If your little one is cutting their teeth, you’re probably looking for ways to soothe their discomfort and help them get through this tough time. One popular remedy is teething toys. There are all sorts of teething toys on the market, from chunky plastic keys to soft, chewable silicone dolls.
Some teething toys may be harmful to infants because they are made of hard or inflexible materials. Others are poorly made and do not reach the areas where infants are experiencing discomfort. Additionally, you should be sure that teething toys do not contain BPA or other chemicals. Plus, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), teething necklaces should be avoided because they may cause choking and strangulation (1).
Some of the factors we considered when testing these teethers include safety, durability, and attractiveness. We also looked at how easy they were to clean and whether they provided any relief for teething discomfort. We hope you find one of our 10 best baby teething toys to suit your needs.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Baby Teether: Nuby 3 Step Soothing Teether
- Best Budget-Friendly Baby Teether: Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether
- Best For Early Teethers: BABY ELEFUN Teething Toy Ring
- Best Multipurpose Teether: Baby Banana Yellow Banana Infant Toothbrush
- Best Freezable Teether: Tinabless Infant Dinosaur Teether Set
- Best Silicone Teether Toy: Nuby Silicone Teethe-EEZ
- Best Wooden Teething Toy: Arudyo Baby Teething Toy
- Best Soft Baby Teether: Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt
- Best Multi-Texture: Nuby Chewy Charms Key Silicone Teether
- Best Animal Teether Toy: Lamaze Sprinkles The Jellyfish Clip On Baby Toys
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Teething Toys Picks
Nuby 3 Step Soothing Teether – Best Overall Baby Teether
- Soft and just big enough
- Good value for the set
- Neutral colors
- Chewy
- Have some sort of fragrance
This nifty little set comes with three different teething toys that cater to your baby’s teething needs from the time their first tooth comes into the development of their molars.
The first stage teether is made of soft silicone and is designed specifically for your little one’s front teeth. It also features a handy grip that your little one can easily grab onto and hold onto with their tiny hands.
The second stage teether, which is similarly composed of silicone and is intended for middle teeth, is a bit thicker and less flexible than the first. It still fits in little hands and offers a variety of teething textures for your baby to choose from, including wavy, smooth, and bumpy ones, so they can choose what works best for them.
The third stage teether, which is designed to soothe all teeth but may be focused on the molars when they come, is the last one. Although it is a little tougher than stage one and stage two teethers, it is still easy for little hands to grip and has a variety of calming textures. This teether set is ideal for babies 3 months and older.
Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether – Best Budget-Friendly Baby Teether
- Easy to grasp
- Simple design
- Made from soft silicone
- Textured tips
- Baby might stick into their mouth too far and gag
The Cosmotomo Silicone Baby Teether is a great budget-friendly pick for parents of babies 6 months and older. The teether is made of silicone, which is safe for babies to chew on, and its shape is easy for little hands to hold. Plus, the teether can help comfort babies’ front teeth.g
This teether also features tiny protrusions that were specifically designed to be smaller than a baby’s fingers, so they do not provide a choking risk. These protrusions may also extend all the way back to the molars, and they have various textures to help soothe sore baby gums.
BABY ELEFUN Teething Toy Ring – Best For Early Teethers
- Easy for baby to hold
- Cute design
- Can be frozen if needed
- It has different textures
- Might be smaller than expected
The Elephant Teething Toy is specifically designed for early teethers, this lightweight and easy-grip toy is perfect for their small hands. Unlike other teething toys, this silicone baby teether has a unique shape, soft gummy feel, and flexible construction, keeping your baby content and occupied for hours on end. Plus, you can safely freeze them for even more numbing relief. It is perfect for infants between 3-4 months old.
Baby Banana Yellow Banana Infant Toothbrush – Best Multipurpose Teether
- Sterilizer safe
- Cute vibrant colors
- Very adorable design
- The grasping point is perfect
- The bristles would eventually break off after being chewed for a while
This toothbrush teether is made entirely of flexible silicone to avoid any potential oral injuries, and the banana peel-shaped handles are easy for little hands to grasp.
One of the best things about this toothbrush is that it can be chilled in the freezer for added soothing relief, and it’s also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It even comes with a binky strap that can be attached to the brush’s peel to prevent it from getting lost or dropped. This toothbrush is perfect for babies 3 months and up.
Tinabless Infant Dinosaur Teether Set – Best Freezable Teether
- Easy to hold
- Great colors
- Easy to attach to bibs or other play toys
- Easy to clean and pop in the freezer
- The clip rusts easily, so cleaning the clip is tricky
These teething toys are made from 100% food-grade silicone, ensuring your baby’s safety. The intricate grooves and bumps on the soft molar teether toys offer a gentle massage for your little one’s gums. With these dinosaur-inspired designs and bright colors, your baby will enjoy chomping on them!
Plus, these teething toys are a decent size, so you don’t have to worry about choking hazards. You can also store them in the freezer to provide a calming and cooling effect for your baby’s gums. These teething toys are free of phthalates, latex, BPA, lead, and PVC, and are FDA-approved.
Nuby Silicone Teethe-EEZ – Best Silicone Teether Toy
- Soft bristles
- The handle makes it easy for the baby to hold
- Size is perfect – there is no choking hazard
- Easy to clean
- Can get hair easily
The Nuby Teethe-Eez BPA-Free ultra-soft silicone teether is a real gem when it comes to soothing your baby’s tender gums! With its special textured design, it provides a unique and gentle way to massage your baby’s gums, which helps teeth emerge.
What’s more, the fish-shaped teether is easy for your baby to grip and play with. It’s also really easy to keep clean, and it comes with a sanitary carrying case, so you can toss it into your diaper bag and take it with you wherever you go. This teether is perfect for little ones who are at least 3 months old
Arudyo Baby Teething Toy – Best Wooden Teething Toy
- Easy to hold
- The different textures are great for teething and giving stimulation
- Easy to clean
- Made from wood and food-grade silicone
- The nubs will break off eventually after a couple of months of use
This teething toy is made of natural beech and 100% food-grade silicone, ensuring that it is safe for your little one. Its lightweight and hollow design makes it easy for your baby to handle and practice their gripping skills while soothing their gums during teething.
In addition to its practical benefits, this silicone teether comes in three Morandi hues that can stimulate your baby’s sensory development. The teether’s surface is carefully crafted with concave and convex textures that can provide additional relief for your baby’s sore gums. This teething toy is recommended for babies who are at least 6 months old.
Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt – Best Soft Baby Teether
- Very easy to clean
- Great for playing
- Great crinkle
- Works well when it stays in place
- Comes off easily
These silicone teething mittens are a great option for infants who are not yet able to hold traditional teethers, as it is gentle on their gums and prevents scratches on their faces due to their unique glove design.
Not only does the teething mitt soothe sore gums, but it also provides sensory stimulation with its crinkling sound and textured, food-grade silicone material. Your baby will love exploring and learning new sensations while chewing on this teething mitt. It is recommended for babies who are at least 3 months old.
Nuby Chewy Charms Key Silicone Teether – Best Multi-Texture
- Easy to hold
- The texture is a great sensory tool
- Easy to clean with warm water
- Very soft
- Might be too big for some babies
With a variety of textures – including flat, wavy, ridged, and bumpy – these charms are perfect for infants 3 months and older who are just starting to explore their world.
In addition to their unique textures, each charm is a different color and shape, making it easy to see which one your baby prefers. And because they’re made of soft silicone, they’re easy to clean – simply pop them in the dishwasher and they’ll be ready to go for the next playtime session.
Lamaze Sprinkles The Jellyfish Clip On Baby Toys – Best Animal Teether Toy
- Colorful
- A lot of interesting things in a single toy
- The quality of the material is very good and soft
- Could be used to hang on anything
- Not machine washable
This interactive toy features a mesmerizing mix of vivid colors and eye-catching patterns that will captivate your baby’s visual senses.
With its lively ribbons, tentacles, and crinkles, this soft toy is sure to provide your child with a range of tactile experiences that will aid in the development of fine motor skills. This charming toy includes an on-the-go clip that makes it easy to attach to strollers, carriers, and diaper bags, allowing your little one to enjoy the fun and engaging toy no matter where you go.
How to Choose Teething Toys For Baby?
- Materials: Teething toys should be made from safe, non-toxic materials like food-grade silicone or BPA-free plastic. Avoid anything made from latex, as it can cause allergic reactions in some babies.
- Durability: Teething babies are tough on their toys! Look for something that can withstand a lot of chewing and tugging.
- Size And Shape: Make sure the toy is the right size for your baby’s mouth. Some toys have small parts that could pose a choking hazard, so choose one that’s appropriate for your child’s age and development.
- Texture: Look for a toy with a variety of textures to help soothe your baby’s sore gums. Some toys have raised bumps or ridges, while others are smooth and silky.
- Clips: It is uncommon for babies to keep their toys for very long. Another thing you don’t want to get dirty on the floor is teethers. Buying a teething toy that attaches to their clothing is one approach to address this issue.
- Silent: When babies bite on some toys, they emit a squeaking sound. That could make your infant grin, but after a while, it might start to bother you. If your baby isn’t crying, you might long for complete quiet in your home. If this describes you, you should avoid toys that squeak.
What Are Teething Toys?
Teething toys are products that are designed to help babies during the teething process. They can be made of materials such as rubber, silicone, or latex, and often have textured surfaces that help to massage and stimulate the gums. Teething toys can also be filled with water or gel, which can provide a cooling sensation that can help to soothe the pain of teething.
Are Teething Toys Necessary?
There are a few things to consider when making your decision.
- How severe is your baby’s teething pain? If your baby is in a lot of discomfort, a teething toy may help to soothe them.
- How much does your baby drool? If your baby is drooling a lot, a teething toy can help to keep their face clean.
- How easily does your baby put things in their mouth? If your baby is constantly putting their hands or other objects in their mouth, a teething toy can help to keep them from putting something harmful in their mouth.
When Should I Start Brushing Baby’s Teeth?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Dentistry (AAPD), you should begin cleaning your baby’s gums even before teeth have erupted. This can be done by wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (2). As more teeth come in, increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount.
Can I Give My 3-Month-Old Teething Toys?
Per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the majority of infants usually have their first tooth around 4-7 months, but they may start to show teething symptoms weeks before that (3). By the time they’re 3 months old, they should be able to bring a teething toy to their mouth.
When Should I Start Giving My Baby Teething Toys?
Some babies may start to show interest in teething toys as early as 3 months old, while others may not be interested until they are closer to 6 months old. If your baby is starting to show signs of discomfort associated with teething (drooling, chewing on fingers/fists, irritability), it may be a good time to introduce them to a teething toy.
Is Wood Or Silicone Better For Teething?
There are benefits to both wood and silicone for teething. Wood is a natural material, so it is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It is also typically less expensive than silicone. Silicone, on the other hand, is non-porous and so it does not harbor bacteria. It is also dishwasher-safe, which can be a major benefit for parents.
Can I Freeze A Teething Toy?
When your child is teething, they may want to chew on something to help relieve the pain and pressure. You may be tempted to freeze teething toys, but this can actually be dangerous for your child. If the teething toy is frozen solid, it can be too tough for your child’s mouth and may injure them (4). Instead, seek out a teether with varied surface textures. This way, your child can choose the area to chew on that is most comfortable for them.
How Do You Clean Baby Teethers?
To clean a baby teether, you will need a cup of warm water, mild liquid soap, a clean cloth, and a small brush (5).
- First, mix together a cup of warm water and a mild liquid soap.
- Submerge the teether in the soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Next, use a clean cloth to wipe down the teether. You can also use a small brush to clean any hard-to-reach areas.
- Finally, rinse the teether off with clean water and let it air dry.
How Long Should Babies Use Teethers?
Most babies will use a teether during the time when they are cutting their first teeth. This can last from around 4 months old to about 12 months old. Teethers can be helpful in relieving the discomfort that comes with teething. They can also help babies to learn how to control their bite.
