Breastfeeding after the first year is one of those topics that still gets way too much side-eye.

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.

What the Research Says About Texture, Timing, and Long-Term Eating Habits Introducing solids is such an exciting milestone — but it also...