Teething is one of those phases every parent dreads—sleepless nights, drooly clothes, and a baby who suddenly wants to chew on everything in sight. Thankfully, finding the right teether can turn things around. The right baby teether can soothe sore gums, distract fussy little ones, and even help with sensory development. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best teethers for your baby can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve tested and rounded up the top rated teethers that actually work—gentle on gums, easy to hold, and safe for those curious mouths. Here are the top 6 teethers for babies that made the cut.
1-Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
As a mom who has tested what feels like every teether under the sun, the Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys definitely made its way into my rotation when my little one started showing those telltale teething signs. What drew me in initially was the cooling feature and the fun key design, but as with every product, there are both ups and downs. The teether is made by Nuby and constructed from silicone with a PurICE gel interior. It measures 1 x 5.75 x 5.75 inches and is free from BPA, phthalates, PVC, and latex.
Pros:
- Cooling Relief for Sore Gums: When chilled in the fridge, the PurICE gel really does provide soothing relief for sore, inflamed gums. My baby seemed to enjoy the cold sensation, especially during those rough teething days when nothing else worked.
- Multi-Surface Texture: The teether has different textures on each of the keys, which kept my baby entertained while giving her gums a good massage. I appreciated that it seemed to help with the discomfort across all teeth stages—front, middle, and back.
- Durable & Safe Materials: It’s BPA-free, phthalate-free, and made of silicone, which gave me peace of mind knowing that my baby wasn’t chewing on anything questionable. After months of gnawing, it held up well without any tears or leaks.
Cons:
- Bulky for Small Hands: While the key design is cute, I noticed that my daughter, especially when she was under 6 months, struggled to hold it comfortably. The bulkiness made it awkward for smaller babies, so it may be better suited for slightly older infants.
- Strong Chemical Smell: Straight out of the package, I noticed a noticeable chemical-like odor. Even after a few washes, it took some time for the smell to dissipate, which made me hesitant initially.
- Not Suitable for Sterilization: This is a big one for moms who like to sterilize everything. The instructions say it shouldn’t be sterilized, only washed with warm soapy water. While cleaning is still easy, it’s not ideal if you prefer the convenience of popping things into a sterilizer.
Overall, the Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys is a solid choice for older babies who need cooling gum relief. However, for younger infants or parents who are sensitive to chemical smells, it might not be the perfect fit. Still, it’s affordable, durable, and effective when used right—a good option to have in your teething arsenal.
2-Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether with Bristles,
Teething babies and stressed-out parents—name a more iconic duo, right? When my little one started gnawing on everything like a tiny puppy, I gave the Nuby Silicone Fish-Shaped Teether a try. Manufactured by Nuby, this teether is made from super-soft 100% silicone, giving my baby a safe and flexible chewing surface (and giving me a break from rescuing my keys from her mouth). It’s BPA-free and comes in neutral, calming colors like blue, pink, and green. Designed for babies aged 3 months and older, it’s a compact size and even comes with a handy hygienic carrying case, which is perfect because—let’s be honest—everything ends up on the floor eventually.
Pros:
- Soft and Safe Material: Made entirely of 100% silicone, the teether is soft yet durable, providing a gentle chewing surface that is safe for babies. Parents can feel confident about the quality as it is BPA-free and free from harmful chemicals.
- Multiple Teething Surfaces: The fish-shaped design incorporates different textured surfaces, which help massage gums and promote the eruption of new teeth. This variety provides effective relief during different teething stages.
- Easy to Clean & Comes with Case: The silicone material is easy to rinse with water or sanitize. Additionally, the included hygienic carrying case makes it convenient to keep the teether clean, especially when traveling or on-the-go.
Cons:
- Difficult for Younger Babies to Hold: While the teether is intended to be easy for little hands to grasp, some parents reported that younger infants, particularly those closer to 3 months, struggled to grip the ring portion of the fish comfortably. It may be better suited to slightly older babies.
- Limited Cooling Relief: Unlike gel-filled or freezer-friendly teethers, this teether does not provide a cooling effect. Parents seeking additional soothing from cold surfaces might find this lacking.
Overall, the Nuby Silicone Fish-Shaped Teether is a practical and well-designed teething solution, especially for parents looking for a soft, safe, and portable option. However, it may be better suited for babies who have developed a stronger grip and may not offer the same cooling comfort as other teething products.
3-Nuby Nananubs Banana Massaging Toothbrush
he Nuby NanaNubs Silicone Teething Toothbrush is a popular choice among parents due to its adorable banana shape and dual-purpose design. Combining teething relief with early dental care, it initially appears to be a practical and innovative solution.
The teether is manufactured by Nuby, made entirely from soft silicone, and is BPA-free. It measures 2 x 2 x 2 inches, making it a compact option for babies aged 3 months and up. The design features gentle bristles intended to massage gums and clean emerging teeth. It is dishwasher-safe and can be boiled for thorough sterilization. However, despite its appealing design, several issues arise during actual use.
Pros:
- Gentle on Gums & Early Teeth: The soft silicone bristles are fantastic for soothing sore gums and offering light cleaning for those first teeth. Babies generally seem to enjoy chewing on it during teething flare-ups, and it provides a subtle cleaning action without irritation.
- Perfect Size for Little Hands: The compact, banana-shaped design is easy for tiny fingers to grip. Many parents report that their babies have no trouble holding it independently, which is a notable advantage compared to some bulkier teethers.
- Easy to Clean & Sterilize: Being top-rack dishwasher safe and boilable, this teether is convenient to keep hygienic—a significant benefit when teethers frequently end up on the floor.
Cons:
- Strong Chemical Smell: A strong chemical odor is noticeable upon opening the package. Even after boiling and multiple washes, the smell can linger, causing concern about the safety of the materials, despite the BPA-free label.
- Attracts Lint & Hair: The silicone material tends to attract lint, pet hair, and dust easily. Parents often find themselves rinsing the teether repeatedly, which can be frustrating, especially when used on the go.
- Limited Relief for Back Teeth: While effective for early teeth, the small size and soft bristles provide limited relief once molars begin emerging. It appears more suitable for the initial stages of teething rather than long-term use.
Overall, the Nuby NanaNubs Silicone Teething Toothbrush is a functional, hygienic option for the early teething phase. It effectively soothes gums and introduces oral care, though the persistent odor and tendency to collect debris may deter some parents. It serves well as a starter teether but may require supplementation with a more substantial option as teething progresses.
4-Arudyo Baby Teething Toy
The Arudyo Silicone Rudder Teether is a thoughtfully designed product that aims to provide safe, soothing relief for teething babies while also promoting sensory development. Manufactured by Arudyo, this teether is made from 100% food-grade silicone and natural beech wood. It is BPA-free and weighs 2.08 ounces, making it lightweight and easy for little hands to hold. The teether is designed with a hollow, rudder-shaped structure and a wooden ring, combining different textures to stimulate gums and encourage grasping skills. It is suitable for babies aged 3 months and older. While the silicone part can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees and is safe for boiling, the wooden ring should not be boiled.
Pros:
- Safe & Baby-Friendly Materials: Made from food-grade silicone and natural beech wood, this teether is non-toxic and BPA-free. Parents can feel confident about the safety of the materials, and the ability to boil the silicone part for sterilization adds an extra level of hygiene assurance.
- Lightweight & Easy to Hold: The hollow, rudder-shaped design and wooden ring make it easy for small hands to grip. Babies can independently maneuver the teether, promoting their hand-eye coordination while relieving gum discomfort.
- Sensory Stimulation: The teether’s surface has concave and convex textures that provide gentle massage to soothe aching gums. Available in calming Morandi colors, it also supports visual development and sensory exploration.
Cons:
- Durability Concerns: Some parents have reported that the teether broke after a short period of use. This raises potential safety concerns, as broken pieces could become a choking hazard. Inspecting the teether regularly for wear and tear is recommended.
- Wooden Ring Cleaning Limitation: While the silicone part can withstand boiling temperatures, the wooden ring cannot. This creates a cleaning challenge for parents who prefer to sterilize all baby items thoroughly.
Overall, the Arudyo Silicone Rudder Teether is a well-rounded option that balances safety, sensory development, and ease of use. However, the durability issues noted by some users suggest that careful supervision and regular checks for damage are essential to ensure continued safety.
5-Seposeve Store 3 Pack Ring Teether Baby Infant Toys, Silicone Teething Ring Toys
The Seposeve Silicone Ring Teether stands out as a versatile and baby-friendly option designed to provide relief during those tough teething months. Crafted from food-grade silicone and completely BPA-free, it prioritizes safety while delivering functionality. Weighing 0.12 kilograms, it is lightweight yet durable, making it easy for little hands to hold. Available in a variety of color choices, its circular shape is cleverly designed with five distinct teething surfaces, each modeled after familiar shapes like a sun, star, moon, snowflake, and dot. It is both dishwasher and freezer safe, offering convenience for busy parents looking to soothe their teething babies quickly and hygienically.
Pros:
- Multiple Teething Textures: The teether offers five different textures on both sides, including bristles, which work to massage and soothe sore gums effectively. These varied surfaces stimulate gum areas and assist in promoting healthy tooth development during the teething stage.
- Easy for Babies to Hold: The ring-shaped design is ergonomically crafted to fit comfortably in little hands. The size and weight have been well thought out to suit babies’ grip strength, making it easier for infants to independently hold and maneuver during teething.
- Safe & High-Quality Material: Made from food-grade silicone, the teether is soft yet durable. It is free from small parts, has no odd smell, and is certified by a CPSC-approved laboratory, ensuring it meets safety standards. Parents can rest assured that it is non-toxic and safe for their babies to chew on.
- Easy to Clean & Use with Pacifier Clip: The teether is dishwasher safe and can also be placed in the freezer to provide cooling relief. Additionally, it features multiple hollow slots, allowing it to easily attach to a pacifier clip. This keeps the teether off the ground and away from dirt, minimizing cleaning hassles.
Cons:
- No Major Drawbacks Reported: Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with parents frequently highlighting its ease of use, quality materials, and effectiveness in soothing their babies. There have been no consistent complaints or major issues noted with this product.
Overall, the Seposeve Silicone Ring Teether is an excellent choice for parents seeking a safe, effective, and easy-to-use teether for their babies. The multiple textures, ergonomic design, and high-quality silicone material make it a versatile and reliable addition to any teething toolkit.
How to Pick the Best Teether for Your Baby
Choosing the best teethers for baby requires more than grabbing the first cute one you see. Not all baby teethers are created equal, and some can offer more comfort and safety than others. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting top rated teethers:
- Material Safety: Look for teethers made from BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic materials. Food-grade silicone and natural wood are often the safest choices for teethers for newborns.
- Ease of Cleaning: Babies drop things constantly, so a teether that’s dishwasher-safe or can be boiled is a huge plus. Avoid teethers with fabric parts if you want low-maintenance cleaning.
- Grip & Size: Choose a teether that’s lightweight and easy for small hands to hold. Teethers with loops, rings, or ergonomic designs help babies grip better and develop their motor skills.
- Texture Variety: The best teethers often have multiple surfaces—soft bristles, ridges, or bumps—to massage sore gums and target different teething stages.
- Durability: Babies can be rough with teethers, so opt for sturdy designs that won’t break easily. Broken teethers can become choking hazards.
- Cooling Feature: Some top rated teethers can be chilled in the fridge for added gum relief. Cold teethers can provide extra soothing comfort during particularly painful teething episodes.
- Shape Safety: Avoid teethers with small detachable parts or narrow sections that could break off. A one-piece design is often the safest bet.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you find the best teethers for your baby—teethers that not only ease discomfort but also give you some much-needed peace and quiet.
Casey Fisher is a finance whiz by day and a superhero mom by night. With two little ones keeping her on her toes, she’s mastered the art of balancing spreadsheets and bedtime stories. Casey’s passion lies in making sense of numbers — and the delightful chaos of parenting. Her writing brings a refreshing, witty perspective to the ups and downs of working mom life, proving that it’s possible to handle both boardroom meetings and messy toddler tantrums with equal parts grace and humor.
