Types of Teething Toys: Choosing the Best Teether for Your Baby
Teething is a major milestone for babies, but it often comes with fussiness, drooling, and sore gums. One of the best ways to soothe a teething baby is to offer them safe and effective teething toys. Parents today have plenty of options, ranging from silicone teethers to natural rubber teethers, freezable teethers, and even edible food teethers. With so many choices, knowing the types of teething toys available and what makes each unique can help you find the right match for your little one.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of teething toys by material and function, highlight the benefits of each and share key safety tips when choosing the best option.
Before you get to know the different types of teething toys, you can start by understanding the Teething signs and timeline of your child.
Material-Based Teething Toys
When it comes to teething toy types, the material makes a huge difference in comfort, durability, and safety.
Silicone Teethers
Among the most popular options, silicone teethers are soft, flexible, and gentle on a baby’s sore gums. Parents love that they are easy to clean, often dishwasher-safe and durable enough for daily use. Many modern teethers are made with food-grade silicone to ensure they’re safe for chewing. Some are even shaped like fruits or animals to make them fun and engaging.
Natural Rubber Teethers
Eco-conscious parents often prefer natural rubber teethers, which are free from BPA, PVC and phthalates. They provide a similar softness to silicone but come from sustainable, plant-based materials. Natural rubber teether benefits include being environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and safe for babies with chemical sensitivities.
Plastic Teethers
Lightweight and affordable, plastic teethers have been around for decades. They are usually textured, offering babies extra gum massage. However, parents should look for BPA-free plastic teethers to ensure safety. While not as flexible as silicone or rubber, their affordability makes them accessible for most families.
Fabric Teethers
Soft and cuddly, fabric teethers provide babies with a gentle chewing option. A popular variation is the teething mitt, a glove-like accessory that babies can wear on their hands. This allows little ones—especially younger infants who haven’t mastered grasping yet—to self-soothe by chewing without constantly dropping the toy. Many fabric options combine with silicone textures for added relief. They’re also ideal for babies who naturally prefer chewing on their own hands.
Functional Teething Toys
Beyond materials, teething toy types also vary by function, offering added relief or multipurpose benefits.
Freezable Teethers
Cooling can be a lifesaver for sore gums. Freezable teethers, often made of silicone or rubber and filled with a non-toxic gel, can be chilled in the refrigerator or freezer. The cold sensation helps reduce inflammation and provides soothing relief. Many parents also turn to a frozen washcloth teething toy as a simple, DIY solution.
Edible Food Teethers
Unlike toys made from silicone or rubber, edible food teethers are designed to be consumed while soothing gums. Examples include teething rusks, biscuits or dissolvable wafers that provide babies with a safe chewing surface along with mild flavours. Many are fortified with nutrients and made to dissolve easily, reducing choking risks. Parents searching for natural options often choose these as a way to combine comfort with nutrition.
Toothbrush Teethers
Combining oral care with soothing, toothbrush teethers are designed with soft bristles that gently massage gums and clean early teeth. They also help introduce babies to brushing routines, making dental hygiene less intimidating later. Parents searching for teething toys for 6-month-olds often find these ideal since that’s around the age when first teeth appear. Read more about when your child starts Teething and process as they grow.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Teether
Teething is a natural but sometimes difficult stage for both babies and parents. Having the right tools, specifically the right types of teething toys, can make the process smoother. From silicone teethers to natural rubber teether benefits, toothbrush teethers, edible food teethers and even freezable teething toy types, there are plenty of safe and effective options available.
When choosing, always prioritize safety, durability, and your baby’s preferences. Some babies may favour the softness of food-grade silicone teethers, while others enjoy the flavour and relief of edible food teethers like rusks or wafers. Offering a variety ensures you’ll find the perfect match for soothing your little one’s sore gums.
By understanding the different types of teething toys, you can confidently choose the safest and most effective option to support your baby through this milestone. Also, giving yourself some much-needed peace of mind in the process.
References
Bumbles & Boo - Baby Teething Toys. Available at: https://www.bumblesandboo.com/collections/baby-teething-toys#:~:text=Choosing%20the%20right%20teether%20means%20prioritising%20your,ensuring%20your%20baby's%20safety%20as%20they%20chew.
The Teething Egg – Choosing the Right Teether for your Baby. Available at: https://www.theteethingegg.com/blogs/news/choosing-the-right-teether-for-your-baby-a-comprehensive-guide
Treehouse Dental Care - Teething Toys for Toddlers: When & What to Use. Available at: https://www.treehousedentalcare.ca/site/blog/2025/07/16/teething-toys#:~:text=Recommended%20Teethers:%20*%20Rubber%20or%20silicone%20teethers%2C,or%20the%20Infantino%20Squeeze%20and%20TeeThe%20Cow.
CMC Gold - Teething Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Teether for Your Baby. Available at: https://cmcgold.com.au/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-choosing-best-teether-for-your-baby#:~:text=Material,made%20from%20safe%2C%20untreated%20wood.
Toy Cycle - Teething Toys – How To Find The Right One For Your Baby. Available at: https://toycycle.co/blogs/main/teething-toys-how-to-find-the-right-one-for-your-baby#:~:text=Teething%20mitts%20%2D%20these%20are%20gloves%20or,lot%20of%20babies%20like%20while%20providing%20relief.
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