The Best Baby Teethers for Soothing Your Little One's Sore Gums

Provide relief to budding pearly whites

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Collage of baby teethers we recommend on a green background

Verywell Family / Kevin Liang

The appearance of a baby’s first tooth varies; some children sprout their first tooth around 6 months, while others may form teeth after their first birthday. While you can't mark your calendar for the debut of a child’s first tooth, the forming of those budding pearly whites can bring teething pain that starts long before you see (or feel) anything poking through their gummy smiles. Baby teethers make the teething process a little more bearable for both babies and parents. 

Teethers come in various sizes, materials, and styles to accommodate a baby’s age, tooth shape, and more. Check for safe and durable materials, such as food-grade silicone, and different textures to help stimulate gums and relieve teething pain.

To find the best baby teethers, we researched dozens of options available on the market. We spoke with Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, a pediatrician and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, to learn more about what to look for in a baby teether. Moreover, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Dental Association (ADA) on when baby teeth come in and how to relieve teething pain. Lastly, we considered design, material, ease of use, size, age recommendations, ease of cleaning, and overall value when reviewing products.

Best Overall

Nuby 3 Step Soothing Teether Set

Nuby 3 Step Soothing Teether Set

Amazon

Pros
  • Three teethers included

  • Various textures

  • Front, middle, back (or all) teething

Cons
  • Some may not like vanilla scent

This three-piece set from Nuby is our top pick because of the versatility it offers your little one. It comes with three different teethers for various teething stages. The stage one silicone teether is for a baby's front teeth and features a handle that little hands can comfortably hold. Stage two is for middle teeth, but the silicone material is thicker and less flexible than stage one. Its small size is still just right for tiny hands to hold well, but it offers different teething textures, like wavy, smooth, and bumpy.

Finally, the third teether, which looks like a hand and smells like vanilla, soothes all teeth. The stage three teether boasts a harder feel and also has various textures for smoothing.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best Budget

Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether

Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether, Orange

Amazon

Pros
  • Design mimics baby fingers

  • Safe to clean in dishwasher, microwave, sterilizer, and boiling water

  • Easy to hold

Cons
  • Attracts debris easily

If you’re looking to get a lot of bang for your buck, the Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether is for you (after all, babies need a lot of things, so saving money where you can is ideal). The ring’s design allows babies 3 months and up to hold it easily and chew on it to soothe their front teeth. It also has little nubs that mimic the size of a baby's fingers, so they don’t pose a choking hazard.

We appreciate how the teether reaches all the way back to the molars and has different textures to massage sore baby gums. It's safe to clean in boiling water, the microwave, a dishwasher, or a sterilizer.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best Natural

Loulou Lollipop Bubble Silicone and Wood Rattle

Bubble Silicone and Wood Rattle

Loulou Lollipop

Pros
  • Modern look

  • Two materials (wood and silicone) to explore

  • Wood conditioned with organic olive oil and beeswax

Cons
  • Not dishwasher safe

The Loulou Lollipop teether is adorable and effective for teething babies between 3 and 24 months old. The silicone beads provide a smooth texture individually and a little bit of a wavy feeling if your baby chews on two at a time. The beechwood rings are safe for your baby to gnaw on and give a little bit of a rougher texture to massage your baby’s sore gums.

The rubber beads are food-grade silicone, and the beechwood rings are conditioned with organic olive oil and beeswax. The entire product is free of harsh chemicals like lead and cadmium, as well as BPA, phthalates, and PVC. One important note, these should not be put in the dishwasher for sanitizing.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 to 24 months | Material: Silicone and wood

Best Multipurpose

Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush

Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush

Amazon

Pros
  • Doubles as toothbrush

  • Banana peel works as handles

  • Flexible

Cons
  • Collects lint, hair, and other debris

Since teething babies won’t let you touch their gums, let alone brush their new teeth, having a teether that doubles as a toothbrush is a huge plus. The Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush has soft silicone brush bristles that massage sore gums and get kids used to brushing.

We love the ergonomic design (the banana peel doubles as a handle), which makes it effortless for littles, ages 3 to 12 months, to hold in their hands. It's made with BPA-free, food-grade silicone that's dishwasher-safe for seamless cleaning.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 to 12 months | Material: Silicone

Best Feeder

Boon Pulp Silicone Feeder 2-pack

Boon PULP Easy Grip Frozen Food Silicone Feeder & Baby Teething Toy, Orange/Blue

Walmart

Pros
  • Attaches to a tether

  • Chill or freeze

  • Easy to unlock and fill

Cons
  • Silicone stains depending on food

If your baby isn’t quite ready to move from purees to solids, you can use an infant feeder to introduce different flavors. Feeders are especially great for foods like bananas because they slowly release food through tiny holes and allow your baby to get used to tasting and digesting solids. Even better, some options, like the Boon Pulp Silicone Feeder, double as a teether.

This teething feeder is a breeze to use; simply fill it with pureed foods and then chill or freeze it and give it to your baby as a treat later. It even comes with a cover to put over the feeder so littles ages 6 months and up can take it on the go. Toss it on the top-rack of the dishwasher for a thorough clean or rinse with soap and water when done.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
6 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best for Molars

Green Sprouts Molar Teether

green sprouts Molar Teether made from Silicone | Soothes & massages baby's molar gums & teeth | Soft, flexible silicone eases pain, Easy to hold...

Amazon

Pros
  • Different textures

  • Safe for the dishwasher

  • Front, side, and back teething

Cons
  • Nub that sticks out is short

The Green Sprouts Molar Teether reaches a baby’s molars easily. The BPA and PVC-free silicone is soft, flexible, and safe for the dishwasher. While the teether works for the front and middle teeth, thanks to the multiple textures along the teether’s handle, it’s only safe for babies 12 months and up.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
12 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best Multi-Texture

Nuby Chewy Charms Silicone Teether

Nuby Chewy Charms Neutral/Star and Triangle Silicone Teether, Teal/Green/Yellow

Amazon

Pros
  • Ring holds both teethers safely

  • Various textures

  • Bright colors

Cons
  • Cannot add or remove pieces

The Nuby Chewy Charms Teether has three interconnected silicone charms of various textures, like flat, wavy, and ridged, for babies 3 months and up to explore. While each charm is a different color and shape, they're all soft and easy to wash in the dishwasher or wipe clean.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best Smooth Texture

Vulli Sophie La Girafe Teething Toy

Vulli Sophie La Girafe Teething Toy

Amazon

Pros
  • 100% natural rubber

  • Squeaks when pressed

  • Lightweight and simple to grip

Cons
  • Can't get wet (hole in back poses mold/mildew risk)

Sophie the Giraffe is the teether that seems to be on every baby registry, and for a good reason because it’s one of the best. It’s safe for your baby to play with and chew on between birth and 12 months. While it has some shallow grooves here and there, this teether is mostly soft and smooth around all of its edges to provide your baby relief without poking at their gums.

This adorable giraffe teether is made with natural rubber and food-grade paint. It's also BPA-free, easy for babies to grasp, and even has a squeaker to help keep your little one entertained (and develop fine motor skills).

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
Newborn and up | Material: Natural rubber

Best Grooved Texture

Loulou Lollipop Rainbow Teether

Silicone Teether Single

Loulou Lollipop

Pros
  • Food-grade silicone

  • Grooved texture on both sides

  • Adorable design

Cons
  • Clip sold separately

The Loulou Lollipop Rainbow Teether is great for a baby who gravitates toward flat, grooved, soft textures. The striped side of the teether has wavy grooves, and the back has small raised hearts, both of which have just enough texture to massage sensitive gums gently. The teether is best for babies between 3 and 36 months old and is safe to throw in the dishwasher at the end of the day.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best for Early Teethers

Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt

Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt

Amazon

Pros
  • Adjustable wrist strap

  • Crinkly sound

  • Cute style options

Cons
  • Doesn't fit on all hands

Every baby is different, and some end up teething so early they can’t even firmly hold a teething ring yet. The Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt is ideal for these babies because it fits over the hand like a glove and has a Velcro closure at the wrist, so it stays put.

The glove itself features a crinkly fabric to entertain babies 3 months and up and helps them explore different textures with their hands. At the top of the mitt, there is a non-toxic BPA and PVC-free silicone teether (available in various shapes, all of which are adorable) that is soft and flexible with multiple textures for massaging and relief. Since it’s a glove, saliva can definitely build up in the crinkle-cloth mitten portion of the teether, but you can toss it into the washing machine on cold and let it air dry to be good as new.

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
3 months and up | Material: Silicone

Best for On-The-Go

Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Teether Stroller Toy

Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Chime and Teether Stroller Toy

Amazon

Pros
  • Attaches to a stroller

  • Different animal designs

  • Variety of cloth textures

Cons
  • Spot clean only

Going out with a fussy teething baby is tough as it is, let alone without a teether for them to chew on for relief. The Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Teether Stroller soothes sore gums anywhere by attaching to a stroller via a colorful clip, so you don’t risk losing it. You can hook this to the stroller as soon as your baby is born because it’s safe for newborns and up. Plus, choose from several fun friends, like a unicorn or fox.

It has a variety of different cloth textures for a developing baby to explore, a chime sound, and a BPA-free plastic teether with different textures to touch (and to massage their little gums). It’s a great way to keep your baby distracted and comfortable while you’re running errands, but be sure to regularly wipe it clean because it’s not safe for the washing machine or dishwasher (spot clean only).

Key Specs:
Age Recommendation:
Newborn and up | Material: Polyester and plastic

How We Selected Baby Teethers

To select the best baby teethers, we spoke with Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, a pediatrician and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, to learn more about what to look for in baby teethers. Additionally, we reviewed guidance from the AAP, the AAPD, and the ADA on when baby teeth come in and how to relieve pain from teething. 

We researched more than 40 options available on the market and considered their design, material, ease of use, age recommendations, ease of cleaning, and value. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors and monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on baby teethers.

What to Look for in Baby Teething Toys

  • Age Recommendations: Regardless of when your baby's first tooth buds, not all teethers provide the same relief. For example, some are more soft and flexible for beginning teeth (3 months and up), while others soothe incoming molars in older babies (12 months and up).
  • Safe Materials: Look for safe and durable products that are free of BPA, phthalates, and any choking hazards. Wood and food-grade silicone are two durable materials found in a lot of our favorite teethers. We only included teethers made from safe materials in our list.
  • Texture: Some babies prefer bumpy textures while others enjoy grooved or flat options. Look for a teething toy with various textures, colors, and more. Interesting shapes or rattles that make fun noises will also grab their attention.
  • Durability: Teething toys should be built to last and it definitely should be able to withstand lots of gnawing and drool (or else it can pose a choking hazard). In addition to checking for safe materials, durable teethers should be sturdy but flexible enough to fit around the corners of your little one's mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When do babies start teething?

    Babies start teething at around 6 months old. The bottom two front teeth generally come in first, followed by the top two front teeth. Teething pain may start before you see any teeth in your baby's mouth, but you may notice that the gums are swollen where the new tooth will soon erupt.

  • What age do babies start using teethers?

    Babies can start using teethers as early as 3 months when their emerging teeth begin to cause discomfort. It's fine to offer your baby a teether before you are even sure whether they are teething (just follow the manufacturer's age recommendation). It can start as a toy for gripping, and your baby will begin to gnaw on it when they realize it soothes their gums.

  • How do you clean baby teethers?

    Many silicone baby teethers are safe to toss in the dishwasher, while others are also OK to put in a sterilizer, boiling water, or microwave for additional cleaning. Check the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations to ensure you don't compromise the integrity of the baby teether. When in doubt, warm water and soap are a solid cleaning option. Avoid using harsh chemicals, like bleach, on toys that will go into your baby's mouth.

  • Can you freeze baby teethers?

    Freezing baby teethers can make them too hard for your baby's mouth, which may be harmful. Instead, look for a teether with different textures on its surface so your little one can find the part to chew on that helps the most.

Why Trust Verywell Family 

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a wife to a public school administrator, mom to a 1-year-old daughter (who is currently teething), and a 3-year-old daughter. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina's son used the Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush often during his teething days. It's easy to hold and clean, and doubles as a beginner toothbrush for those budding pearly whites.

9 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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