Teething can turn peaceful days into fussy ones, leaving both you and your baby searching for relief. Those tiny gums ache, and every chew toy suddenly becomes their new best friend.
In my experience, finding the best teethers for babies isn’t just about soothing pain; it’s about choosing safe, engaging, and development-friendly options. There’s a lot more variety than most parents realize.
I’ll walk you through some trusted picks, explain what makes each one effective, and share tips to help you choose what truly works for your little one.
Best Teething Toys for Babies
Let’s take a closer look at some of the options that really work. These are some of the best teethers for babies that parents swear by.
1. Moonjax Teether
I’ve seen the Moonjax Teether work wonders for sore gums. It’s made from 100% medical-grade silicone; safe, smooth, and easy to hold.
The simple shape fits perfectly in tiny hands, and its flexible design gently massages gums without putting pressure on the mouth.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
2. Mushie Toother
The Mushie Teether is both cute and practical. It’s made from 100% food-grade silicone, completely free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
I like that it’s lightweight and easy to grab, with soft textures that comfort sore gums. The fun shapes like flowers and animals make teething a little more playful.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
3. Itzy-Ritzy Teether
If you want something textured and durable, the Itzy Ritzy Teether is a solid choice. Made from food-grade silicone, it’s gentle on gums but firm enough for relief. The small ridges massage gums, while the easy-grip design keeps babies engaged and busy.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
4. Nuby KoolSoother
In my experience, the Nuby KoolSoother is a lifesaver during tough teething days. You can chill it in the fridge for instant gum relief. It’s lightweight, colorful, and designed for little hands to hold easily. The cooling effect really helps calm fussiness.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
5. Infantino Water Teethers
Infantino Water Teethers are soft, water-filled rings that offer gentle pressure for sore gums.
I’ve noticed babies love the texture and cool feel, especially when chilled. They’re also easy to grip and come in fun shapes and colors that keep babies interested.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
6. Sophie la Giraffe
Sophie la Giraffe has been a classic for decades, and for good reason. Made from natural rubber and painted with food-grade dyes, it’s safe, squeezable, and soft. Babies love the long legs for easy gripping and the squeaky sound that makes playtime fun.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
7. Oli & Carol teether
The Oli & Carol Teether stands out for being eco-friendly and beautifully made. It’s crafted from 100% natural rubber and hand-painted with safe, food-grade dyes.
The soft, flexible shape feels gentle on gums, while the fun radish design adds a playful touch.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
8. Baby Fruit Feeders
I love these because they double as both a teether and a snack tool. You can place small fruit pieces inside the silicone pouch, so babies can chew safely and experience new flavors. The textured top massages gums while offering soothing comfort and nutrition.
Where to Buy: Amazon, The Saturday Baby.
9. Manhattan Toy Winkel
The Manhattan Toy Winkel is part teether, part sensory toy. Its colorful loops are made from BPA-free plastic that’s safe to chew. Babies love shaking and gripping it, and the soft texture helps ease sore gums while boosting coordination.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
10. Oball Ball
The Oball Ball is lightweight, flexible, and easy for even the youngest babies to grab. Made from BPA-free plastic, it has large holes that encourage gripping and chewing. It’s both a fun toy and a reliable teether for soothing sore gums.
Where to Buy: Amazon.
11. Budget-Friendly Teether Options
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry, great teethers don’t have to cost much. Stores like Walmart and Target sell multipacks for under $10. They’re easy to replace if lost or worn out, giving you several options for less money.
Where to Buy: Walmart.
Which Teether Works Best for Your Baby’s Age?
Every baby goes through teething a little differently. In my experience, what soothes a 3-month-old might not interest a 9-month-old at all. Here’s a breakdown to help you figure out which teether fits best at each stage:
| Age Range | What Babies Need | Recommended Teether Types | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 Months | Newborns are just learning to grasp and explore. | Soft silicone rings or small chew toys. | Gentle on gums and easy to hold; helps practice hand-to-mouth coordination. |
| 4–6 Months | Teething discomfort increases, and babies love texture. | Textured silicone or water-filled teethers that can be chilled. | Cooling relief soothes gums, while textures keep babies interested. |
| 7–12 Months | Babies chew more and start experimenting with flavors. | Feeder teethers or larger silicone toys. | Builds chewing strength and introduces new tastes safely. |
| 12 Months & Up | Toddlers enjoy toys that do more than just soothe gums. | Teether-toy hybrids with shapes, sounds, or puzzles. | Offers comfort while encouraging play, coordination, and learning. |
What Dentists and Experts Say About Teethers
The best advice on teething usually comes from dentists who see firsthand how it affects babies’ gums. Most agree that keeping it simple and safe is the way to go.
Here’s what they recommend:
- Go for solid, smooth designs: Teethers without small parts, cracks, or sharp edges are safest for everyday chewing.
- Choose gentle materials: Food-grade silicone and natural rubber are top picks because they’re soft, non-toxic, and easy to clean.
- Skip hard plastics or paint: These can chip or wear down over time, creating health risks for your baby.
- Check regularly for wear and tear: If a teether looks damaged, replace it right away to prevent choking or gum irritation.
As I see it, the goal is to make teething as safe and soothing as possible. A well-made teether can comfort your baby while giving you peace of mind.
Here’s How the Most Popular Baby Teethers Stack Up
| Product | Material | Price Range | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonjax Teether | 100% food-grade silicone | $12–$15 | Lightweight, easy to clean, gentle ridges for soothing gums. |
| Mushie Silicone Teether | BPA-free silicone | $10–$14 | Soft, modern design, dishwasher-safe, easy to grip. |
| Itzy Ritzy Teether | Silicone | $8–$12 | Textured surface massages gums, fun shapes for sensory play. |
| Nuby KoolSoother | Water-filled | $5–$7 | Chill in fridge for cooling relief, easy for little hands. |
| Infantino Water Teether | Water-filled | $6–$8 | Multipack option, cooling feature, bright colors for engagement. |
| Sophie la Giraffe | Natural rubber | $25–$30 | Eco-friendly, squeezable, soft texture babies love. |
| Oli & Carol Radish | Natural rubber | $20–$22 | Hand-painted with food-grade dyes, playful, eco-conscious. |
| Saturday Feeder | Silicone | $12–$15 | Holds fruit/snacks, doubles as teether, promotes safe chewing. |
| Manhattan Toy Winkel | BPA-free plastic | $12–$15 | Colorful loops, rattle sound, boosts coordination and sensory skills. |
| Oball Ball | BPA-free plastic | $8–$10 | Lightweight, flexible, doubles as a toy for playtime. |
Wrapping Up
Teething doesn’t have to be a stressful stage for you or your baby. The right teether can ease discomfort and support healthy gum development as your little one explores new textures and shapes.
Rotating a few options keeps babies engaged while giving their gums the comfort they need. Regardless of which type you choose, the best teethers for babies are always the ones that feel safe and bring calm.
Take a moment to pick what fits your baby’s needs and share your favorite teether in the comments. Your insight might help another parent get through those tough teething days.
