Teething arrives with drool, chewing on everything, and a baby who was fine an hour ago. Most babies start between four and seven months, though it varies widely and some start much earlier or later.
What helps, and what each type is for:
- Silicone teethers: food-grade silicone with textured surfaces, soft on gums and easy to clean
- Water teethers: chill briefly in the fridge for cooling relief on the worst days
- Teething rattles: combine chewing relief with sound, which buys you a distraction as well
- Pacifiers and pacifier clips: soothing on the go, with a clip so the paci does not hit the pavement
What to check before buying: food-grade silicone free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, one-piece construction or securely joined parts, a shape small hands can grip, and textures thin enough to reach back gums. Clean according to the care instructions rather than assuming everything is dishwasher safe.
A note on the freezer: chilling in the fridge is enough. Rock-hard frozen surfaces can be too harsh on sore gums.
How do you know it is teething? Common signs are drooling, chewing on everything, swollen or tender gums, irritability, and disrupted sleep. Teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, or rash. If those appear, it is something else and worth a call to your pediatrician.
How long does each tooth take? A tooth can take several days to over a week to break through, and babies typically get 20 primary teeth by around age three, in stages rather than all at once.
What else helps besides toys? Gentle gum pressure with a clean finger, a cold clean washcloth to chew, and extra comfort. A bib saves you a lot of outfit changes during the drool phase.
Cleaning: wash with warm water and mild soap after use, dry fully, and replace anything showing wear.
Every Itzy Ritzy product is tested through CPSC-accredited labs for CPSIA compliance.
