Signs Your Baby is Ready for Teething Toys

19 July 2025

Parenting is full of little milestones, and one of the big ones is teething. It can be an exciting yet challenging time because, let’s face it—no parent wants to see their baby uncomfortable. If you’re wondering whether your little one is ready for teething toys, you’re in the right place!

Teething can be frustrating for both babies and parents, but recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the common indicators that your baby is ready for teething toys and how you can help soothe those sore gums.

When Does Teething Begin?

Before we get into the signs, let’s talk about timing. Teething typically starts between 4 to 7 months, but some babies may begin earlier, while others take their sweet time. Every baby is different, but the discomfort that comes with teething is universal.

So, how do you know if your little one is teething or just fussy for some other reason? Let’s break it down.

Signs Your Baby is Ready for Teething Toys

If you notice your baby displaying any of the following signs, it might be time to introduce teething toys:

1. Increased Drooling

Have you noticed a constant stream of drool soaking through your baby’s onesie? Teething often triggers excessive drooling as your baby’s salivary glands kick into overdrive. While drooling itself isn’t harmful, it can cause skin irritation or rashes around the mouth and chin.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a soft bib handy and gently wipe their face to prevent irritation.

2. Constant Chewing and Biting Everything

If your baby is suddenly obsessed with chewing on their hands, toys, or even your fingers, their gums are likely feeling uncomfortable. Teething babies will instinctively chew on anything they can get their tiny hands on to relieve the pressure.

This is where teething toys come in handy! A good teething toy can give your baby something safe to gnaw on while soothing their aching gums.

3. Fussiness and Irritability

Is your usually happy baby suddenly cranky for no apparent reason? Teething can be painful, and your little one might be acting fussier than usual because of the discomfort. They might become clingy, cry more than normal, or struggle to settle down.

Teething toys can help distract and comfort them, making this stage a little easier for everyone.

4. Difficulty Sleeping

If your baby is waking up more frequently at night or struggling to nap, teething pain might be the culprit. The pressure from emerging teeth can make it harder for babies to relax and settle into sleep.

A chilled teething toy can work wonders in soothing their gums and helping them drift off to sleep more comfortably.

5. Rubbing Their Face and Ears

It might look like your baby is playing with their ears or rubbing their cheeks, but this could be their way of dealing with teething pain. Since the discomfort from teething can radiate to the ears and jaw, babies tend to tug on their ears or rub their face frequently.

Be sure to rule out an ear infection, but if your baby shows this behavior along with other teething signs, it’s likely time for a teething toy.

6. Loss of Appetite or Changes in Eating Habits

Some teething babies lose interest in feeding because sucking can put pressure on their tender gums. Others might become extra hungry and want to chew on everything, including nipples or bottle teats.

If your baby seems to struggle with feeding but eagerly chews on things, a teething toy can offer relief between meals.

7. Swollen or Red Gums

Take a quick peek inside your baby’s mouth—do their gums look swollen or red? This is a clear sign that teeth are pushing through. Sometimes, you might even see a tiny white tooth bud ready to break through the surface.

Giving your baby a cool teething toy can help numb the discomfort and reduce inflammation.

How Teething Toys Can Help

Teething toys are a lifesaver during this stage, offering relief by:

✅ Massaging sore gums
✅ Reducing teething discomfort
✅ Distracting babies from the pain
✅ Preventing them from chewing on unsafe objects

There are plenty of teething toys available, ranging from soft silicone teethers to textured rubber ones. Some even come with cooling features, which can provide extra relief.

Choosing the Right Teething Toy

Not all teething toys are created equal! Here’s what to look for when picking the perfect one for your baby:

🔹 Safe Materials – Opt for BPA-free, non-toxic teething toys made from silicone, rubber, or wood. Avoid anything with small parts that could be a choking hazard.

🔹 Easy to Hold – Babies have tiny hands, so choose a design that’s easy for them to grasp.

🔹 Textured Surfaces – A variety of textures can help massage gums and provide better relief.

🔹 Cooling Effect – Some teethers can be chilled in the fridge for extra soothing power (just avoid freezing them, as they can get too hard).

Other Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

While teething toys are great, there are other tricks to help your little one get through this phase:

🥶 Chilled Washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, chill it in the fridge, and let your baby chew on it.

❤️ Extra Cuddles: Sometimes, your baby just needs comfort and reassurance.

🍼 Cold Foods: If your baby has started solids, cold yogurt or chilled purees can be soothing.

🛀 Warm Baths: A relaxing bath can help distract and calm a fussy teething baby.

When to See a Doctor

Teething can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t cause extreme symptoms. If your baby has a high fever (over 100.4°F), diarrhea, or a rash, it’s best to check with a doctor. These issues are not typical teething symptoms and may indicate another illness.

Final Thoughts

Teething can be a tough stage, but recognizing the signs early will help you keep your baby as comfortable as possible. If your little one is drooling, biting, fussy, or showing other symptoms, a teething toy might be just what they need.

Remember, this phase won’t last forever! Before you know it, your baby will be flashing their first little toothy grin, making all the sleepless nights worth it.

So, grab a teething toy, arm yourself with patience, and give your little one lots of extra cuddles. You’ve got this, and so does your baby!