It’s important to start caring for your baby’s teeth as soon as they start appearing, which is usually around 6 months of age (1). Teething can be a challenging time for both parents and infants, but adding a baby toothbrush to your daily routine can help ease the discomfort and prevent future dental issues.
The best baby toothbrushes are specifically designed to gently clean teeth and massage delicate gums. These toothbrushes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different ages and stages of teething.
However, with so many options on the market, choosing the best baby toothbrush can be overwhelming. In this article, we will review some of the top baby toothbrushes available, highlighting their unique features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision for your child’s dental care.
Our Top Picks
- Best Baby Toothbrush Overall: Dr. Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Training Toothbrush
- Best Budget-Friendly Baby Toothbrush: Jordan® Step 1 Baby Toothbrush
- Best Baby Finger Toothbrush: FridaBaby Baby’s First Toothbrush
- Best Baby Toothbrush And Toothpaste: Colgate Baby Training Toothpaste and Toothbrush Kit
- Best Baby Electric Toothbrush: brush-baby BabySonic
- Best Baby Toothbrush Teether: Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush
- Best Baby To Toddler Toothbrush Set: Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care Set System
- Best Baby Toothbrush For 6-Months-Old: grabease Double Sided Toothbrush
- Best Baby Toothbrush For 1-Year-Olds: FridaBaby Triple-Angle Toothhugger
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Toothbrushes Picks
Dr. Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Training Toothbrush – Best Baby Toothbrush Overall
- Easy to hold
- The bristles are very soft
- Easy to clean
- Taste good
- Not great for teething
Dr. Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush is specifically designed to promote lifelong oral hygiene practices, even for a baby’s first teeth. This toothbrush is extremely gentle and safe to use.
The comfortable grip handle is designed for small hands, and the flexible body is gentle on delicate gums. Plus, the toothbrush is shaped like an elephant, making it fun for babies to use. In addition, the flexible body of the toothbrush makes it easy to brush even when your child is teething or has sore gums.
Jordan® Step 1 Baby Toothbrush – Best Budget-Friendly Baby Toothbrush
- Can be used as a teething toy
- Easy to hold
- Comes in a pack of 4
- Toothpaste indicator
- Bristles may not last as long
If you follow the CDC’s advice of replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, then a bundle of four toothbrushes can be a great deal. This pack is one of the best baby toothbrushes that includes a teething ring and an ultra-soft brush head on a broad handle.
The ergonomic design is easy to hold, with a hole in the middle that fits a parent’s thumb perfectly. Moreover, the brush head has a colored indication strip that helps you gauge the appropriate amount of toothpaste to add.
FridaBaby Baby’s First Toothbrush – Best Baby Finger Toothbrush
- Finger operation makes it easier to do the clean job
- The material is good-quality silicone
- Double-sided protects you from teething babies
- Easy to hold
- Not the best for cleaning tounges
FridaBaby’s fingertip brush is one of our top picks because it is made of durable, BPA-free, food-grade silicone. The thick, double-sided design prevents teething babies from hurting you when they bite down, and the triple-angled brush head makes it easier to quickly and effectively clean all surfaces of their tiny teeth.
Not only is this finger brush easy to maneuver inside your baby’s mouth, but the soft silicone bristles are also gentle on young children’s gums.
By using your finger to gently massage your baby’s gums and newly erupted teeth, you can thoroughly clean their mouth from birth using this type of brush. A fingertip brush is also ideal for introducing your child to regular mouth cleaning.
Colgate Baby Training Toothpaste and Toothbrush Kit – Best Baby Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Simple to use
- Very small/thin and perfect for reaching small teeth
- The small length that will be good when they start using it on their own
- Soft bristles
- A bit runny
This set includes one toothbrush and one tube of toothpaste, so you can start your child on the path to good oral hygiene practices right away. The included fluoride-free toothpaste is completely safe to swallow since it is free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), artificial colors, and preservatives. Its bubble fruit fragrance makes brushing more enjoyable for babies, encouraging them to brush regularly.
The toothbrush is also specially designed with ultra-soft bristles for gentle cleaning of their delicate teeth and gums. Moreover, the small head is perfect for their little mouths, and the non-slip handle is easy for you to hold and for your child to hold when they are ready to start brushing on their own.
brush-baby BabySonic – Best Baby Electric Toothbrush
- The light helps you see
- Soft bristled brush
- Easy to hold
- Suction at the bottom of the brush so it can stand on its own
- It is battery operated and not rechargeable
Encouraging your child to brush their teeth can be a difficult task, but with this innovative light-up electric toothbrush, you can turn brushing time into a fun activity. Not only will you be able to see inside their mouth, but the ultra-soft bristles, specially designed for small mouths, reduce plaque buildup by 21% more than hand brushing.
Plus, the gentle sonic vibrations provide relief to sore gums and new baby teeth. With the small grip and easy on-and-off switch, your child can eventually brush on their own. The clever 2-minute LED light timer with a 30-second pulse teaches your child proper brushing habits.
This brush set comes with replacement brush heads suitable for both babies (0-18 months) and toddlers (18-36 months), allowing you to start using it as early as infancy and continue as they grow older.
Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush – Best Baby Toothbrush Teether
- Good size, about 4 inches, so easier for your baby to aim into their mouth
- Baby can grab handles easily
- Material is cushiony
- Looks adorable
- Picks up everything when dropped on the floor or onto clothing, but it rinses off easily
The banana peel grips make it easy to hold, and it is made entirely of food-grade silicone that is BPA and phthalate free.
It is dishwasher safe, and you can freeze it to relieve sore gums or boil it for ten minutes to clean it. The handles are easy for little hands to grab, and the banana’s length is perfect for soothing back teeth without posing a risk of injury if dropped while in their mouths.
Additionally, it can withstand a lot of wear and tear and it is produced in the USA.
Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care Set System – Best Baby To Toddler Toothbrush Set
- Grows to toddler years
- The stand is super convenient
- Soft bristles
- Great for sensitive babies
- Has limited color options
The Nuby Oral Care Kit, with its 4 stages, is perfectly sized to protect your baby’s primary teeth and encourage the development of healthy oral hygiene practices. Plus, the brushes are designed with bristles that are tailored to your child’s needs.
The super soft silicone of the Silicone Massager is specifically designed for infants under three months, with a hollow shape that is easy for to use. You have multiple options for cleaning and relaxing with three different surfaces.
The Massaging Brush #1 is gentle on the gums and is suitable for infants over three months old. While the Massaging Brush #2 is intended for babies over 11 months old and aids in cleaning and massaging during the teething stage.
grabease Double Sided Toothbrush – Best Baby Toothbrush For 6-Months-Old
- Quite wide and double-sided
- Great training toothbrush
- Leads to less biting because your baby feels the bristles on both sides
- Good for parents to get access to the back teeth upper & lowers
- The bristles do get icky and aren’t as easy to clean but rubbing and rinsing get most of it out
This toothbrush features two sides that allow for both the top and bottom rows of teeth to be cleaned simultaneously. This double-sided toothbrush boasts a tapered, two-sided bristle arrangement, an easy-grip ergonomic handle, and a unique protective collar that prevents choking or gagging while your child learns to brush independently.
We love that the safety barrier prevents children from pushing the brush too far back, while still allowing them to reach their molars easily. Plus, its shape is perfect for 6-month-olds to use independently.
FridaBaby Triple-Angle Toothhugger – Best Baby Toothbrush For 1-Year-Olds
- The colored parts are fully rubberized on the handle so if they bite down it doesn’t slip around like slick plastic
- Makes tooth brushing so easy
- Cleans from every angle
- Good training toothbrush
- Not very soft
As your baby’s teeth start to erupt from their gums, it’s essential to switch to a high-quality toothbrush specifically designed for 1-year-olds. We highly recommend the FridaBaby toddler toothbrush as one of the best baby toothbrushes out there. The unique shape of this toothbrush is designed to hug your child’s teeth, allowing for thorough cleaning with less brushing than traditional toothbrushes.
How To Choose The Best Baby Toothbrush?
- Age-Appropriate: Select a toothbrush that is appropriate for your baby’s age. For infants, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head that can fit comfortably in their mouth. Toddlers may require a toothbrush with a larger handle for a better grip.
- Bristle Softness: Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles to protect your baby’s gums and teeth from damage. Hard bristles can irritate their delicate gums and cause bleeding.
- Size: The toothbrush head should be small enough to fit comfortably in your baby’s mouth, and the shape should be designed to clean all surfaces of their teeth.
- Material: Teething babies find silicone brushes to be effective as teething toys. As they grow older, they will transition to adult brushes with nylon or synthetic fiber bristles that are more similar to traditional brushes.
Types Of Baby Toothbrushes
- Finger : Finger toothbrushes are worn over the parent’s finger, and the bristles clean the baby’s teeth and gums. These toothbrushes are usually made of soft silicone or rubber and are suitable for infants up to 12 months.
- Silicone: These toothbrushes have soft silicone bristles that are gentle on the baby’s delicate gums. They are suitable for infants and young children.
- Bristle: Bristle toothbrushes have nylon or synthetic bristles that are softer than adult toothbrushes. They come in various sizes and shapes and are suitable for children over 12 months.
- Electric: Electric toothbrushes are available for children of all ages, and they come with various features such as timers, different brush heads, and music to make brushing fun.
When Should A Baby Start Using A Toothbrush?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), parents should start cleaning their baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth or gauze pad even before the first tooth appears. Once the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months of age, parents can start using a toothbrush specifically designed for babies (2).
Is Silicone Or Bristle Toothbrush Better For Babies?
Silicone toothbrushes are usually softer and gentler on the gums, making them a good choice for babies who are just starting to teethe or have sensitive gums. They are also more flexible and can be used to massage the gums, which can provide relief to teething babies. Silicone brushes can also be used as teething toys, as they are soft and safe for babies to chew on.
Bristle toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more similar to the toothbrushes adults use and can be more effective at removing plaque and food particles from teeth. They come in a variety of bristle strengths, so you can choose one that is appropriate for your baby’s age and the condition of their teeth.
How Often Should I Brush My Infant’s Teeth?
It is recommended to start brushing your infant’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Initially, you can use a soft cloth or gauze to gently wipe the tooth and gums. As more teeth erupt, you can switch to a baby toothbrush and use a small amount of toothpaste specifically formulated for infants.
It is recommended to brush your infant’s teeth twice a day, preferably after breakfast and before bedtime. This will help remove any food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay (3). It is important to be gentle while brushing and avoid applying too much pressure or using a back-and-forth motion, as this can damage the gums.
Should I Use Toothpaste For My Baby’s Teeth?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two should not use toothpaste with fluoride because they may swallow it (4). Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that affects the appearance of tooth enamel.
However, using fluoride-free toothpaste or just a damp cloth to clean your baby’s teeth is still recommended to prevent tooth decay and promote good oral hygiene habits. Once your child reaches the age of two, a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (no more than the size of a grain of rice) can be used, but only under adult supervision and with a soft-bristled toothbrush (5).
