Infants generally begin teething anywhere from 4 to 7 months of age. But the timeline for teething can also be incredibly variable and may even begin after a year of life—so don’t worry if you feel your little one isn’t sprouting teeth early enough. Teething is commonly associated with excessive drooling, discomfort, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and even, at times, a low-grade fever. Studies show that oral stimulation, such as teething biscuits or cold external pressure, can support symptom management. Pediatrician Mathew Demczko, MD said, “Teething biscuits are a great option to help soothe a baby’s aching gums. If your infant is safely taking solid foods, there is a low choking risk with these biscuits, and they can keep your infant distracted from the discomfort for some time." You should only offer your child teething biscuits if they are already taking solid foods. Teething biscuits should be easy to hold, travel-friendly, and have a variety of flavors. We researched the top picks from trusted brands with these features in mind. Here are the best teething biscuits for your baby (as well as some options for infants not yet on solids). Happy Baby uses jasmine rice for a quick-melting product perfect for teethers that sit with help or a bit of support. The long, easy-to-grab shape of the cracker encourages self-feeding so your little one can feel more independent. Price at time of publication: $19 ($3.73/ounce) These teething biscuits meet the AAP’s criteria as dissolvable soft solids and are safe for introduction at 4 to 6 months of age. They are readily available at local and national grocery stores and come in six great flavors. Since they are individually packaged, they are easy to travel with, and reviewers note that they are easy for little hands to hold. Price at time of publication: $18 ($3.40/ounce) The tasty teething biscuits combinations include “Apple With Leafy Green” and “Banana Pumpkin.” These flavor profiles are perfect for your budding foodie—exposing them to a variety of fruit- and veggie-inspired flavors in a convenient teething biscuit. Price at time of publication: $19 ($1.03/ounce) Each box comes with individually wrapped two-packs, convenient for on-the-go. These teething biscuits are suitable for babies seven months and older. Price at time of publication: $34 ($3.29/ounce) Bamba, a dissolvable soft solid, is the perfect option for teething babies who are accepting complementary foods and ready to start adding common allergens into the diet. Note that Bamba is smaller than a typical teething biscuit (and contains a common allergen), so it’s important to closely monitor your child while eating them. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing allergens. Price at time of publication: $14 ($2.54/ounce) The mesh design enables your baby to safely try different foods and flavors. Try using partially frozen or chilled fruits and veggies in the feeder, as foods that are frozen solid could be too hard for your baby’s gums. Mesh feeders should not replace regular feeding, as you want to make sure the baby is developing the skills to eat from spoon, chew and swallow.Also, be sure to wash the mesh feeder after each use to prevent bacterial growth. Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $18 (Pack of 24)
Ingredients
As always when it comes to ingredients, the simpler, the better. Try to pick products with the fewest ingredients and additives. Make sure that the biscuits are an easily dissolvable solid to reduce the risk of choking. Lastly, if your baby has been diagnosed with a food allergy, be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure it does not include the allergen.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Feeding our children is personal, and with the abundance of baby-food products on the market, it can also be overwhelming. Lauren’s job is to help parents and children make the best dietary choices for their families. Make sure you are providing age-appropriate sizes that are not choking hazards. And finally, do not use teething necklaces or bracelets made of amber, wood, marble, or silicone, as they are also considered choking hazards. To write this article, Lauren Cohen, MS, RD, consulted with trusted peers in the pediatric healthcare system and referenced multiple studies and papers. She looked to the AAP for infant feeding and teething recommendations as well as the FDA for infant food regulations. She used her experience in clinical practice to inform her category-specific choices and furthered her education on infant food ingredients by diving deeper into published clinical research.
