What are teething rusks and why babies love them

Teething may be challenging for both babies and their parents. Many Australian families use teething rusks to help their babies’ sore gums feel better. But because of recent shortages and changes in the market, many parents are wondering where they went and what other options are out there.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll talk about what teething rusks are, their benefits, safety tips, where to find them in Australia right now and some natural alternatives you can try at home.

What are teething rusks?

Babies can nibble on teething rusks, which are hard, dry cookies. The texture puts gentle pressure on painful gums, which helps ease the agony when teeth start to come in.

Teething rusks are usually given to babies about six months old. They can also help with early feeding patterns and motor skills development.

Benefits of teething rusks for babies

Australian parents have trusted teething rusks for a long time. Some of their best features are

• Soothes tender gums: The hard texture helps relieve teething pain by putting pressure on the gums.
• Promotes chewing and oral development: Babies’ jaws get stronger and their teeth grow in a healthy way when they bite on rusks.
• Promotes self-feeding: Handling rusks helps kids learn to coordinate their movements and be more independent at mealtimes.
• Convenient for busy families: Rusks are easy to carry and clean, making them ideal for relaxing on the go.

Are teething rusks safe?

Teething rusks are usually safe, but there are several things that every parent should do to be secure:

• To save your infant from choking, always watch them while they nibble on a rusk.
• Check for allergies like wheat or dairy in the ingredients, especially if your infant has food sensitivity.
• Choose ones with no added sugar to preserve those little teeth.
• Make sure the infant is ready, which is normally about 6 months, when they can sit up and eat solid food.

Why are teething rusks no longer available in Australia?

You’re not the only one who has been looking for teething rusks lately. Many well-known brands are hard to find now. This is why:

• Bellamy’s Organic stopped making their Toothiepegs Teething Rusks because not many people wanted them.
• Rafferty’s Garden stopped making things because their manufacturing partner’s factory closed.

This unexpected shortage has left many Australian parents in a state of panic. Some have even gone to online resellers, where costs for a single pack have gone up to $25 or more.

This shortage shows how important these infant items are and how much we depend on secure supply systems.

The best teething rusks are still sold in Australia

There aren’t many choices, but you might still be able to find a few brands in stores or online:

• Only Organic Teething Rusks are made with simple ingredients and may be found in most big grocery stores.
• Heinz Teething Rusks (for babies 6 months and up) are a well-known brand; however, they don’t always have them in stock.
• Some health food companies in Australia are producing small batches of teething rusks using locally sourced ingredients.

It’s a beneficial idea to phone ahead or check online inventories before going to the store, especially in rural locations.

Natural alternatives to typical teething rusks

If you can’t find rusks or prefer homemade options, here are some safe and natural alternatives:

• Make your own rusks: Mix together rice flour, banana, oats, and other ingredients, then bake until firm. You can manage what goes into homemade rusks and change them to fit your baby’s needs.
• Teething rings and silicone chew toys: These can be put in the fridge to cool down and make them even more calming.
• Cold fruits or vegetables: Give a cooled cucumber or banana slice to a child while you watch. The cold helps lower pain and swelling.

What parents in Australia should know

Teething is a normal part of growing up, but it may be hard for both babies and their caregivers. It’s important to know what your options are, especially when there is a nationwide shortage.

Always keep an eye on what your kid is chewing, and don’t be afraid to come up with your own inventive solutions. The idea is the same whether you buy a shop brand or make your own: to calm your child down during a hard but short time.

Conclusion

Teething rusks have been a mainstay in Australian homes for years. Even if there are shortages right now, they are still one of the most trusted ways to ease teething pain.