Teethers are toys provided to the teething infants to soothe their inflamed gums. Unlike the past, today the best teething are made of plastic, wood, and rubber, and there are some filled with liquid that provides relief after being chilled in a refrigerator or freezer.
Teething happens in 5 stages, lasts a significant amount of time, and can be very tough for both parents and infants to endure. Understanding what to expect during this difficult time, however, can help parents ease the discomfort of their baby as well as navigate their way successfully into toddlerhood.
Teething 101
Although we commonly speak of cutting teeth, teeth don’t actually cut through gums. They sort of rub their way through, gradually pushing tissue out of the way. A better term is to speak of a tooth “erupting” through the gum, but common usage will probably remain “cutting teeth.”
Most infants get their first little chopper somewhere between five and seven months of age.
The first two teeth to be cut are usually the middle bottom, technically called the lower central incisors. They are followed by the middle top, called the upper central incisors. Because the top teeth are larger, they may cause more discomfort than the lower ones.
The lateral incisors that are next to the middle teeth on both bottom and top will come in next, not in any particular order. Then, before the canines come in, babies start to cut their first molars.
If you’ve heard that molars are more difficult to get through the gum than incisors, you’ve heard correctly. In addition to drooling and fussing, babies may pull at an ear or rub their cheeks against you. They may also refuse food, even the breast.
After the first molars, your child will probably cut the canine teeth, also known as cuspids. Then come to the “big” molars or second molars. Finally, your child will have a full complement of teeth, but it probably won’t happen until almost three years of age
Does my baby really need Best teething toys?
Babies do get some comfort and relief by chewing on toys, like teethers, when their teeth are growing in. Tender gums feel better when they apply light pressure.
Some parents prefer using teethers that can be chilled in the refrigerator, providing a soothing coolness to baby’s gums if the child puts it in their mouth. Definitely be careful not to freeze the teether to long. It could hurt and be uncomfortable with a baby’s delicate gums. Some teethers have a vibration when a baby bites down on the toy which can also provide relief, too.
Teethers are made from all types of materials. Some manufacturers make them from rubber, silicone, plastic or wood. They can make them in different shapes, colors and sizes also. Many toys also have different textures on them, to appeal to a child’s individual interests. Many teethers are round, so they are easy for a baby to grip and hold before they bring it to their mouths.
Editor’s Choice
Safety 1st Mombella Ellie Elephant Teether
Why is it better?
- Gently soothes sore gums
- Easy to grip
- Amazing design and effectiveness
The Lineup At A Glance
[supsystic-tables id=18]10 best teething toys For Baby 2023
1. Safety 1st Mombella – Best Organic Teething Toys
As the brand name says, the Safety 1st Mombella Ellie Elephant teething toy is one of the safest and most development-efficient teething toys in the market. Safety 1st makes it easy for you to give your baby soothing relief from teething pain. Developed with the help of a pediatric specialist, this funny yet smart teether is made from 100% soft and safe silicone and nothing else.
- Organic ingredients
- Made from whole grains
- No added salt, modified starches or refined sugars
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Reasonable price
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As the brand name says, the Safety 1st Mombella Ellie Elephant teething toy is one of the safest and most development-efficient teething toys in the market. Safety 1st makes it easy for you to give your baby soothing relief from teething pain. Developed with the help of a pediatric specialist, this funny yet smart teether is made from 100% soft and safe silicone and nothing else.
Designed to be easy for little hands to hold, the bright colors and interesting textures stimulate baby’s senses of sight and touch while alleviating the pain of teething. The “elephant neck” is long enough to reach cutting molars, but with a disc to prevent choking and gagging
It’s freezer safe to provide cool relief for sore gums and dishwasher safe to keep it clean and germ-free
2. Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
Keys are some of the most recommended options for teether toys. The Nuby’s Gel Keys are simply amazing when it comes to distracting babies and helping them develop their teeth more efficiently. It is a multi-surface teething toy that helps your child’s natural teething process.
- Really interactive
- Excellent texture and design
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Very affordable
- A bit bulkier for smaller babies
- Must Watch for Ruptures
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Keys are some of the most recommended options for teether toys. The Nuby’s Gel Keys are simply amazing when it comes to distracting babies and helping them develop their teeth more efficiently. It is a multi-surface teething toy that helps your child’s natural teething process. The texturization massages and stimulates the gums aiding in the eruption of teeth.
They are outstandingly entertaining, as they come in various colors and are much more interactive than many other teething toys.
The design of these Nuby Teething Keys uses patented PurIce technology that provides a gentle cooling effect.
Since the keys are filled with a liquid or gel-type substance, you must watch carefully to make sure that all surfaces are intact.
This teething toy is BPA-Free, Phthalate, PVC, and Latex-free as are all other Nuby baby products.
The material is totally soft and works excellently on the infant’s gums. It is pretty easy to grab as well and can be used for babies from 3 months onwards. What’s even better, the toy is large and totally comfortable to use.
3. RaZbaby RaZ-Berry Silicone Teether
The RaZBaby RaZ-Berry is silicone made teether that looks exactly like a pacifier so it might confuse new parents.
- Non competitive price
- Durable material
- Looks like a fruity pacifier
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The RaZBaby RaZ-Berry is silicone made teether that looks exactly like a pacifier so it might confuse new parents.
It offers an amazing performance thanks to its soft yet flexible material. And what’s even better, it is a lot easier to grab and to use by babies of three or four months of age.
It is mainly designed to work on babies’ gums, thanks to its silicone construction which is supposed to increase their teething and make it faster. Babies love the bumps as they help massage their gums.
It also helps to soothe and distract toddlers as well, so you can use it in many ways when needed.
4. Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 – Best Teething Toys
Made of hard plastic with a thin rubber coating, this teether twists around, giving the baby something to chew on as they develop their motor skills. It consists of eight brightly colored sections of plastic that form a figure eight that twists in the middle.
- 4 teething surfaces
- Teether and a twisting toy
- Safe and good quality
- Good price
- Hard and big for smaller babies
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Made of hard plastic with a thin rubber coating, this teether twists around, giving the baby something to chew on as they develop their motor skills. It consists of eight brightly colored sections of plastic that form a figure eight that twists in the middle.
The plastic may seem harder than expected for a teether but it won’t harm baby’s growing teeth nor gums. The twisting motion makes it an excellent toy after the teething period is over. Twisting parts help develop motor skills while providing entertainment
This toy can be soaked in warm water, but we have noted that those who like to clean toys frequently may become frustrated with this. You can always simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
It is made of BPA-free plastic with 4 different textures to chew on
5. Sophie The Giraffe – Top Rated Teething Toys
For more than fifty years, French children have been loving their Sophie la Girafe toys. In recent years there have been more Sophies sold in France than there have been babies born.
- Easy to hold
- Made of safe materials
- Stylish and recognizable
- Very expensive for a teether
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For more than fifty years, French children have been loving their Sophie la Girafe toys. In recent years there have been more Sophies sold in France than there have been babies born.
Also, the toy has become very popular in the United States and in other countries. Sophie is often spotted being played with by the children of celebrities.
Made of latex rubber (BPA free) with food-grade safe paint this toy squeaks to get your child’s attention and they’ll happily sink their teeth (or gums) into Sophie’s feet, head or neck. Sophie is suited for newborns till one-year-olds though some admit the size is quite large for those under 6 months so it may be better suited for older babies.
One thing to note with Sophie is that when you clean it water gets in the squeaky hole and getting the inside dry can pose a challenge. Many people have reported black mold growing inside the toy. To keep mold away, wipe Sophie down with a wet cloth with a mild soap, wipe clean and let dry. Do not submerge Sophie.
6. 4 Pack Silicone Sensory Teething Rings
Rings are popular shapes for teething toys because babies have an easy time holding onto them. The colors will surely catch the eye of any curious baby.
- Easy for babies to hold on to
- Dishwasher safe
- An e-book comes as a gift that shares tips on teething
- Over-priced for this type of teether
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Rings are popular shapes for teething toys because babies have an easy time holding onto them. The colors will surely catch the eye of any curious baby. They are made of silicone which is non-toxic, BPA free, phthalate-free, and is available in different eye-catchy colors.
Each silicone ring has several different textures on it so your baby should be able to find one that feels good on their aching gums.
To ensure you don’t lose these, you can slide them on your wrist so your baby has one whenever they need it around the house.
7. Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy
The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Activity Toy is one of the best on the market, no doubt in that. This is an award-winning teething toy, and a must-have for every parent with a fussy, teething baby.
- Easy to grasp
- The tubes build gross motor skills.
- Not Quickly Outgrown
- Reasonable price
- Not for dishwasher (will melt)
- Can’t be sterilized.
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The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Activity Toy is one of the best on the market, no doubt in that. This is an award-winning teething toy, and a must have for every parent with a fussy, teething baby.
This toy recently won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, and the Special Needs Adaptable Product Award thanks to its innovative design, maintenance of quality and the adherence to set safety standards.
Created of multi-color loops that interweave in a fascinating pattern, the Winkel is sure to entrance a baby and probably will engage older siblings, too. There are beads inside the centerpiece that create a soft rattle. Made of soft BPA-free plastic, the Winkel can be put in the refrigerator to provide a cooler chewing experience for baby.
8. HABA Kringelring Wooden Baby Rattle & Clutching Toy
HABA a top toy company from Germany provides teething relief in wooden form. The company uses wood that comes from sustainable forestry in Germany. All paints are water-based and solvent-free.
- Natural product
- Simple design
- Handmade toy
- Bigger babies get bored quickly
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HABA a top toy company from Germany provides teething relief in wooden form. The company uses wood that comes from sustainable forestry in Germany. All paints are water-based and solvent-free.
This baby rattle is actually a set of rainbow-colored, beechwood beads on a sturdy elastic band that forms a perfect wooden teething ring. The smaller plastic rings are made of BPA-free plastic.
It is an outstanding buy for any parent who doesn’t want a lot of plastic at home and appreciates giving their child natural wood to bite down on.
Baby will learn to clutch onto this and then soon put this in their mouth once they get curious.
Wood is porous so not so dense it provides some relief for your young one.
Cleaning this toy is very simple, just wipe it off with white vinegar to kill germs and let it dry.
The Kringelring has been tested to the highest EU and US safety standards.
This product is one of the best teething toys for a 3 and 4 month old baby. The reason is that babies that are close to four months of age start showing a keen interest in people’s food. Though they aren’t old enough to experience how real cookies taste, chewing on fake ones may satisfy their curiosity.
- Medical grade silicone
- BPA, phthalate free
- Suitable for youngest babies
- Can be attached to strollers
- A bit pricier than most
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This product is one of the best teething toys for a 3 and 4 month old baby. The reason is that babies that are close to four months of age start showing a keen interest in people’s food. Though they aren’t old enough to experience how real cookies taste, chewing on fake ones may satisfy their curiosity.
These pack of two cookies teething toys is made by BEBE, one of the most recommended brands when it comes to developmental devices such as a teething toy. This one, thanks to its soft and hard options, makes an excellent choice for those who want more versatility for their babies.
The pair comes with one soft and one hard piece. Both can be used, as babies will prefer chewing on a different type of cookie depending on the pain and condition of their gums. These cookies have a unique gum massaging feature as each ridge or pattern on it has a different soothing effect.The cream on the cookie is actually a separate ring, it’s not all one piece, so extra caution is needed.
10. Munch Mitt Malarkey Kids – Cutest Teething Toys
The Munch Mitt is a mitten with areas of nubby silicone for baby to chew on.
- Baby can’t drop it
- Made of safe materials
- Frequent washing needed
- Expensive
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The Munch Mitt is a mitten with areas of nubby silicone for baby to chew on.
When it seems like baby is non-stop gnawing, this will provide extra comfort. The Munch Mitt goes onto their hand with velcro and allows baby to chew on their own fingers (a favorite amongst most babies) with the added sensation of massaging pearls that are built in. The mitt also makes a crinkle sound which will help develop their sensory experience even more.
The fabric is a water-resistant cloth that won’t get soaked with baby’s drool. The mitt can be flipped to fit either the right or the left hand.
It comes with a travel bag that doubles as a wash bag. Put the mitt inside, and it can safely go into the washer and even into the dryer, as long as you use low heat. You should wash it regularly.
The silicone used in the mitt is BPA and phthalate free, and the mitt meets all U.S. and Canadian safety regulations.
11. Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush & Teether
Once baby’s teeth erupt it is now time to start thinking about keeping them clean.
- Multipurpose Toy
- Soft for chewing
- Very affordable
- Much More Engaging than Most
- Babies may accidently stick the brush in their eyes
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Once baby’s teeth erupt it is now time to start thinking about keeping them clean.
This silicone training toothbrush and teether helps massage and clean your little one’s teeth in a quirky shape. The open part of the banana has massaging bristles to help clean and relieve their gums, the peel part prevents them from choking while also giving them a place to grip on.
Banana is always an interesting choice for kid’s toys because it resembles one of the yummiest fruits in the world.
This toothbrush can be cleaned in the dishwasher and is also freezer safe if you wanted extra relief. We recommend this toy for children 3 to 12 months with a bigger model suited for one-year-olds and older.
12. Dr. Brown’s Coolees Soothing Teether
Designed by pediatric dentists, Dr. Brown’s Cooles is one of the most soothing teethers available in the market, both for its incredible texture as well for how long-lasting it is.
- Excellent Price
- Durable
- Soothing and fun shaped
- Can’t dislike a single thing
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Designed by pediatric dentists, Dr. Brown’s Cooles is one of the most soothing teethers available in the market, both for its incredible texture as well for how long-lasting it is.
It will simply help to ease pain and make teething a lot more comfortable. These adorable fruit shaped teethers are designed to hold cold and soothe sore gums.
They made this to be much more efficient, as it can reach almost all mouth’s areas of a baby. It can be used by babies as young as three or four months old without problems. And of course, it is pretty affordable, maybe the cheapest on the list.
It is BPA and silicone-free, also PVC free. Painted with natural coloring from organic vegetables. No unethical plastic
The teether is both freezer and dishwasher safe; which helps with the cooling relief and killing those pesky germs.
Helpful Hints For Soothing A Teething Baby
Some helpful hints for soothing a baby’s sensitive and sore gums
- Massaging a baby’s gums with a clean finger, damp washcloth, or clean dampened gauze pad. Providing this pressure to the gums can alleviate the baby’s pain.
- Filling a bottle with water and allowing the baby to suck. Do not fill a bottle with milk or juice specifically to soothe teething. Extended contact with sugary liquids leads to tooth decay.
- Chilling a washcloth or teething ring for a baby to then chew on can also be very soothing. Do not freeze these items, however. Contact with objects that are too cold can cause harm to the gums and teeth.
- Giving the baby hard foods that are safe to chew on, if the baby is old enough to eat solid foods as part of his/her diet. Solid vegetables like a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot can be helpful but watch the baby closely, as pieces may break off and potentially become choking hazards.
- Drying the drool to keep the skin from becoming too irritated or a rash from forming. Keeping a clean dry bib or cloth under the baby’s chin can be helpful.
- Giving baby over-the-counter remedies may alleviate pain as well. Before giving the baby any medicines, however, ask the pediatrician what is safe and appropriate for the child.
conclusion
Always supervise a baby while they are using a teether. The best baby teether is the one that the baby will be able to hold firmly and safely put in their mouths. A teether that is too big or too small, could be a safety hazard.
Do not use items that are not meant to be teethers as a toy, especially toys that have small parts that could fall off and be a choking hazard.
An important thing to keep in mind while choosing a teether is to verify that it is safe for the baby to put into the mouth. Choose only phthalate and BPA free teethers for your child. Find out if the teether is made from non toxic paint.
Definitely create a good plan for cleaning and sanitizing teethers and rattles to reduce the spreading of germs, especially if there are other babies around who might want to put the toy in their mouth. Keep sanitizing wipes handy in case the toy falls on the floor. Wash toys regularly with soap and water. You can place the toys in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Instead of using toys, you can use teething necklaces, which we have a list for you.
Start getting your child an impressive gift from early in his life with one of these teething toys that help not only to entertain but to improve their teeth development. Choose one from our list right now!
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