1. Don't Freeze Teething Rings

Cool objects can help relieve your baby's sore gums, but the Mayo Clinic says you should never freeze teething rings. Frozen rings are very firm and may bruise your baby's delicate gums. The extreme cold can also lead to frostbite on your baby's lips or gums. To avoid these problems, give your baby a refrigerated teething ring instead of a frozen one. The cool temperature relieves discomfort, but it won't be cold enough to cause harm.

2. Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Some teethers and teething rings contain potentially dangerous chemicals like phthalates, according to Baby Center. Phthalates are added to plastic products to soften them, but they leach out over time and can be ingested. Animal studies show phthalate exposure in utero leads to birth defects, low birth weight and future fertility issues, and ongoing studies are looking into the links between phalates exposure and asthma, obesity, early puberty and other health problems. Due to the potential risk, Europe banned phthalates in baby products, but the United States, except California, permits their use.

To avoid phthalates, read the labels on teething rings. It may list it as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) or even fragrance. If the label isn't clear, call the manufacturer of the product to confirm.

3. Avoid Liquid-Filled Teething Rings

For your baby's safety, MedlinePlus recommends avoiding teething rings filled with liquid. The force of your baby's chewing can break open the teething ring and allow the liquid to spill out, and this liquid presents a potential choking hazard and may even be contaminated. Some liquid-filled teething rings have been recalled in the past due to bacterial contamination of the liquid, as described by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Instead, give your baby a teething ring made of firm rubber.

4. Avoid Small Pieces

Teething rings with small parts present a choking hazard for babies. Some teething rings are decorated with beads, rattles or other decorations, and while these are entertaining, they're also potentially dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voluntarily recalled some rings as they presented a choking hazard. If your baby's chewing causes small parts to dislodge, they could become lodged in the throat. For safety, stick to solid, one-piece teething rings with no small parts.