The Best Teething Toys for Babies
Babies generally start teething before they’re even sitting up on their own, between 3 and 6 months. And when it happens, it can make for one upset baby. The secret to getting through this often painful stage? Teething toys that baby can chew on to relieve sore, sensitive gums. Chomping down on a teether feels good because it offers counterpressure to the rising tooth. Teethers that you cool in the freezer have the additional benefit of slightly numbing baby’s gums. Although it’s important to note that not all teethers are freezer-friendly.
Ready to start your search? Here find top safety tips and what to look for in a teething—plus the top 10 baby teething toys available now.
Yes, most teething toys are safe for infants. With that said, it’s important to consider safety when shopping for a teether. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
-
Avoid teething necklaces or bracelets designed for children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this type of teether—intended to be worn by baby rather than a caregiver—may pose a choking and strangulation risk.
-
Clean teethers regularly. Teethers regularly get dropped on the floor and silicone types may attract all sorts of lint and fluff. For the most part this is harmless, but as they’ll inevitably end up in baby’s mouth it’s important to clean teethers regularly. Remember mold thrives in damp environments, so don’t submerge teethers in water (unless the manufacturer guidelines say it is safe to do so) and be sure to dry them thoroughly after cleaning.
-
Keep it cool, not ice cold Cold teethers can help numb pain and ease sensitivity, but if teethers are frozen solid they may be too hard on children’s gums and newly emerging teeth.
-
Don’t attach a teether to baby. Never pin a teether to baby’s clothes or place one around their neck as this can pose a strangulation risk.
-
Check teethers for wear and tear. Those sharp little teeth can do a lot of damage, so check teething toys regularly to ensure that baby hasn’t chewed through them. This is particularly important if a teether contains a freezable gel or liquid, as you don’t want baby to ingest any strange substances.
-
Check for loose parts. It’s also important to check for any loose parts—this is particularly important for teething rings with beads attached—to reduce the risk of choking.
What’s the best teething toy, you ask? Whichever one your baby accepts! Different children have different preferences, so expect some trial and error. With that said, here are a few things to consider when shopping for baby teethers:
-
Teether type. These days, teethers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From nubby toothbrushes and chew toys to classic teething rings, the options are endless. Our advice? Buy a selection of different teething toys and see which one baby reaches for first. Some babies may want to hold a teether themselves, while some like to grab onto a teething necklace worn by a parent and others simply want to gum on a cold dishcloth or your fingers.
-
Material and texture. Teethers can be made of wood, silicone, natural rubber, BPA-free plastic or even fabric. Some teething toys also have nubbins or a textured side that baby can use to massage their sore gums. There’s no right or wrong choice here, opt for a teether that baby is happy to chomp on.
-
Check the age rating. While most teethers are appropriate from 3 months onward, always check the manufacturer guidelines to ensure the toy is safe for your little one.
The best teethers for baby come in all shapes and sizes. From natural rubber animals to textured teething rings and multisensory toys, here find out favorite options that offer soothing relief from teething pain.
Overall best teething toy
- Made from natural rubber
- Long limbs are easy to grip
- BPA, PVC and phthalate free
- Wipe-clean only
- If the cleaning instructions aren’t followed, Sophie La Girafe is susceptible to mold
Sophie La Girafe is a legend in the baby world. Since 1961 this French teething toy has delighted babies and given their parents a much-needed moment of calm. It’s made with natural rubber and food-grade paints, meaning it’s perfectly safe for baby to chew on. The long legs are easy to grip, while baby gums on the ears, horns and neck. Some babies flip Sophie around and bite down on the legs, which can reach back toward the molars. Meanwhile the dark spots, touchably soft texture and internal squeaker stimulate baby’s sense of sight, touch and hearing. Granted it's a little pricey, but most parents who invest in this teething toy say it’s worth every penny.
Best wood and silicone teething toy
- Different textures
- Easy to grip
- BPA, PVC and phthalate free
- Wipe-clean only
This stylish pick is actually three teething rings looped together. Two interlocked beech rings provide a satisfying hard surface for baby's sore gums, while a row of soft bubbles provide a gentler gnawing experience. The wooden components have an olive oil and beeswax finish and the beads are made from food-grade silicone. It’s also the perfect size for little hands and comes in a range of cool colors.
Best silicone teether toy
- Medical-grade silicone
- Dishwasher-safe
- Unique, ergonomic design
- Silicone material attracts dust and lint
Silicone teething toys for babies are ten a penny, but this one by Moonjax is a real standout. Made from medical-grade silicone and food-grade pigment, this teether has a unique shape that’s easy for little hands to grasp. Unlike other teethers, it’s designed to be used from any angle and even hits those hard-to-reach molars. Plus, it’s super-easy to clean as there’s no hidden corners or holes that may harbor dirt, bacteria or mold.
Best teething toy for breastfed babies
- Unique nipple-shaped design
- Made of BPA free, food-grade silicone
- Dishwasher and freezer safe
- Silicone material attracts dust and lint
Looking for the best teething toys for babies that have been exclusively breastfed? Check out this top-rated teether by Smily Mia. The penguin teether is worn over baby’s hand and has little wings that mimic the natural shape of a nipple. Baby can chew or gum on the wings or simply use it as a soothing pacifier. It’s a great choice for infants that refuse all other options and has thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon.
Best tube teething toy
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Flexible design reaches molars
- Easy to grip
- Cheaper alternatives are available
These tubular teething toys are another firm favorite at The Bump. Suitable from birth to toddlerhood (with adult supervision), the flexible tubes provide controlled pressure that soothes sore gums. Hollow, bendy and infinitely chewable the tubes have a textured end to massage those hard-to-reach areas and provide sensory stimulation. Better yet, they’re made from BPA-free silicone in a sterile environment.
Best teething ring
- Affordable price point
- Comes with a hygienic carry case
- Textured bristles gently massage baby’s gums and teeth
- Silicone material attracts dust, lint and hair
This silicone teething ring features soft, flexible bristles on one end that gently massage baby’s gums and aid in the eruption of new teeth. If they want a change in texture, your little one can spin it round and chew on the smooth side. Bonus: The simple ring design is easy for little hands to manipulate.
Best teether toy for sensory stimulation
- BPA-free teething tubes
- Doubles as a rattle
- Lightweight and easy to grip
- Wipe-clean only
Part of the appeal of teething toys is that they help distract infants from pain and discomfort. And none do so better than the Winkel by Manhattan Toy. A mesmerizing maze of pliable, teething tubes encases a soft cube with a rattle inside. Baby can grasp, shake and clutch the toy or simply hold it while they chew on the outer edges. Bonus: Pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to provide an extra-level of cooling comfort.
Best eco-friendly teething toy
- Dishwasher-safe
- Made from BPA-free recycled plastic
- High price point for a relatively simple toy
Is your little one obsessed with your car keys? Give them a set of their own. These colorful keys have rounded edges and are the perfect size and weight for little hands. Better yet, Green Toys products are made from recycled milk jugs and are also BPA-, phthalate- and PVC-free.
Best teething mitten
- Machine-washable
- Doubles as an anti-scratch mitten
- Built-in crinkle sounds offers extra sensory stimulation
- Some parents say it doesn’t stay on baby’s hand
Babies love to bite and suck on their own fingers for teething relief, but the downside is it makes their skin red and chapped. Fortunately, this teething mitten is here to help curb the habit. Ideal for infants that are too young to hold a teether, this mitt slides on and stays put thanks to an adjustable strap. The top is made from textured silicone that gently massages sore gums and baby teeth. As baby is used to bringing their hand to their mouth, they will intuitively know how to use this cool teether. Bonus: It also prevents infants from scratching themselves.
Best teething toy set
- BPA-free
- Each teether targets a different area
- Pop them in the fridge for cooling relief
- Some teethers in the set are scented
Last up on our list of the best baby teething toys is this three-piece set by Nuby. Designed for ages 3 months and up, the set is specially designed to meet the needs of each teething stage. The first teether is perfect for baby’s emerging front teeth, and features textured bristles to massage sore gums. Next up is a multi-texture teething ring that targets the front and middle teeth. The last teether on the set is designed for all teeth and boasts finger-shaped nubbins that can access newly-cut molars at the back of baby’s mouth.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.