
• Flexible, textured edges offer healing
• Large holes for easy gripping
• Rattle includes a mirror and a black and white colour-block design for visual stimulation
• 4-way sensory stimulation in one toy
• Can be fixed to clothing or stroller using paci/toy clip
• BPA and phthalate free
• 100% food grade silicone

5. Gertie the Goose

Expertly designed by Canadian toy brand, Gertie has been designed perfectly to fit in little hands and soothe tender gums. The goose offers her feet, her tail, her feathers and her beak for chewing, as well as a quack for some bonus giggles. We pride Gertie on her soft, light design with easy to grab simple contours, as well as her gorgeous scent! What’s more:

• Contrasting colours for easy visual focus
• Squeaking sound to stimulate hearing
• Soft to touch and lightweight
• Sligh vanilla scent
• Easy to handle
• Perfect for older babies, 6 months and up
• Made with 100% pure natural rubber
• BPA, Phthalate and PVC free

6. Fruits and Veggies from Oli& Carol

This Spanish collection of fruit and vegetable shaped teethers has appealed to mums all over the world who aim to introduce their little ones into a healthy lifestyle from a young age. A variety of colourful designs, and a variety of purposes, what’s not to love?

• Ideal for playtime, bath time and teething
• Hand painted with safe, food grade dyes
• Soft, east to grasp and fun to chew
• Highly hygienic – no holes in any of the designs to prevent the presence and growth of bacteria
• 100% natural rubber from Hevea trees
• BPA, PVC, Nitrosamines and Phthalates free
• Eco-toys, biodegradable and environmentally friendly
• Socially responsible – with each toy purchased you are helping to educate kids in India

Summary:

So whether you have already entered the dreaded teething stage, are still anticipating it, or know a fellow mum that could use some assistance, these are our top picks for taking the edge off. Remember to stay patient, stay comforting, and stay positive, but also take some pressure off yourself by letting one of our trusty teethers step in to help!

Which one will you choose?