Why Oral Exploration (and Teething Toys) Are So Important for Your Baby

As a lactation consultant and registered nurse (and also a mom of 3), one of the things I love to remind parents is that babies don’t just “chew on things” for fun—there’s a whole world of development happening every time your baby brings something to their mouth.

Oral exploration is how babies learn, calm themselves, and prepare their bodies for the big milestones ahead—like eating solids and eventually speaking. Let’s dive into why it’s so important, and I’ll share some of my favorite teething toys that support this beautiful process.

Why Babies Put Everything in Their Mouth

When your baby starts grabbing toys, blankets, or even your fingers and bringing them to their mouth (don't cover their hands from birth - it is an important developmental milestone), it’s not random—it’s a skill.

Here’s what’s happening:

• They’re strengthening jaw and tongue muscles, which later help with chewing and talking.

• They’re practicing moving their gag reflex further back in the mouth—an important step for eating solids safely.

• They’re getting used to different textures, which makes starting solids less overwhelming.

So the next time your baby chews on a toy, know that their brain and body are working hard behind the scenes.

Hand-Eye Connection & Motor Development

Oral exploration also ties into fine motor skills:

• Around 3–4 months, babies learn to reach and grasp.

• By 4–5 months, they can transfer toys from one hand to the other—a huge step in coordination (this is why we are looking for light weight toys and easy to grab and hold).

• Every time they grab a toy and bring it to their mouth, they’re practicing the same skills they’ll use to hold spoons, cups, and finger foods later.

Teething toys are amazing tools for this stage because they’re designed to be easy to grab, safe to chew, and just the right size for little hands.

Why Teethers Are More Than Just Pain Relief

Yes, teethers soothe sore gums—but they also:

✔️ Encourage safe chewing and biting

✔️ Give practice for self-feeding

✔️ Stimulate sensory development through textures

✔️ Build confidence in hand-to-mouth coordination

I often tell parents: teethers are like mini developmental “gym equipment” for your baby. And they are way better for our babies than pacifiers. Also, if your baby doesn't use a pacifier a teether cam totally act as a calming tool when needed.

My Favorite Teethers for Oral Exploration

Here are some of the teethers I love recommending to families (affiliate links included so you can shop easily):

1. Akolik Ring Teether

• Lots of different textures for babies to explore

• Easy-to-hold ring shape encourages transferring between hands

• Lightweight for younger babies

2. Nuby Sensory Silicone Tubes

• Long shape helps babies practice movements similar to spoon-feeding

• Great gum massage with textured design

• Dishwasher safe + comes with a brush for cleaning

3. ChooKaChoo Teething Mitten

• Perfect for younger babies who can’t hold toys well yet

• Straps on so it won’t fall off

• Soft textures introduce oral play safely

4. Easy-Hold Ring Toothbrush Teether

• Prepares little ones for toothbrushing habits early

• Massages gums gently while being fun to hold

• Encourages self-feeding skills

5. Seposeve Silicone Ring Teethers

• Simple ring design—great for practicing hand transfers

• Multiple color options for visual stimulation

• Soft silicone for safe chewing

6. Itzy Ritzy Strawberry Teether 🍓

• Double handles make it easy for little hands to hold

• Cute, fun design that babies love

• Perfect for combining oral exploration with play

7. Nuby Banana Nananubs Teether 🍌

• Doubles as a teether + beginner toothbrush

• Handles are perfect for practicing grasping

• A parent favorite for soothing sore gums

8. Haakaa Crab Teether 

• 360° design encourages self-brushing movements

• Different textured ends for variety

• Fun shape, easy for babies to grab

9. RaZbaby Fruit Teether 🍓

• Textured “berry bumps” relieve front and back gums

• Loop shape perfect for hand-to-mouth play

• BPA-free and safe for all stages

Oral exploration is such a natural and important part of your baby’s journey. It prepares them for feeding, supports motor development, and even gives them comfort when teething pain strikes.

I always tell parents: don’t rush this stage—embrace it. Giving your baby safe, high-quality teethers makes the whole process easier (and a lot cuter, too!).

You can shop my favorite teethers through the links above—I recommend these regularly to families I work with.

And remember: every baby develops at their own pace. If you’re ever unsure about your baby’s milestones or feeding readiness, reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for guidance.