Between 3-6 months, many babies begin teething — and even those who aren't yet will explore everything by mouth. Teething rings serve double duty: they soothe sore gums and encourage babies to practice grasping and bringing objects to their mouth, both important motor milestones.
Look for teething rings made from food-grade silicone or natural rubber with varied textures. Different bumps, ridges, and surfaces give baby's mouth interesting sensory feedback. Some can be chilled in the refrigerator for extra soothing relief.
Beyond comfort, teething rings build hand-eye coordination as babies learn to grab, hold, and transfer objects between hands. This is the stage where intentional reaching replaces reflexive grasping, and a good teething ring gives babies motivation to practice.