Best teething toys for 2026
Our picks for the best teething toys, honest, unsponsored editorial picks.
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement. Picks come from reputation, long-term owner feedback, and published expert reviews.
For most families, the Vulli Sophie la Giraffe Teething Toy is the safest, most engaging pick thanks to its natural rubber and easy-to-grip shape.
If you are on a tight budget, the Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys offer cooling relief in a familiar rattle form, and the Baby Banana brush-toothbrush hybrid is a smart starter for babies both teething and learning to brush.
Finding a safe, effective teething toy can feel like a guessing game – too firm, and it hurts; too soft, and it barely helps. Add in a jungle of materials and safety claims, and it is easy to end up with something your baby ignores or chews for a day. This site cuts through the noise by focusing on what actually soothes sore gums, holds up to gnawing, and keeps little hands happily occupied.
Vulli Sophie la Giraffe Teething Toy
Best overall
4.8out of 5The iconic natural-rubber giraffe is loved by babies for its easy-to-grip neck and legs, and by parents for being fragrance‑free, BPA‑free, and surprisingly durable – a multi‑sensory classic that earns its pedestal.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
Best budget
4.5out of 5These flexible, gel‑filled keys chill safely in the fridge and provide instant cooling relief on sore gums. The familiar jingly sound and ring‑shaped handle make them a low‑cost, high‑relief favorite.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Baby Banana Bendable Training Toothbrush and Teether
Best for beginners
4.6out of 5This soft, banana‑shaped silicone brush works double duty: the textured nubs massage gums while the handle folds into a safe guard, gently introducing babies to brushing long before their first tooth fully appears.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →How we choose our picks
We do not run our own lab tests or time how long a baby chews. Instead, we comb through long‑term owner reviews (parents who used the same teether over weeks), published pediatric‑dentist recommendations, and independent safety reports to see what actually holds up. We pay close attention to what breaks – flimsy straps, peeling paint, trapped moisture – and note which toys earn repeat purchases. We also weigh ergonomics and material safety (no BPA, phthalates, or PVC) by checking certifications and manufacturer disclosures. The picks here are the ones that consistently appear on curated lists from respected outlets and in parent forums where people are honest about what collects dust versus what stays in the nursery rotation.
Start here: pick by what you need
How we pick
Teething Toy Picks is independent. We don’t take payment for placement and a commission never moves a product up our list. Our rankings come from research, not sponsorships.