When shopping for baby teethers you should make sure it’s durable, made from safe materials (think BPA- and PVC-free), and has appealing features to intrigue your baby (think colors, rattle sounds, and shapes). A teether with different textures is also a great option, as this will help stimulate their gums to relieve pain. We researched popular teethers from trusted brands with these features in mind. Here are the best baby teethers to help your little one through the teething process more comfortably. This three-piece set from Nuby is our top pick because of the versatility it offers your little one. As your baby cuts more and different teeth, what they need to soothe the pain might differ with each stage. As you work to determine what teether works best for your baby, pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, says parents should “look for safe, durable products free of BPA and phthalates or any choking hazards.” One product that checks all of the boxes and will comfort your baby from their first teeth through their molars is the Nuby 3 Stage Teether Set. It comes with three different teethers, the first (stage one) is silicone and designed for the baby’s front teeth and has a handle that can be comfortably held by little hands. The second stage teether is for middle teeth and is also made of silicone but is a little thicker and less flexible than the first. It can still be held by little hands but offers several different teething textures like wavy, smooth, and bumpy, so your baby can use whatever works best for them. Finally, the third teether is designed to soothe all teeth but can be angled to reach the molars as they come in. It is a little harder than the stage one and two teethers but is still shaped for little hands to hold and offers several textures for soothing. This three-piece set can be put into the freezer for a little extra chill and is safe for babies ages 3 months and up. Price at time of publish: $11 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $7 The Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush is safe for babies from 3 to 12 months old and is designed to be easily held by tiny baby hands and has soft silicone brush bristles that massage sore gums and get kids used to brushing. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests parents start brushing their baby’s teeth with a child-safe toothpaste twice a day as soon as the teeth pop out. So just add a tiny smear of your favorite toothpaste to the banana, and you’re covered! Even better, when you’re not brushing baby’s teeth, the banana can be used as a teether as is or after chilling in the freezer to provide even more comfort. The entire product is made from silicone, is free of BPA, phthalates, and latex, and is dishwasher safe. Price at time of publish: $8 The Boon PULP Silicone Teething Feeder is the best there is because it’s easy for babies to hold (which helps teach them how to feed themselves), is made from soft silicone that’s free of BPA and PVC, and even comes with a cover to put over the feeder so you can take it on the go. The best way to use it as a feeder is to put chilled or frozen food into it so it numbs the gums while also releasing yummy flavors. This teether/feeder is safe for babies 6 months old and up and is top-rack dishwasher safe. Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $8 This teether is safe for babies 3 months old and up and has three interconnected charms, all of which are made from BPA-free silicone, that have various textures like flat, wavy, ridged, and different variations of bumpy. Each charm is a different color and shape, so you can easily identify which one your baby gravitates to more often before zeroing in on which texture on the individual charm they seem to like. Then, you can look for teethers that are designed with that texture. The silicone makes each charm soft, and they are easy to wipe clean and dishwasher safe. Price at time of publish: $9 Price at time of publish: $27 Price at time of publish: $14 The glove itself is made from a crinkly fabric to entertain your baby and help them as they 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 and has 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. Price at time of publish: $9 You can hook this to the stroller as soon as your baby is born because it’s safe for newborns and up. 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. Price at time of publish: $7
Non-Toxic Materials
Babies put everything in their mouths, and with teething toys, that’s the whole point. Make sure that teethers are made from materials that are safe for your baby to gnaw on throughout the day. Plastics should be free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Avoid non-branded toys or toys that are shipped internationally, as you may not be able to trust the labeling.
Durability
Teething toys should be built to last. Your baby benefits from having something to chew on as they cut a total of 20 teeth over a period of about a year. In addition, a teething toy could be a choking hazard if it breaks or wears out. To make sure your teether is sturdy enough, look for toys that are marketed specifically for teething.
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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.
