Easing teething pain with teething rings

Teething is an inevitable stage in your baby's development, and it can be a real source of pain and discomfort for little ones. Happily, there are ways to ease teething pain, and teething rings are one of them.

What is a teething ring?

A teething ring is a firm, usually cool object that babies can chew on to relieve the pain of their inflamed gums. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, such as silicone, wood and rubber, and some are even filled with water or gel.

How do teething rings ease the pain?

When babies are teething, their gums become inflamed and sore. The pressure from the teeth pushing up beneath the surface of the gum can be really uncomfortable. Chewing on a teething ring applies counter-pressure to the gums, which can help to ease the pain.

What's more, the coolness of a teething ring can help to numb the gums and reduce inflammation. That's why it's often recommended to pop teething rings in the fridge before giving them to your baby.

What are the benefits of teething rings?

As well as easing teething pain, teething rings offer several other benefits:

• They support your baby's oral and motor development: chewing on a teething ring helps develop your baby's jaw muscles and hand-to-mouth coordination.
• They encourage saliva: saliva helps keep your baby's mouth clean and helps prevent tooth decay.
• They can distract your baby: chewing on a teething ring can help distract and settle your baby when they're grizzly with pain.

How to choose a teething ring for your baby

When choosing a teething ring for your baby, it's important to consider their size, age and needs. Here are a few tips:

• For younger babies (3 to 6 months): go for a small, lightweight teething ring made from soft silicone or rubber. Avoid rings with small parts that could come loose and be swallowed. You'll also find a teething ring in one of our newborn gift sets.
• For older babies (6 to 12 months): you can choose a firmer teething ring, with different textures to stimulate your baby's gums.
• For babies who already have teeth: opt for a harder teething ring, made from wood or firm plastic, so it stands up to biting.

On top of these tips, always check the condition of the teething ring before giving it to your baby, and throw it away if it's damaged.

Teething rings can be an invaluable little helper for easing your baby's teething pain. By choosing the right teething ring and using it safely, you can help your baby through this tricky phase in comfort and calm.

Do remember that if your baby's pain is severe or persistent, it's important to speak to a doctor.