How to choose teething toys
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
To choose a teething toy, focus on safety (one-piece silicone or natural rubber, no small parts), age-appropriate firmness, and easy-to-clean materials. Avoid liquid-filled or wooden teethers for heavy chewers, and always supervise use.
What age should you start using teething toys?
Most babies begin teething around four to seven months, but some start earlier or later. The first signs are often excessive drooling, chewing on fists, and fussiness. You can offer a teething toy as soon as your baby can bring objects to their mouth, typically around three to four months. For younger infants, choose very soft silicone that bends easily. For older babies with emerging teeth (six months and up), slightly firmer textures can provide more relief. Always check the manufacturer’s age recommendation, some toys are too firm for a three-month-old’s gums.
What materials are safest for teething toys?
The safest materials are food-grade silicone and natural rubber. They are soft, flexible, and free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC. Silicone is non-porous and dishwasher-safe, while natural rubber is biodegradable but requires hand-washing. Both materials are durable enough for light to moderate chewing. Avoid wooden teethers unless they are solid, untreated, and free of splinters, many have paint or varnish that can chip. Also be cautious with plastic teethers that contain small parts or intricate shapes where bacteria can hide. Liquid-filled teethers can leak if punctured, so they are not ideal for strong chewers.
Should you choose solid or liquid-filled teethers?
Solid silicone or rubber teethers are generally safer because they cannot leak. Liquid-filled teethers (the kind you refrigerate) can offer cooling relief, but they may break under aggressive chewing, spilling the gel or water inside. If you choose a liquid-filled option, inspect it regularly for cracks and discard at the first sign of damage. A better alternative for cooling is to chill a solid silicone teether in the refrigerator (never the freezer, which can make it too hard and damage gums). Some parents also like textured silicone teethers with ridges or bumps, they provide gum massage without the risk of a puncture.
How easy should a teething toy be to clean?
Teething toys get dropped, licked, and dragged across floors constantly, so easy cleaning is essential. Look for toys that are dishwasher-safe (top rack) or boilable. One-piece silicone designs have no crevices or holes where saliva or mold can grow. Avoid toys with fabric straps, small crevices, or multi-part assemblies unless you can disassemble them for thorough cleaning. If a toy has a textured surface, check that it’s smooth enough to wipe clean with soap and water. For silicone and rubber, a weekly boil (per manufacturer instructions) helps sanitize. Never use harsh chemicals, babies will put the toy right back in their mouth.
How many teething toys do you really need?
Most parents find that three to four teething toys in rotation is enough. Having a few allows for one to be cleaned while the baby chews another, and you can rotate them to maintain novelty. A good mix might include: one very soft silicone teether for early teething, one firmer textured option for later, and a cooling-friendly solid ring. Avoid buying a dozen, babies tend to have favorites, and too many options can be overwhelming. Focus on one high-quality toy per stage, then add another if your baby shows strong interest in different textures.
What are the signs a teething toy is no longer safe?
Inspect teething toys regularly. Stop using any toy that shows visible wear: cracks, chunks missing, discoloration, or rough edges. For silicone, if the surface becomes sticky or tacky, it’s time to replace it. For rubber, look for tearing or crumbling around the edges. Also pay attention to how the toy feels, it should always be firm enough to resist biting but soft enough not to hurt gums. If a once-soft teether becomes hard or brittle, toss it. A good rule of thumb: replace silicone teethers every two to three months, or sooner if your baby is an aggressive chewer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a teething toy in the freezer?
No, never put a teething toy in the freezer, it can become too hard and damage a baby’s gums or cause ice burns. Instead, refrigerate solid silicone toys for a soothing cooling effect.
Are wooden teethers safe for babies?
Solid, untreated wooden teethers (like those made from maple or beech) can be safe, but they are harder than silicone and can splinter over time. Avoid painted or varnished wood, and inspect regularly for rough spots. Wood is also harder to clean thoroughly.
How do I clean a teething toy that cannot go in the dishwasher?
Wash it by hand with warm, soapy water and a clean brush, then rinse well. For a deeper sanitize, you can submerge it in boiling water for a few minutes (check the manufacturer’s instructions first). Natural rubber toys often require hand-washing only.
What should I do if my baby chews on a teething toy that has a strong chemical smell?
Stop using it immediately. A strong chemical or rubbery smell can indicate low-quality materials or off-gassing. Discard the toy and switch to a reputable brand made of 100% food-grade silicone or natural rubber. Smell alone is not always a safety issue, but it’s a red flag.
Can teething toys help with pain from new teeth?
Yes, the pressure from chewing on a firm but soft teether can temporarily soothe sore gums. Cooling (refrigerating, not freezing) a silicone toy adds extra relief. But teething toys are not a cure, they are a comfort tool. If your baby is in significant pain, consult your pediatrician for other options.
When should I stop using teething toys?
Most children lose interest in teethers once their primary teeth have broken through, usually around 12 to 18 months. But some toddlers keep chewing on them for soothing purposes, that’s fine as long as the toy is still safe. Switch to toddler-appropriate chewable toys if your child becomes a heavy chewer.