How to Choose the Best Teething Toys
Finding the right teether can turn a day of fussy misery into one of happy, gum-soothing relief for your baby.
The best teething toys are not just safe and easy to clean, but also designed to be easily held by tiny hands and provide targeted relief for sore gums. We looked for teethers made from BPA-free materials with varied textures that can withstand constant chewing and, in some cases, even be chilled for extra comfort.
- Cooling is King Many babies find extra relief from teethers that can be chilled in the fridge. Avoid the freezer, as it can make them too hard and potentially harm sensitive gums.
- Texture Matters Varied textures massage gums differently. Look for toys with bumps, ridges, and soft bristles to provide diverse sensory input and find what your baby prefers.
- Grip is Crucial For young infants, a teether they can actually hold is key. Look for lightweight designs, rings, or even wearable options like mittens to avoid frustration.
- Prioritize Hygiene Silicone and other non-porous materials are easiest to clean. Some are dishwasher-safe, which is a huge time-saver for busy parents.
Best Overall: Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Its mesmerizing maze of soft, BPA-free tubes is easy for tiny hands to clutch. The center cube houses a gentle rattle, providing both tactile and audi
- Incredibly easy for the smallest hands to grab from any angle
- Doubles as a sensory toy with a quiet rattle sound
- Very lightweight so baby won’t get tired holding it
- Can be refrigerated (not frozen) for extra cooling relief
- Cannot be steam sterilized or boiled due to the center cube
- The many loops can be tricky to clean thoroughly by hand
- Slightly larger than some other newborn-specific options
Best for Early Dental Hygiene: Baby Banana The Original, Banana Brush
Introduce early dental hygiene with this flexible toothbrush teether. Its soft silicone and peel handles prevent injuries, making it a safe way for ba
- Soft bristles gently massage gums and clean first teeth
- Peel handles prevent over-insertion and are easy to hold
- Flexible material is safer than hard plastic toothbrushes
- Can be chilled for added soothing on sore gums
- Bristles can wear down over time with heavy chewing
- Silicone material attracts lint and hair, requiring frequent rinsing
- Some babies may not like the bristle texture
Best for Cooling Relief: Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys
Soothe intensely sore gums with these freezable keys. The PûrICE gel stays colder longer than water-filled teethers, providing extended cooling relief
- Gel stays colder much longer than traditional water-filled teethers
- Multiple textures on the keys provide varied relief
- Key shape is easy for babies to hold and manipulate
- Very affordable price point for the relief it provides
- Can only be chilled in the refrigerator, not the freezer
- Gel makes them slightly heavier than non-filled teethers
- The hard plastic ring part is not intended for chewing
Best for Young Babies: Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt
Perfect for babies who can’t yet grasp a teether. This wearable mitt has a textured silicone surface for gum relief and an engaging crinkle sound to k
- Prevents babies from chewing on and irritating their own hands
- Stays in place, eliminating the ‘drop and cry’ game
- Crinkle sound provides bonus sensory engagement and entertainment
- Machine washable fabric for easy and thorough cleaning
- Baby’s hand can get sweaty inside the mitten
- Some babies may resist wearing it or try to pull it off
- Silicone part is fixed, limiting the chewing angles
Runner Up: Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether, Orange
Designed to mimic the size and feel of a baby’s finger, this teether is intuitive for little ones to grab and chew. Its durable, food-grade silicone i
- Multiple prongs are easy for baby to grab and direct into their mouth
- Soft yet durable silicone is gentle on gums
- Designed to reach emerging molars without posing a choking hazard
- One-piece design is exceptionally easy to clean and sterilize
- Simple design lacks extra sensory features like rattles or crinkles
- Silicone surface can be a magnet for dust, lint, and hair
- Some babies may prefer more rigid textures for teething
Best for Hands-Free Soothing: RaZbaby RaZberry Silicone Baby Teether Toy
This hands-free teether doubles as a pacifier, featuring textured BerryBumps that gently massage sore gums. Its unique shape helps introduce babies to
- Hands-free design is great for car seats and strollers
- Bumpy texture provides an excellent gum massage
- Familiar pacifier shape is intuitive for many babies
- Can be frozen for extra cooling relief on gums
- Not all babies will take to the pacifier shape
- The shield can sometimes press uncomfortably against the nose
- Can be difficult to attach a standard pacifier clip
Side-by-side comparison
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Best Overall
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy,
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Best for Early Dental Hygiene
Baby Banana The Original, Banana Brush, Made in US
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Best for Cooling Relief
Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys for Infants – Si
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Best for Young Babies
Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt – Soothing Infan
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Runner Up
Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether, Orange
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Best for Hands-Free Soothing
RaZbaby RaZberry Silicone Baby Teether Toy – Berry
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| Material | BPA-Free Plastic | Silicone | Plastic, PûrICE Gel | Silicone, Fabric | Silicone | Silicone |
| Can Be Chilled | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Cleaning (1-5) | 3 /10 | 4 /10 | 4 /10 | 5 /10 | 5 /10 | 5 /10 |
| Target Age | 0+ months | 3+ months | 3+ months | 3+ months | 3+ months | 3+ months |
| Price | $18.00 | $7.61 | $4.28 | $9.99 | $6.99 | $4.88 |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
What to look for in Teething Toys
When should I give my baby a teething toy?
You can introduce a teething toy around 3 to 4 months of age, or whenever you notice the first signs of teething like increased drooling, fussiness, and a desire to chew on everything. Always supervise your baby when they are using a teether, regardless of age.
How do I clean teething toys?
Most silicone and plastic teethers can be washed with hot, soapy water, and many are top-rack dishwasher safe. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some teethers with gel inserts or rattles cannot be boiled or placed in a steam sterilizer.
Are frozen teething toys safe for babies?
It is best to avoid freezing teethers solid. A frozen teether can become rock hard and may bruise or harm your baby’s delicate gums. Instead, chill them in the refrigerator to provide safe, effective, and comfortable cooling relief.
How many teething toys do I need?
Having 3 to 5 different teething toys is a good idea. This allows you to rotate them while others are being cleaned and gives your baby a variety of shapes and textures to explore. You’ll quickly learn which type your baby prefers.
The bottom line
- Manhattan Toy Winkel: The best overall teether due to its brilliant, easy-to-grasp design that's perfect for even the youngest babies.
- Baby Banana: A great choice for combining teething relief with the early, gentle introduction of dental hygiene.
- Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys: The top pick for providing extended cooling relief thanks to its innovative PûrICE gel filling.
- Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt: The perfect solution for young babies who chew their hands but haven't yet mastered holding a toy.
- Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether: An excellent, safe option with a unique finger-like design that is great for reaching emerging molars.
- RaZbaby RaZberry Silicone Baby Teether Toy: Ideal for hands-free soothing, especially for babies who are already accustomed to using a pacifier.
For an all-around teether that’s incredibly easy for young babies to hold and use, the Manhattan Toy Winkel is our top choice. If you’re looking for maximum cooling relief for intensely sore gums, the Nuby IcyBite Ice Gel Teether Keys offer superior, long-lasting comfort at a fantastic price.
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