Finding Relief: The Best Baby Teethers
When cranky days and sleepless nights are caused by sore gums, the right teether is a game-changer.
The best teethers are made from safe, non-toxic materials like food-grade silicone, are shaped for tiny hands to hold and mouths to explore without gagging, and are easy to clean. Less effective options use questionable materials, are hard for babies to grip, or have small parts that can break off.
- Material Matters Food-grade, BPA-free silicone is the industry standard for its safety, durability, and soft texture on sensitive gums.
- Grip is Everything Look for designs with handles, rings, or unique shapes that are easy for uncoordinated little hands to grasp and control.
- Cool, Don't Freeze While many teethers can be refrigerated for extra soothing, never freeze liquid-filled teethers as they can become too hard and damage gums.
- Multi-Sensory Relief Many top teethers incorporate crinkle sounds, rattles, or varied textures to provide sensory stimulation alongside gum relief.
Best Overall: Nuby NanaNubs Banana Silicone Infant Toothbrush
The unique banana shape is easy for babies to hold, while soft silicone bristles gently massage gums and emerging teeth, introducing early oral hygien
- Unique shape is easy for babies to hold
- Soft bristles gently massage gums
- Introduces toothbrushing concepts early
- Very affordable price point
- Bristles can trap lint and hair
- Can be difficult to clean thoroughly between bristles
- Softer material may not hold up to older babies with more teeth
Runner Up: Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Its mesmerizing maze of soft, BPA-free tubes is easy for tiny hands to clutch and explore. A quiet internal rattle provides gentle auditory stimulus f
- Extremely easy for tiny hands to clutch
- Doubles as a sensory toy with a gentle rattle
- Can be chilled for extra soothing
- Durable and long-lasting design
- Cannot be sterilized with steam or boiling water
- Higher price point than other options
- Bulky shape is less portable
Best for Young Babies: Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt
Perfect for babies who can’t yet hold a teether, this mitt stays securely on their hand with an adjustable strap. The textured silicone and crinkle so
- Stays on baby’s hand with an adjustable strap
- Protects hands from chewing and face from scratching
- Crinkle sound provides sensory stimulation
- Machine washable fabric
- Fabric can get soaked with drool quickly
- Baby may not like having something strapped to their hand
- Can be difficult to get on a wriggly baby
Best Value: Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys
These keys contain a non-toxic gel that stays cool when refrigerated, offering extra soothing relief for sore gums. The classic key ring design is eas
- Stays cool longer when refrigerated due to gel
- Excellent low price
- Multiple textures for varied relief
- Classic key shape is easy to hold
- Cannot be boiled or steam sterilized
- Gel makes it heavier than other teethers
- Hard plastic sections may be too firm for some babies
Best Premium: Mombella Elephant Baby Teether Toys
This 2-in-1 teether doubles as a toothbrush with super-soft bristles, promoting early oral hygiene. Its smart design prevents gagging, and it includes
- Comes with a clip to attach to clothes
- Soft, flexible, and durable material
- Multiple textures and easy-to-hold legs
- Dishwasher and freezer safe
- Clip can be bulky
- Pricier than some basic silicone teethers
- Light color can show dirt easily
Best for Molar Teething: Frida Baby Get-A-Grip Silicone Teether
Its innovative wrist-hugging design keeps the teether from being dropped, while multi-textured shapes specifically target hard-to-reach molars and bac
- Shape is designed to reach back molars
- Wrist strap prevents it from being dropped
- Multiple textures for comprehensive relief
- Easy for baby to hold and position
- May not fit chunkier wrists comfortably
- Specific shape may be less interesting than toy-like teethers
- Can be tricky to clean around the strap area
Side-by-side comparison
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Best Overall
Nuby NanaNubs Banana Silicone Infant Toothbrush –
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Runner Up
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy,
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Best for Young Babies
Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt – Soothing Infan
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Best Value
Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys for Infants – Si
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Best Premium
Baby Teething Toys for Babies 3-12 Months with Att
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Best for Molar Teething
Frida Baby Get-A-Grip Silicone Teether for Teethin
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| Material | Silicone | BPA-Free Plastic | Silicone/Fabric | Silicone/Gel | Silicone | Silicone |
| Age Range | 3+ Months | 0+ Months | 3+ Months | 3+ Months | 3-12 Months | 0-18 Months |
| Can Be Chilled | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special Feature | Brush Bristles | Rattle | Wearable Mitt | Gel-Filled | Includes Clip | Wrist-Hugging |
| Price | $4.98 | $18.00 | $9.99 | $4.28 | $9.99 | – |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
What to look for in Baby Teethers
When do babies need teethers?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months old. You’ll know it’s time when you see increased drooling, fussiness, gum swelling, and a constant desire to chew on everything in sight.
How should I clean a baby teether?
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Most one-piece silicone teethers can be washed with hot, soapy water, boiled for a few minutes for sterilization, or placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Can I freeze a baby teether?
It’s not recommended. A frozen teether can become rock-hard, which can be too harsh and potentially damage your baby’s sensitive gums. Refrigerating a teether provides a safe level of cool to soothe discomfort.
How many teethers does a baby need?
It’s a good idea to have at least three to five different types on hand. Babies can be picky, and what works one day might be rejected the next. Having multiples also ensures you’ll always have a clean one ready while others are being washed.
The bottom line
- Nuby NanaNubs Banana: Best overall for its easy-to-hold shape and gum-massaging bristles.
- Manhattan Toy Winkel: A classic sensory toy and teether that's easy for the smallest hands to clutch.
- Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt: The perfect solution for young babies who can't yet grasp a teether.
- Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys: An excellent budget-friendly choice that provides cooling relief when refrigerated.
- Mombella Elephant Baby Teether: A premium, soft silicone teether with a handy clip to prevent drops.
- Frida Baby Get-A-Grip Silicone Teether: Uniquely designed to stay on the wrist and reach troublesome back molars.
For reliable, everyday relief, the Nuby NanaNubs Banana is our top pick for its smart design and affordable price. If your baby is too young to consistently hold a teether, the Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt provides excellent hands-free soothing.
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