Teething is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development, but it can also come with a few changes that leave parents wondering what’s normal.
From around 4 months, some babies may begin showing early signs of teething. While every baby is different, you might notice more chewing, increased dribbling or a growing desire to put hands and objects in their mouth. These behaviours are a normal part of your baby’s development and exploration.
What are the early signs of teething?
Before those first little teeth make an appearance, your baby may:
- Chew on their hands or fingers more frequently
- Drool more than usual
- Want to put toys and other safe objects in their mouth
- Have tender or sensitive gums
- Seem more unsettled than usual
Not every baby will experience the same signs, and the timing of the first tooth can vary.
How can a baby teether help?
A purpose-designed baby teether can provide a safe, soothing way for your little one to explore their changing mouth and gums.
Soothe tender gums
Chewing can provide gentle pressure against the gums, which may help soothe some of the discomfort associated with teething. A teether designed for babies can give them something appropriate to chew when their gums feel tender.
Support oral exploration
Babies naturally explore the world through their mouths. Safe, baby-friendly teethers provide an age-appropriate object for mouthing and chewing, helping support their natural sensory exploration.
Encourage hand-to-mouth coordination
Easy-to-grasp teething toys can also support developing coordination. As your baby reaches for, holds and brings a teether to their mouth, they are practising important hand-to-mouth movements and grasping skills.
Offer a baby-designed alternative
When your baby starts putting everything in their mouth, it can be tempting to reach for everyday household objects. A baby-safe teether is specifically designed with little hands and mouths in mind, providing an appropriate option for chewing and exploration.
Choosing a teether for your baby
When choosing a teether, look for a design that is suitable for your baby’s age and stage, easy for little hands to hold and made with baby-safe materials. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, cleaning and care, and supervise your baby while they use a teether.
Teething is a new stage of discovery
From the first signs of chewing to that exciting first tooth, teething is another step in your baby’s development. Offering a thoughtfully designed teether can help make this stage a little more comfortable while encouraging your baby to explore, grasp and discover.
