All About Teethers: When to Introduce Them and How to Choose the Right One for Your Baby

All About Teethers: When to Introduce Them and How to Choose the Right One for Your Baby

by Dr. Brown's

As your baby grows, you may notice them bringing their hands to their mouth or chewing on their fingers. This is often one of the earliest signs that they are ready to begin exploring with teethers. While teethers are commonly associated with soothing sore gums, they also play an important role in supporting early feeding development.

Introducing the right teether at the right time can help build essential oral and sensory skills that prepare your baby for eating solids.

When to Introduce a Teether

Around 3 months of age, babies begin to explore the world through their mouths. This stage, often referred to as mouthing, is a natural part of development. It is an ideal time to introduce teethers that are safe, lightweight and easy to hold.

At this stage, teethers are less about teething discomfort and more about helping your baby develop early oral coordination and awareness.

Understanding Pre-Feeding Skills

Before babies begin eating solids, they develop a set of foundational skills known as pre-feeding skills. These support both sensory and motor development.

Key pre-feeding skills include:

  • Mouthing: Babies explore textures and objects using their mouth, helping them become familiar with different sensations

  • Gag reflex development: In early months, the gag reflex is positioned forward to protect against choking. With exposure to safe textures, it gradually shifts back between 4 to 6 months

  • Munching: Around 6 months, babies begin simple up-and-down jaw movements, an early form of chewing

  • Tongue movement: Between 6 to 9 months, babies learn to move food within the mouth, which is important for breaking it down

  • Mature chewing patterns: These develop later as toddlers grow and gain more control

Teethers support these stages by providing safe opportunities for exploration and practice.

Choosing the Right Teether by Age

Your baby’s needs change quickly, so selecting age-appropriate teethers is important.

3 to 4 Months

Start with simple designs that are lightweight and easy to grasp. Teethers at this stage should have shorter shapes to prevent them from going too far into the mouth.

A suitable option includes:

  • Dr. Brown’s Ridgees Giraffe Teether

This design supports early grasping while introducing basic textures.

4 to 6 Months

As your baby develops, they benefit from more varied textures. Teethers with ridges and bumps provide additional sensory input and help prepare for eating.

Recommended options include:

  • Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoon and Teether

This design helps babies get familiar with feeding tools while exploring textures safely.

Around 6 Months

At this stage, the gag reflex has moved further back, and babies begin to explore more with their gums. Longer, stick-shaped teethers are useful for practising early chewing movements.

A suitable option is:

  • Dr. Brown’s Peapod Teether and Training Toothbrush

This design allows babies to practise munching while providing gentle stimulation to the gums.

7 Months and Beyond

Once teeth begin to emerge, the focus shifts towards comfort. Cooling teethers can help soothe sore gums during this phase.

A commonly used option is:

  • Dr. Brown’s AquaCool Water-Filled Teether

Refrigerating teethers can provide additional relief, but avoid freezing them as this may make them too hard.

Safety Considerations

When choosing a teether, safety should always come first:

  • Ensure all parts are securely attached

  • Choose materials such as silicone or water-filled designs that are non-toxic and BPA-free

  • Always supervise your baby during use

  • Replace any teether that shows signs of wear or damage

As teeth develop, babies may bite more firmly, so regular checks are important.

Teethers Beyond Infancy

Teethers can continue to be useful into toddlerhood. Chewing provides sensory comfort and can help manage discomfort as new teeth emerge. Offering cool or chilled teethers during this stage can still provide relief.

If you notice delays in feeding development or difficulty managing textures, it is advisable to consult your paediatrician for guidance.

Conclusion

Teethers are more than a soothing tool. They support early development, help build feeding readiness and provide comfort through different stages of growth. By selecting the right type based on your baby’s age and development, you can make this phase more manageable and support healthy progress.
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