Ah, the joys of the everything-in-the-mouth-ouch-I’m-teething stage. Fingers, pencils, the dog’s tail – babies don’t discriminate. Here are the five best fun (and more appropriate) alternatives to the lint-encrusted remote she just pulled out of the couch…
RiNGLEY Natural Teething Toy
Untreated Canadian maple + 100 per cent organic cotton terrycloth = one happy baby (and one relieved mama).
RiNGLEY Natural teething toy; available at www.funkymonkeybaby.com; $14.99
Sophie the Giraffe
There’s a reason this legendary European giraffe has popped up in every stroller this side of the pond. Light and easy to grasp, Sophie is the perfect size for little hands, and her bumpy head soothes gums like no other toy mammal around.
Vulli’s Sophie the Giraffe; available at www.toysrus.ca; $19.99
Whoozit Cosmic Teether
Veteran mothers are no strangers to the mystical powers of the Whoozit (there’s just something about that big red nose). This one has all the features of the original with the added benefits of a water-filled teether.
Mahattan Toy Whoozit Cosmic teether; available at www.thebabymarketplace.com; $9.99
BornFree Silicone Teether & Gum Brush
Designed by a pediatric dentist and free of BPA and PVC, this teether also helps clean new teeth while massaging baby’s gums. Think of it as an introduction to oral hygiene…
BornFree Silicone teether & gum brush; available at www.babyproofingplus.com; $9.95
Organic Cotton Teething Toy
This adorable cat is perfect for the baby with angry red gums and an urge to gnaw. Made with organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, it’s also machine washable so drool and spit-up will not be a problem.
Organic Cotton teething toy; available at www.parentingbynature.com; $16.98