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Teething can be one of the most challenging phases for babies and their parents, but the right support can make it feel a lot more manageable. This developmental stage often comes with plenty of drool and a strong urge to chew, as babies look for ways to soothe tender gums, which can create its own set of (very real) daily challenges.
Silicone teethers are great, but not all are created equally. In fact, some don’t adhere to safety requirements and can pose a choking risk. Thankfully, Loulou Lollipop Silicone Teethers provide gentle relief for your little one, crafted with textured surfaces to massage those achy gums.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about soothers and share tips on how to choose the best option.
Understanding Silicone Safety for Baby Teethers
Silicone is generally non-toxic to humans, with multiple risk assessments showing that it poses zero health risks when used as intended. But for babies who mouth and chew constantly, the type of silicone matters. Here’s a complete breakdown of silicone and its effect on young children:
Why Food-Grade Silicone is Considered Non-Toxic
Food-grade silicone is specifically made to be safe for food and mouth contact. It’s non-toxic and doesn't release harmful substances, which is especially important for babies who chew for comfort. It’s also naturally odorless and tasteless, so it won’t affect the flavor of food or leave behind any unwanted smells.
Food-grade silicone isn’t “approved” by the FDA in the way a product gets approved, but it can be tested to meet FDA food-contact requirements in the United States. You may also see the LFGB-tested silicone, a stricter standard commonly used in Germany and across Europe.
When silicone meets FDA and/or LFGB food-contact standards, it’s tested to help ensure it’s suitable for mouthing and won’t release unwanted substances. Quality food-grade silicone does not have BPA, PVC, or other common plasticizers, making it a safe choice for baby teethers designed to soothe sore gums.
How Silicone Performs Under Heat, Pressure, and Regular Use
As a parent, you want a teether that can keep up with real life and real chewing. One reason food-grade silicone is so popular is its durability and heat resistance. High-quality, food-grade silicone can withstand high temperatures without melting or warping, unlike many plastics.
Silicone is also naturally flexible and resilient. Its polymer structure gives it a “give-and-bounce-back” feel, so it can stand up to squeezing, tugging, and lots of gnawing without cracking or crumbling. In other words, it’s built for the wear and tear of being your baby’s go-to chew toy, which is exactly why silicone is such a common material in baby products, including teethers.
Silicone vs. Natural Rubber vs. Beechwood: Which is the Safest?
Silicone isn’t the only material used to manufacture safe baby teethers. Other options include natural rubber and beechwood. Below is a complete lowdown of each material:
Silicone Teethers: Pros, Cons, and Safety Benefits
Silicone chewing toys are generally considered the safest for babies, as they don’t contain any harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, or phthalates. While silicone passes all standard safety tests, parents should always choose teethers made from food-grade silicone. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of these teething toys:
Pros:
- The food-grade option is non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
- It’s soft and gentle to prevent accidental scratches.
- Strong enough to withstand frequent chewing and dropping.
- It can be sterilized in boiling water and chilled in a freezer.
Cons:
- It’s slightly more expensive than other materials.
Natural Rubber Teethers: Eco-Friendly but Less Durable
Natural rubber should also be considered for your shopping list for a baby teether. This material is made from renewable rubber trees, making it free of any harmful chemical substances. It also makes rubber an ideal choice for environmentally conscious parents when shopping for baby essentials.
However, rubber options aren’t quite as durable as silicone. Although it’s strong and flexible, it tends to lose shape and strength with time. Rubber teething toys can also wear with regular use or lose their elasticity, but are still safe options for teething toddlers.
Beechwood Teethers: Naturally Antimicrobial, With Special Care Needs
Another non-toxic option is beechwood. Thanks to beechwood’s non-porous qualities, it’s naturally antibacterial. Plus, the innate hardness and texture can also provide soothing relief for distressed children.
However, these wooden toys often need an extra bit of cleaning, and over time, beech can become rougher due to constant exposure to baby saliva. But no worries – parents can use a kitchen scrubber pad to sand the teether. Parents can also consider using coconut or olive oil to moisturize the wood, restore shine, and keep the teething woes at bay.
Keeping Teethers Hygienic: Cleaning and Sanitizing Essentials
Keeping your baby safe while using teethers is always the most important thing. If care isn’t taken, these teethers can become breeding grounds for bacteria and could make your child unwell. Here are some tips for cleaning teething pacifiers:
Sanitizing Silicone Safely (Dishwasher, Boiling, or Soap and Water)
Silicone teethers are thankfully quite easy to clean because they are non-porous and can handle high heat. You can safely place them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove most germs. Dishwashers are another parent-friendly option – just pop the teether on the top rack and run a sanitize cycle.
For everyday cleaning, warm water and mild soap work just fine. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning before handing back to your child!
Cleaning Natural Rubber and Wooden Teethers Properly
Natural rubber won’t melt in boiling water, but it can lose its shape due to heat. To clean these teethers safely, use warm water and mild soap. For thorough cleaning, soaking the toy in a mixture of white vinegar and water can also work well.
Wooden options are a bit trickier to clean because they can easily be damaged. The first step is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe it. While at it, avoid using alcohol-based or bleaching cleaners. Vinegar is a great antibacterial agent in this case.
Safety Certifications Every Parent Should Look For
When shopping for legitimate baby teethers, safety should always come first. Most products come with different labels and seals, which can be really confusing. But here’s a list of major safety certifications to look out for:
- CSPC (Consumer Safety Product Commission)
- LFBG (the German Foods, Consumer Goods and Feedstuffs Code)
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- EN71 (European safety standards)
- ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials)
Choosing the Right Teether for Your Baby’s Stage and Age
Teething can be a painful and challenging time, and finding the right teether can make it easier for both baby and parent. Since not all teethers suit every age, it's essential to choose one that matches your baby’s stage.
To help you figure things out, here are some tips on how to choose the right teether based on stage and age:
- 0-6 Months: Babies at this age don’t have teeth yet, but their gums can feel sore or itchy. Choose a teether made from soft materials like silicone or rubber.
- 6-12 Months: During this stage, babies’ teeth first begin to grow. Buy a teether with multiple textures, like grooves and bumps, to stimulate and massage the gums.
- 12-18 Months: This is the stage when teething discomfort intensifies, and babies often want to chew even more. Food-grade silicone teethers are perfect for their stronger bite and help soothe their gums.
- 18+ Months: At this point, molars begin to show up, and the discomfort is even worse for your little one. Choose teethers designed to reach and massage the back teeth effectively.
How Silicone Teethers Support Teething Relief and Early Development
Silicone is a top choice for providing babies with a soft surface to chew while soothing their delicate gums. The soft silicone material is gentle on little gums and helps ease teething discomfort, giving both toddlers and parents a bit more peace. Additionally, they can be chilled in the refrigerator to provide extra comfort and a nice soothing feel.
Still, parents should look to maximize safety when using these toys. Here are a few tips to ensure safety:
- Monitor the child closely when they’re using the teething ring, just in case.
- Avoid tying the ring in uncomfortable places, such as around the neck.
- Choose durable, strong toys that won’t break. Weaker materials often bring a choking risk.
- Try to avoid teethers that contain liquids; in the case of breakage, they could harm your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest material for teethers?
Food-grade silicone is the safest material for teething rings because it doesn’t contain toxic substances. This material is also soft and durable, and doesn’t succumb to extensive chewing pressure. It’s easy to clean and is designed for simple, everyday maintenance with regular use.
Is silicone ok for babies to chew on?
Yes, this material is very safe for babies to chew on because it’s soft and chemically stable. Silicone is also highly resistant to chewing, which minimizes the risk of choking hazards.
What do dentists recommend for teething babies?
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) advises parents to rub their baby’s gums with a clean finger. Alternatively, they can provide a teething ring made of firm rubber, which stimulates the sore area and can encourage tooth growth.
What teething toys should you avoid?
Parents should avoid liquid-filled teething toys that can break and cause health hazards. Also, avoid toys with small parts that can break off and pose choking hazards to the baby.
Explore Non-Toxic Silicone Teethers from Loulou Lollipop
Non-toxic silicone teethers provide a safe and effective solution to ease the baby’s teething discomfort, support healthy oral exploration during teething, and help make the experience easier for babies and parents. These toys use natural silicone and are manufactured in accordance with the highest environmental standards.
Be sure to check out the Loulou Lollipop teethers, which are BPA-free and made of food-grade silicone, helping teething babies stay safe and healthy.