20 Teething Toys That Offer Serious Relief
May 2018
Babies generally start teething early, before they’re even sitting up on their own, between 3 and 6 months. And when it happens, it can make for one upset baby. The secret to getting through this often painful stage? Teething toys that baby can chew on to relieve sore, sensitive gums. Chomping down on a teether feels good because it offers counterpressure to the rising tooth. Teethers that you cool in the freezer have the additional benefit of slightly numbing baby’s gums.
What’s the best teething toy, you ask? Whichever one your baby takes! Some babies may want to hold a teether themselves; others like to grab onto a teething necklace that moms wears. Teethers can be made of wood, silicone, natural rubber, BPA-free plastic or fabric, but different babies have different preferences, so expect some trial and error while you find what your little one prefers. Here are 20 of the best teething toys, all appropriate from birth or 3 months of age.
Winner of the 2018 Best of Baby award for best teether, this little elephant is perfectly designed for soothing aching gums. The neck is long enough to reach cutting molars (but, thanks to the top disc, isn’t so long that baby will gag or choke) and the body is easy for tiny fingers to grasp and hold. Pop it in the freezer for some cooling relief.
Buy it: $7, Amazon.com
She’s a legend in the baby world. Since 1961 this French-born, natural-rubber teether has delighted babies and their parents. Those skinny legs are easy to hold onto while baby bites Sophie’s head, especially her horns and ears. Some babies flip her around and bite down on the legs, which can reach back toward the molars. It’s a little pricey, but most parents who invest in this teething toy say it’s worth every penny.
Buy it: $25, Target.com
These chic teething necklaces offer an ingenious way to easily soothe baby. Instead of handing him a teether he’ll more than likely drop, let him grab onto a necklace that you wear. Babies always want to nab your jewelry anyway, right? Chewbeads necklaces (and bracelets!) come in tons of colors, from neutrals to brights. We’ve known moms to rock them even when they’re not holding a baby.
Buy it: $35, Chewbeads.com
Stash these soft, flexible teething rings in the freezer; when you hand one to baby, it’ll numb her sore gums as she bites down. Because you get two to a pack, you can always have one “on ice” while she gums the other!
Buy it: $5 for two, Munchkin.com
Baby can chew or suck this nubby raspberry teether, depending on what’s most soothing. After all, a young infant’s teething pain might coincide with his inborn urge to suckle. This silicone teething pacifier can do both.
Buy it: $6, MyRazbaby.com
This set of beads on an elastic band forms a perfect wooden teething ring. Babies love the bright rainbow colors, and parents appreciate giving their child natural wood to bite down on.
Buy it: $15, Amazon.com
This silicone teething ring features soft, flexible bristles on one end, which offer a massaging sensation when babies bite down. Infants can also chomp on the other end for a change in texture. Bonus: The teether is easy for little hands to turn around and manipulate.
Buy it: $5, BuyBuyBaby.com
Like a teething necklace, you can wear this unique teether. A silicone teething ring is sewn into the scarf, making it easily accessible for baby while you cart your little one around. Plus, not only does the scarf make for a cute accessory (it comes in four stylish patterns), it protects your outfit from inevitable drool.
Buy it: $11, Amazon.com
Another variation on a teether? One made of soft, organic cotton, like this bear from Apple Park. A baby with especially sensitive gums may need to bite down on something extra-gentle, and this, filled with corn fibers, fits the bill. It also makes a gentle jingle-bell sound when shaken.
Buy it: $20, ApplePark.com
When your teething tot needs a pick-me-up, hand him this adorable “coffee cup” with a chewy teether lid! It doubles as a fascinating toy, thanks to the built-in mirror and rattling beads. Though it’s age-graded for babies as young as 3 months, parents say it’s also a good teething toy for toddlers, who love to imitate grown-ups.
Buy it: $5, Target.com
Babies love to bite and suck on their own fingers for teething relief, but the downside is it makes their skin red and chapped—so Comotomo designed a silicone teether that replicates the shapes of baby fingers. Babies can hold the round end and bite the finger-like nubs, or spin it around and bite the ring.
Buy it: $7, Amazon.com
Designed in Spain, this sweet teething bracelet can be worn around baby’s own little wrist, so it’s always within reach. The body is natural rubber and hand-painted with food-grade dye. And those big ears just beg to be chewed on!
Buy it: $19, OliAndCarol.us
With 10 teething balls of varying textures, this set offers plenty for baby to explore. A few are grooved, some are spiky and others are nuby. They’re safe from birth, but parents say older babies and toddlers take to these teething balls best, since they’re so fun to roll and chase.
Buy it: $17, Target.com
These are actually three teething rings looped together. Two variations are available: one made of two maple hardwood rings paired with silicone beads, the other offers one hardwood ring and double the silicone beads. Either way, baby has a choice of what to chew.
But it: $25, LoulouLollipop.com
Fact: Teething babies drool. A lot. Not only does this jaunty bandana-style bib protect your little one’s outfit from getting soaked, but it also has a teether at the end for chomping. Plus, it’s reversible!
Buy it: $20, Amazon.com
Slide this teething glove onto baby’s hand so her teether is always, well, at hand! As easily as she can get her fingers to her mouth, she can get this teether to her gums.
Buy it: $13, Amazon.com
Technically it’s the bandana around this little fox’s neck that’s a teether (it comes off so an adult can wear as a teething bracelet for baby), but parents report that their kiddos chew on every bit of this toy. The crinkly ears and soft body are all bite-worthy, and there’s a bonus teether, shaped like a leaf, tucked into the fox’s pocket.
Buy it: $15, Amazon.com
Think your 3-month-old is too young for carrots? Think again! Super-soft and gentled textured, these faux food silicone teethers are perfect for teething babes. To put parents’ mind at ease, they’re free of BPA, PVC, lead and phthalates. If your child isn’t into vegetables, AppeTeethers also makes bacon-, waffles- and ice cream-shaped teethers!
Buy it: $6, Amazon.com
Moms love that Green Toys products are all recycled plastic derived from milk jugs (so they’re BPA-, phthalate-, and PVC-free), and babies love the easy-to-hold twist shape and varying textures on each charm.
Buy it: $13, GreenToys.com
If your teething babe’s sore gums needs extra soothing, pop these four silicone teethers in the freezer for a freshingly cool bite. Use the included pacifier clip to attach a teether to baby’s shirt so it’ll be right there when he needs it.
Buy it: $14, IkeandLeo.com
Updated May 2020
Plus, more from The Bump:
A No-Tears Guide to Teething
The Truth About the Safety of Amber Teething Necklaces
7 Best Baby and Toddler Toothpastes for Healthy Teeth From the Get-Go
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Baby’s Oral Health
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Baby Teeth Basics (They’re a Big Deal!)
When Should I Start Taking My Baby to the Dentist?
How to Clean Baby's New Teeth
The Truth About Homeopathic Teething Tablets