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When teething is painful, the right toy can distract a fussy baby and provide relief. We look at safe and effective options.

A quick look at the 12 best baby teethers

A baby’s teeth may begin appearing around 6 months after birth, although some begin earlier.

Once teething starts, the teeth emerge regularly for the first 2 years of life.

Babies can start using teething products from 0 months old. Sucking behavior may indicate an infant is trying to soothe their gums, and this is when teethers may be beneficial.

A suitable toy, or teether, can help manage the painful symptoms of teething.

However, a person should speak to their pediatrician for advice before using any teethers.

We chose teethers by considering the following factors:

  • Price: We chose teethers in different price ranges.
  • Design: We chose teethers in various designs. For example, some are easier to hold or wearable.
  • Safety: We found teethers made from high quality materials and with designs that prevent choking.
  • Pain relief: We chose teethers that provide pain relief to the baby through massage or cooling sensations.
  • Additional benefits: We looked for teethers that offer additional benefits, such as sensory stimulation for the baby.
  • Different stages: We found different teethers to help with all stages of the teething process.
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Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for sucking: Mombella Mimi Mushroom

Price (RRP)$6.99
ProsNipple shape aids mouth development. It is an affordable option.
ConsUneven rim design, which may require supervision.

This teether features nipple-shaped attachments for sucking to help maintain the mouth structure and create a calming effect on the baby. This may aid in suckling training.

It uses 100% US high-grade silicone and is dishwasher safe. It can also be sterilized with a steam sterilizer, or by putting it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.

Mimi Mushroom is suitable for young infants ages 0 to 6 months.

Safety tests and certifications of safety are available here.

Best for independent feeding: Teetherpop

Price (RRP)$14.99
ProsAllows for hydration and feeding. Free from harmful ingredients.
ConsLess affordable and potentially messier than other teethers.

This fillable baby teether is useful for training independent feeding. People can fill the cap with a liquid food such as breast milk, puree, smoothies, or juices.

The flexible slits within the silicone cap allow a steady flow of liquid while limiting spillage. To increase flow, thin the liquid with water. This teether is also safe to put in the refrigerator for cooling effects.

According to the manufacturer, this teether uses safe, hypoallergenic silicone. It is BPA, PVC, latex, and phthalate-free. It is also dishwasher safe.

This teether is suitable for infants ages 6 to 24 months.

Best teether for sensory stimulation: Sophie The Giraffe

Price (RRP)$26.50
ProsStimulates multiple senses. Free from harmful ingredients.
ConsMore expensive than other options. Not dishwasher safe.

This teether toy uses all-natural rubber and food-grade dye. It is free from

The manufacturer states that this teether can help stimulate different senses:

  • Sight: contrasting dark spots on the giraffe’s body offer visual stimulation.
  • Hearing: has a squeaker inside.
  • Touch: soft to touch and lightweight.
  • Smell: the scent of the natural rubber makes Sophie easy for a baby to identify.

It has different parts for a baby to chew on, such as legs, horns, head and tail. The company also highlights that it is a single-piece toy with no parts that could break off.

It is not suitable for dishwashers or other sterilizing methods. People should clean the teether, ensuring no liquid gets in through the squeaker hole.

Sophie the Giraffe has 3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.

Best for cleaning gums: Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez

Price (RRP)$5.99
ProsMassages gums and has cleaning benefits. Low cost.
ConsNuby lacks accreditation.

This teether has multiple textures and teething surfaces, which massages and cleans the gums.

Nuby recommends this teether for babies 3 months and older.

The teether comes in a variety of colors and comes with a hygienic carrying case. The silicone is BPA free, and it is dishwasher safe.

It has 3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. However, Nuby does not have Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation.

Best teething bib: Nuby Soft Trends Cotton Muslin Bib

Price (RRP)$10.99
ProsMultipurpose, washable.
ConsSmaller than a teething toy.

The Nuby teething bib is made of 100% cotton and has a teething corner on the end of the bib.

It is suitable for babies ages 0 months up. The silicone teething edge is BPA-free.

It may offer convenience as the chew is always attached while the bib is on. However, it may not be large enough for some infants.

Best safe option: Comotomo Teether

Price (RRP)$6.80
ProsMultipurpose, washable.
ConsLacks additional features or benefits.

Comotomo Teether uses nontoxic silicone.

It has no moving parts that could come loose and cause a choking hazard,

People can clean this teether in a dishwasher or by sterilizing it in boiling water for 5 minutes. The silicone is heat resistant.

The manufacturer recommends this teether for ages 3 months plus.

The teether is free from BPA phthalates nitrosamine and lead.

Best multipurpose option: Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush

Price (RRP)$8.95
ProsHelps develop dental hygiene habits. Massaging pain relief functions.
ConsNot suitable for very young infants.

Recommended for ages 3 to 12 months, the Baby Banana Teething Toothbrush is best suited to babies who have their first teeth coming through and are starting new dental hygiene habits.

The teether is made with BPA- and latex-free silicone. The wide, soft bristles massage teething gums while also cleaning new teeth coming through.

The handles are small enough for a baby to comfortably hold the toothbrush. They can also be attached to a pacifier strap for ease of use.

The silicone is flexible. It is dishwasher and refrigerator safe.

Best for molars: Mombella Dancing Elephant

Price (RRP)$9.99
ProsCan reach back molars. Massaging and cleaning benefits.
ConsNot suitable for very young infants. Requires supervision.

The manufacturer recommends this teether for babies 4-9 months old, as this is when biting and chewing habits begin.

The Dancing Elephant teether is long enough for the baby to chew on it with front and back teeth, including the molars, while having a non-choking design.

The bumpy texture also works to help massage and clean the gums.

It is lightweight and made of 100% high quality silicone. People can find Mombella’s safety tests and certificates here.

The manufacturer advises that adults supervise infants using the Mombella Dancing Elephant.

Best toy teether: Infantino Cow

Price (RRP)$14.99
ProsCan reach back molars. Massaging and cleaning benefits.
ConsCosts more than other options. Not suitable for dishwasher or immersion in water.

Made for babies ages 0 months and up, this teether toy is created with natural BPA-free rubber for a soft chewing experience that soothes sore gums.

It contains a squeaker for sensory stimulation, and the legs and body bend easily.

It is wipe clean only and not suitable for dishwashers or immersion in water.

Best for pain relief: Green Sprouts Cool Ring Teether

Price (RRP)$3.99
ProsCooling properties for pain relief.
ConsNot suitable for sanitizing.

This teether is suitable for refrigerating, which may provide a gentle cooling sensation to the baby’s gums.

According to this 2019 study, 67% of primary care physicians recommend cold rings to relieve teething symptoms.

The cold soothes the baby’s gums and provides pain relief, while the raised surface of the teether gently massages the gums.

This teether is nontoxic and does not use PVC or BPA. It contains sterilized water.

The manufacturer recommends this teether for ages 6 months and up. Supervision is advisable.

Best teething mitt: Itzy Mitt Teething Mitt

Price (RRP)$8.99
ProsCan prevent scratching.
ConsNot suitable for older infants.

This mitt goes on a baby’s hand. It can help prevent scratching and is useful for babies who cannot yet hold a teether.

The teether massages a baby’s gums and provides pain relief to emerging teeth. It also has a ‘crinkle sound’ that provides sensory stimulation for the baby.

This teether is made from polyester and food grade silicone. It is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead.

It is machine or hand washable.

The following table compares the teethers above for key features:

PriceMaterialAgesProsCons
Mombella Mushroom$6.99Silicone0 to 6 monthsNipple shape,
low cost
Uneven design.
May require supervision
Teetherpop$14.99Silicone6-24 monthsAllows for feeding and hydrationNot suitable for young babies.
May create mess
Sophie The Giraffe$26.50Natural rubber0 months upStimulates multiple senses.
Multiple parts to chew.
More expensive than other options.
Not suitable for dishwasher.
Nuby Teethe-eez$5.99Silicone3 months upMassages and cleans gums.
Low-cost
Nuby is not (BBB) accredited.
Nuby Bib$10.99Cotton, silicone0 months upMultipurpose.Smaller than a teether toy.
Comotomo$6.80Silicone3 months upLow cost.Lacks additional features or benefits.
Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush$8.95Silicone3-12 monthsEncourages dental hygiene.
Provides pain relief.
Not suitable for very young infants.
Mombella Dancing Elephant$9.99Silicone4-9 monthsCan reach back molars. Massaging and cleaning benefits.Requires supervision.
Not suitable for young infants
Infantino Cow$14.99Natural rubber0 months upSimple design.
Squeaker for sensory stimulation.
Costs more than other options.
Wipe clean only.
Green Sprouts Cool Ring$3.99EVA plastic6 months and upCooling for pain relief.Not suitable for sanitizing.
Itzy Mitt$8.99Polyester, silicone3 months upCan prevent scratching.Not suitable for older infants.

When choosing teethers, people may want to consider the following factors:

  • Materials: What is it made with? Is the silicon latex and BPA free?
  • Age recommendations: Products usually list an age recommendation. This is important as babies experience different stages of teething at different ages.
  • Stimulation: Does it provide visual or audio stimulation alongside teething benefits? A 2021 study found that babies respond to visual stimuli earlier than previously thought, showing their responses came from the same region as in the adult brain.
  • Additional benefits: Does the teether provide additional benefits, such as cooling pain relief?

When choosing a teething toy, it is important to prioritize safety. Here are some considerations:

  • Avoid necklaces, bracelets, and jewelry. They can break apart, presenting a choking hazard. A baby can also wrap them around their neck. A 2019 study found no evidence that amber teething necklaces relieve pain or have anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Avoid teething products that contain batteries. The batteries, battery caps, or screws could come loose and present a choking risk.
  • Never let a baby play with any toy in bed or alone. This includes in the back of a car.
  • Avoid liquid-filled teething toys. They can pop when the baby bites down, exposing the baby to potentially unsafe liquid.
  • Look into the contents. Try to find BPA-free toys, and check for any allergens and irritants. Because many people are allergic to latex, consider avoiding products that contain latex, for example.

Babies develop attachments to objects and different teethers work for different babies.

If possible, try to provide a variety of teethers for the baby. Many babies prefer a range of surfaces, bright colors, and easy-to-grip toys.

The following are common questions and answers about baby teethers:

When should I give my baby a teether?

A baby’s teeth start coming in around 6 months. This is usually when a person would provide their baby with a teether.

Teethers are available to purchase for ages 0 months and up. If someone notices their baby starting to suck on objects, they could be trying to soothe their gums. In this instance, it could be beneficial to give the baby a teether.

A person should speak to a pediatrician for advice on teething products.

Are teething rings good for babies?

Teething rings are a safe teething option for a baby. This is because they have no additional parts that could come off and cause a choking hazard. They are too large for a baby to swallow accidentally and easy for them to hold. Some can be put in a refrigerator and cooled, providing the baby with pain relief during teething.

Are gel-filled teethers safe?

There is a risk that gel-filled teethers may burst when the baby is chewing on them, causing the baby to swallow the gel. This could be cause for concern as some gels may contain parabens.

A 2019 study found that, although the levels of preservatives and parabens found in gel-filled teethers were not alarming, it would be preferable for them to avoid using preservatives and parabens. It also found that there is no legal restriction on using parabens in gel-filled baby teethers.

People should avoid gel-filled teethers for babies.

Should teethers be frozen?

Freezing teethers can cause the teether to become very hard, meaning it would cause discomfort and possible injury to a baby’s gums when trying to chew on it. Depending on how cold the teether gets, it could also cause frostbite on the baby’s gums.

A person should refrigerate a teether briefly to keep it cool. Testing it in another person’s skin before passing to a baby may help determine if it is within a safe temperature range.

The right teething toy can make teething less painful and provide needed distraction and stimuli for a baby.

If teething pain seems severe or a baby seems very distressed, contact a pediatrician. Other teething remedies, including over-the-counter medications, may help, but it is recommended a person speaks with a doctor beforehand.