Teething is a big milestone for little ones and for parents. For babies, it means their tiny pink gums are getting ready to house some pearly whites, which means more solid foods in their future. Yay! For parents, it means many days and nights of crying babies who need some relief from their sore and inflamed gums. Less yay. Thankfully, there are several teething toys to help take the sting out of this transition period for everyone.
Babies typically begin teething between four and seven months. The list of symptoms is long, including crying and fussing, a slight fever, drooling, hands in the mouth, changes in their sleeping and eating schedule, and red, swollen gums. This can make identify teething pain somewhat difficult for parents, but the good news is that teething toys are inexpensive, easy for babies to play with, and won’t cause any harm to gums even if your little one’s fussiness is being caused by something other than teething.
When it comes to teething toys, parents may have to wade through a few options before finding what works for their little one. Thankfully, there are several great toys available to provide relief, including toys that double as a baby’s first toothbrush (check out our suggestions on the best baby toothpaste). Check out our top picks below and remember parents, the teething stage is short-lived. Payments for dental braces, unfortunately, feel like forever.
1. Nuby Ice Gel Baby Teether Keys
BEST OVERALL
Giving a baby an ice cube is both dangerous and messy. Thankfully, there’s the Nuby Ice Gel Baby Teether Keys, which make it easy to provide cooling relief to a baby’s inflamed gums. Nuby designed their teether with PurICE technology that can be refrozen. The BPA-free teether has a variety of textures to please the baby and is designed to be able to provide relief to the back and front of the gums at the same time.
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2. Not-Too-Cold-to-Hold BPA-Free Silicone Teether for Babies by Frida Baby
BEST HANDLE
If a baby’s hands are getting too cold from a teether that has been placed in the freezer, there’s the Not-Too-Cold-to-Hold BPA-Free Silicone Teether for Babies by Frida Baby. The two-piece teething toy has a top section that can be placed in the fridge to provide cooling relief to the gums, while the bottom section holds the colder part and gives the baby a room-temperature place to grip. The double-sided teething toys provide four shapes to help reach every part of the gums and all three sections are made from baby-safe, BPA-free, non-toxic silicone.
3. Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt
BEST FOR HAND CHEWERS
Many babies like to use their hands as a teething toy since they’re always available and impossible to lose. This also means lots of germs in your little one’s mouth and some sore hands at the end of the day. The Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt fits over hands and can be tightened to hopefully stay on (some babies really love to fling these off). The end of the mitts features a soft, food-grade silicone that is non-toxic and free from BPA, PVC, and sore hands.
4. Baby Banana Infant Teething Toothbrush
BEST INTRODUCTORY TOOTHBRUSH
Teething is the first sign that baby is getting teeth and it’s never too early to start good dental hygiene. Help little ones relieve some gum pain and get used to a toothbrush with the Baby Banana Infant Teething Toothbrush. The soft silicone brush is dishwasher and freezer safe and has an easy-grip handle that is designed specifically for little ones.
5. Haakaa 360 Baby Toothbrush
BEST SUCTION STAND
Like the Baby Banana, the Haakaa 360 Baby Toothbrush is another great introductory toothbrush for little gums and teeth that are getting ready to sprout. The brush has soft silicone bristles that cover the head and help to soothe gums and remove milk from the skin. Massage and clean gums with a toothbrush that includes a safety shield to ensure it won’t choke the baby and a convenient suction bottom that keeps the brush clean and will be fun for the baby. The toothbrush is made from food-grade, BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free silicone.
6. Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder
FOR BABIES WHO ARE EATING SOLIDS
If you’re starting to introduce solids to your teething baby, one way to get the food from A to B is with the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder. Great for pureed food or for filling with ice cubes or frozen fruit or veggies, the soft mesh ends allow for babies to get food or frozen relief for their gums. The mesh bag can easily be locked to ensure only tiny pieces that are safe for the baby make it through.
7. Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething Toy
BEST STUFFY
For a stuffed animal that doubles as a teething toy, it doesn’t get much more versatile (and cuter) than the Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Baby Activity and Teething Toy. The plush toy is filled with sensory stimulation for little ones, from crinkle to rattle. Every part of the toy is safe for the baby’s mouth, but there are several sections on the toy, including the silicone cloud, that are designed to be used as a teether. We also like that the Skip Hop comes with an attachment that makes it easy to secure the stuffy to a stroller or car seat.
8. Infantino Go gaga! Spiral Car Seat Activity Toy
BEST ON-THE-GO TEETHER
Multi-use toys can make a baby and an adult’s life better thanks to their ability to keep little ones entertained. They typically last through several stages as well, since babies will learn how to play with the toy more as they get older. The Infantino Go gaga! Spiral Car Seat Activity Toy is great for growing babies and can easily be attached to strollers and car seats, providing ample entertainment and stimulation. The toy features a BPA-free teether, as well as a small mirror and a rattle, which are all toys baby will enjoy grabbing, biting, and examining for several months.
9. Sophie la Girafe So’Pure Circle Teether
BABY SHOWER FAVORITE
For almost six decades, Sophie the Giraffe has been one of the most popular teething toys around the world thanks to its cute and soft design. Now there’s the So’Pure Circle Teether, which includes the same beloved giraffe design inside a circular handle that makes it even easier for baby’s to grab. Made from 100% natural rubber, the teether is gentle on sore gums.
10. Honey Teether and Clip Set by January Moon
EASY ATTACHMENT
The only thing less fun than watching your baby in pain while teething is watching them in pain while you frantically search for their favorite teething toy. That’s why we like the Honey Teether and Clip Set by January Moon, which easily clips to a baby’s clothing, stroller, or car seat to make sure the non-toxic silicone teether is always within reach.
Get Some Relief For You and Your Little One With The Best Teething Toys For Baby