Where to find good teethers?

[lunarcleo]

Hi-

My 4 month old DD is starting to exhibit teething signs and I'm in search of things to try to help her through the discomfort. Our pediatrician isn't an advocate of using baby tylenol for teething, so I'm trying to explore other options first. I've heard good things about some of the different teethers that are water or gel-filled and can be put in the fridge or freezer. I looked at my local Target and only saw a couple of water-filled teething rings. I bought one, but it seems a bit big for her to get much of it into her mouth. I understand there are others that have smaller parts that are easier for a baby to handle, but I can't find any on the Target or BRU websites (and I can't seem to find any of the gel-filled ones that go in the freezer). Any suggestions of specific products and where to find them would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[MontrealMum]

We used the Gerber duck teethers that are gel-filled and BPA-free. You can also find wooden ring teethers at places lately, like this: http://www.naturalpod.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=703 and lately we are using a cloth doll made of organic cotton that you wet the hands/feet and put in the freezer, wait until it freezes, and give it to your DC: http://www.naturalpod.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=235 Sorry, it's a Canadian store, but maybe you can find something similar where you live.


It's hard when they're still little and can't quite grasp or get their mouths around things. It took DS a long time to get the hang of the duck teether, he loved it for a few months, and now he's totally into the teething doll linked above. In the early teething stages DS also liked cold water in his silver cup, and we kept the cup itself in the fridge for extra coolness. And I gave him water from a bottle when he would wake at night due to teething. Also, he liked to turn his binky around and chew on the handle (Gerber Nuk).

I will admit, though, that we use Tempra for those few really bad days when the teeth are coming through the gums. But when it seems like the teething is going on for weeks, no, I wouldn't use meds for that whole time either.

BTW - welcome !

[Tondi G]

my ped suggested a frozen wet washcloth, frozen mini bagel, a chicken thigh bone... everything removed... perfect size for baby's hands and the little knobs on the end are perfect for teething on.

Other than that I'll put in a suggestion for Humphreys Teething Tablets

http://www.planetrx.com/Shop/Brands/index.cfm?b=13617&rfr=ggl&kid=89953&gclid=CJOwwL71opQCFRMYagodGCtZtg

These are great non plastic teethers

http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/HA1291/Haba-Triangle.html?oompaItem=Haba_Triangle

http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/HA0924/Haba-Clutching-Toy-Pirate.html

I would think something like this cold and wet would be a good one too!

http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/SK48313/Sigikid-iBedoo-Crocodile.html?oompaItem=Sigikid_iBedoo%20Crocodil e

[August Mom]

DD liked a wooden Haba teether best. This Bella toy is her favorite: http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/HA0971/Haba-Clutching-Toy-Bella.html?oompaItem=Haba_Clutching%20Toy%20Bella

[brittone2]

I like the Haba wooden ones, and the unpainted/untreated ones you can find if you google "waldorf wooden teether" or similar (some are unpainted/unstained cherry wood, for example).

Frozen washcloths work great too.

I personally avoid teethers with bpa or phthalates (phthalates can be common in teethers because they make the plastic pliable, so some of the ones you pop in the freezer contain that compound).

I like the ring one here (ball in the middle, and made of cherry w/ a natural beeswax finish)
http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/organiccotton/stuffedbabytoys.html

[MommyAllison]

I just purchased some wooden rattles that I've heard rave reviews of - and it seems lots of babies like them for teething. They are made by a couple in Oregon, from remnant woods - here is their website www.earnestefforts.com We have one palm rattle and one stick rattle, in maple. They're awesome! Super super smooth wood and the sound is very gentle.

Beth, do you know of any website that lists which teethers contain BPA/phthalates? We have some leftover from DD that she barely used, and I've been trying to figure out if they are safe or not before DS needs them.

ETA: We also just got an amber teething necklace for DD, as her molars have been coming in and she was cranky. It does seem to have helped, and we'll be getting one for DS as well. We got ours from www.hyenacart.com/inspiredbyfinn - NOTE they are not to chew on! They just wear them and the amber oils are released into their skin. You can read more on the website.

[MontrealMum]

Here is the link to the Zrecs site for teethers: http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/04/zrecs-guide-to-safer-teethers.html
and more on teethers: http://safemama.com/2008/01/04/bpa-free-pacifiers-and-teethers-cheat-sheet/