1. Why do we need teething rings?
The itchy, irritated gums that babies experience when teething can be very uncomfortable for them. Here are some reasons why teething rings are useful during this time:
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Soothes Itchy Gums <br data-mce-fragment="1">Teething toys stimulate the gums when your baby bites them, which helps to reduce itching and discomfort and soothe your baby.
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Support the teething process <br data-mce-fragment="1">Your baby's gums may be softened in preparation for teething. Using a teething ring will help your baby strengthen their gums and make teething easier.
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Provide a Safe Chewing Object <br data-mce-fragment="1">Babies love to put everything in their mouths, but with so many dangerous objects in the home, teethers provide a clean, safe object to chew on, reducing the risk of them accidentally putting something dangerous in their mouths.
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Promotes oral development Teething encourages chewing and strengthens your baby's mouth muscles, which has a positive impact on speech development and later eating.
2. Characteristics by material: natural rubber, silicone, plastic
Teething rings are made from a variety of materials, but the most popular ones, such as natural rubber, silicone, and plastic, each have their own unique characteristics. To choose a teething ring that is safe and comfortable for your baby, it's important to understand the differences between each material.
(1) Natural rubber
Features <br data-mce-fragment="1">Natural rubber is a material made by processing the sap extracted from rubber trees, and is very soft and elastic. As a teething toy, it has just the right hardness and gentleness for babies to bite into their gums.
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Safe and natural material <br data-mce-fragment="1">Natural rubber is made without the use of chemicals and is gentle on babies' sensitive skin. It is also said to have a relatively low risk of allergies.
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Soft and Elastic <br data-mce-fragment="1">Natural rubber teethers have just the right amount of elasticity when chewed, and fit gently against your baby's gums, providing a comfortable chewing experience for your baby.
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Environmentally Friendly <br data-mce-fragment="1">Natural rubber is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. It decomposes naturally after the product is no longer in use, reducing the environmental impact. Rubber trees are a renewable resource and are generally cultivated sustainably.
Disadvantages
- May have a unique smell <br data-mce-fragment="1">Due to the nature of natural rubber, it may have a unique smell. This may be bothersome at first, but will become less noticeable over time.
Sophie the Giraffe, a teether made from 100% natural rubber and edible paint
(2) Silicon
Features <br data-mce-fragment="1">Silicone is a chemically synthesized material that is heat-resistant and has excellent flexibility. Silicone teethers are lightweight and easy to hold, and many are designed to be easy for babies to use.
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Softness and Durability <br data-mce-fragment="1">Silicone is very soft yet highly durable, so it does not deteriorate easily even with long-term use. Another major attraction is that it is easy to clean and can be used hygienically.
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Odorless and safe <br data-mce-fragment="1">Silicone has almost no odor, so it won't bother your baby if they put it in their mouth. Food-grade silicone is made with your baby's health in mind, so you can use it with confidence.
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Difficult to recycle <br data-mce-fragment="1">Silicone is very durable, but it is a difficult material to recycle. It places a greater burden on the environment than natural rubber, so care must be taken when disposing of it after use.
Disadvantages
- Hardness varies from person to person .<br data-mce-fragment="1">The softness and hardness of silicone teethers vary depending on the material and product, so they may not suit your baby's preferences.
(3) Plastics
Features <br data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic teethers are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of designs and shapes. They are lightweight and often come in bright colors that catch a baby's eye.
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Affordable <br data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic teethers are more affordable than other materials and offer good value for money.
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Lightweight and easy to handle <br data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic is lightweight, which has the advantage of making it easy for babies to hold on their own. There are also a wide variety of designs, many of which are likely to interest babies.
Disadvantages
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Chemical Risks <br data-mce-fragment="1">Some plastic products may contain harmful substances such as BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates. To ensure safety, it is important to look for labels such as "BPA-free."
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Environmental Impact <br data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic is a major environmental burden because it takes a very long time to decompose. After disposal, it can take hundreds of years for plastic to break down in nature, which means single-use plastic products can have a huge impact on the planet.
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May be less durable <br data-mce-fragment="1">Plastic may be less durable than silicone or natural rubber. It may be easily damaged, especially by babies who bite too hard.
3. Summary
Teething rings are an important item for babies, providing a comfortable environment and easing discomfort during the teething period. Natural rubber, silicone, and plastic materials each have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to choose one based on your baby's preferences and the circumstances under which they will be used. It's also important to consider the environment when making your choice. While natural rubber is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, silicone and plastic are difficult to recycle and can have a long-lasting impact on the environment after use. Safety is your top priority, so carefully check the information on the materials and products to choose the best teething ring for your baby.
