Babies have an innate desire to explore the world around them, including everything that can be put into their mouths. As a result, it's essential to provide them with safe and appropriate chew toys that they can use to soothe their gums and teeth. Chew toys not only satisfy the baby's natural urge to chew but also promote oral motor development, hand-eye coordination, and sensory exploration. In this article, we'll explore the different types of baby chew toys, their benefits, and how to choose the right one.

Benefits of Baby's Chew Toys

Soothe Teething Pain

One of the main benefits of chew toys for kids is that they help to soothe teething pain. When a baby is teething, their gums may become sore and swollen, which can cause discomfort and irritability. Chew toys provide gentle pressure that helps to massage the gums and relieve soreness.

Promote Oral Motor Development

Chew toys also promote oral motor development by encouraging the baby to move their mouth and jaw muscles. The act of chewing helps to strengthen the muscles in the mouth, which are essential for speech and feeding development. Chew toys can also help to stimulate the salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva, an important component of the digestive process.

Develop Hand-Eye Coordination

Babies also develop their hand-eye coordination by exploring different textures, shapes, and sizes of chew toys. As they manipulate the toy in their hands and bring it to their mouth, they are developing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.

Provide Sensory Stimulation

Chew toys provide sensory stimulation for babies by engaging their senses of touch, taste, and smell. Different textures and shapes of chew toys provide a variety of sensory experiences that help to stimulate the baby's developing brain.

Types of Baby's Chew Toys

Silicone Teethers

Silicone teethers are popular among parents and their babies because of their soft and pliable texture. They are made from medical-grade silicone, which is free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC. Silicone teethers come in various shapes and sizes, including rings, keys, and animals, to provide multiple textures for the baby to explore. They can also be refrigerated or frozen to provide additional relief to sore gums.

Wooden Teethers

Wooden teethers are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to plastic or silicone teethers. They are usually made from non-toxic, untreated wood, and come in various shapes and sizes, including animals, cars, and letters. Wooden teethers are durable, easy to clean and provide a firm texture that helps to massage the gums and soothe soreness. However, it's essential to ensure that the wooden teether is smooth and free from splinters or rough edges.

Cloth Teethers

Cloth teethers are another popular option among parents because they are soft, lightweight, and easy for the baby to hold. They are usually made from organic cotton, bamboo, or other soft fabrics and are filled with materials such as rice or flax seeds to provide a gentle texture for the baby to chew on. Cloth teethers can be chilled in the refrigerator or freezer to provide additional relief to teething gums.

Rubber Teethers

Rubber teethers, such as Sophie la Girafe, are a classic choice for babies because they are easy to hold, have a natural texture, and are free from harmful chemicals. They are made from 100% natural rubber, which is extracted from the sap of the Hevea tree. Rubber teethers are safe, durable, and provide a satisfying chew for the baby. They can also be cleaned with soap and water or sterilized in boiling water.