A teether is a small, chewable object designed for infants who are teething. Teething is the process when a baby's first teeth, also known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums, usually starting around six months of age. This process can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for the baby. A teether serves several important purposes during this stage:
1. Soothing Sore Gums
As teeth push through the gums, it can cause discomfort and irritation. Chewing on a teether provides gentle pressure on the gums, which can help soothe the pain and discomfort. The pressure from biting down on the teether can also help alleviate the sensation of itching or irritation that some babies experience during teething.
2. Promoting Healthy Oral Development
Teething toys are designed to be safe for babies to chew on and can support healthy oral development. By encouraging babies to bite and chew, teethers can help strengthen the muscles in the jaw, lips, and tongue, which are important for speech development and eating solid foods later on.
3. Distracting and Entertaining the Baby
Teething can make babies fussy and irritable. A teether can serve as a distraction, providing the baby with something to focus on and chew, which can help calm them down. Many teethers are designed with bright colors, interesting textures, and fun shapes, making them engaging and entertaining for the baby.
4. Encouraging Fine Motor Skills
Handling and manipulating a teether helps babies develop their fine motor skills. As babies grasp and bring the teether to their mouth, they practice hand-eye coordination and improve their grip strength. This developmental benefit extends beyond teething, aiding in other aspects of their growth.
5. Providing a Safe Chewing Option
Babies explore the world with their mouths, and during teething, they have a strong urge to chew on objects. A teether provides a safe and hygienic option for chewing, preventing babies from putting potentially harmful objects in their mouths.
6. Cooling Relief
Some teethers are designed to be refrigerated, providing a cooling effect when chewed on. The cold sensation can help numb the gums, offering additional relief from teething pain. However, teethers should never be frozen, as extreme cold can damage the baby's sensitive gums.
Conclusion
In summary, the purpose of a teether is to provide comfort and relief to teething babies, support healthy oral development, entertain and distract, and encourage the development of fine motor skills. It's a simple but essential tool that can make the teething process more manageable for both the baby and their caregivers.
Find safe, quality baby teethers at Heorshe. Explore diverse designs online and soothe your teething baby with ease.