The Best Baby Teethers and Teething Toys in 2023

What are the different types of teether?

Plastic – These are usually your most common and cheaper teethers available. They sometimes come with sterilised water inside them so that they can be popped in the fridge to add an extra layer of soothing to your baby’s gums.

Silicone – Silicone teethers are great for babies in the chomping stage. They are often softer and feel nicer to chew for a baby. These types of teether can usually be washed and sterilised inside a dishwasher.

Natural Rubber – Similar to the silicone ones, natural rubber is soft and nice for babies to chew on. Due to the properties of natural rubber, you will likely find that these cannot be dishwasher washed and have to be wiped clean.

Wood – Wooden teethers are oldies but goldies. Having worked since your grandparents were little you can to wrong with a wooden teether. They are also much better for the environment which is a bonus for those concerned about the influx of plastic toys.

Mitts – Mitts are a great option for babies that don’t like to hold onto anything and regularly throw toys out of their prams. Literally! They can usually be secured to the babies hand like a glove, not impossible to get out of but harder, and doubled up to stop them from chewing their little delicate hands.

Bibs – Looking just like an ordinary bib, teething bibs have a silicone section near the bottom where babies can lift up and chew up should they feel the need arise!

Necklaces – Despite the name, these are actually for mum or dad to wear, not the baby. These require constant supervision with a lot of industry professionals advising against them.

Toys – These are usually the most popular type of teether which includes the highly popular sophie la girafe which is classed as one the best baby teething toys.

Which Teethers are best for babies?

In our opinion, the best type of teether for a baby is baby teething toys. These offer fun and entertainment which can be just as soothing for pain that actually chewing on a toy. A great example of a baby teething toy is the sophie la girafe, a hugely popular teething toy that first launched in 1961 and hasn’t changed much in over 70 years.

Why do babies need teethers?

Teethers can be massively beneficial to babies that are suffering from sore or swollen gums from teething. It helps soothe them, entertain them, and give them something to focus on other than the pain from their teeth and gums.

Way back when a suitable teether was a raw carrot or piece of cucumber out of the fridge so they have developed a long way since then with some even requiring batteries!

Is it good to give teethers to babies?

Teethers can be brilliant tools in helping your little one get through the terrible teething stage and you should definitely think about getting them a teether or teething toy.

If you’re concerned about the environment then wooden or natural rubber baby teething toys are a great way to counteract plastic production.

Can you give a 3-month-old a teething toy?

You are absolutely fine to give a 3-month-old a teether, assuming the manufacturer recommended use form 3 months plus (most do) Also, it’s wise to check if your baby has started teething as there could be crying for another reason.

The age at which babies start teething differs from baby to baby, with some babies even being born with teeth!

How do you clean a baby teething toy?

Naturally, you’ll want to sterilise your baby teething toy or teether much like you would with anything else that goes into your baby’s mouth.

Some teethers are able to be put in a dishwasher which sterilises whereas others require other means of sterilisation. Almost all of them can be made sterile with a Milton tablet and cold water but make sure you check your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Can you put teethers in the freezer?

Although a lot of teethers can be chilled, this is usually only in the fridge. By freezing, you run the risk of damaging the casing, especially the ones that have sterilised water inside them.

We would recommend only chilling in the fridge and avoid freezing.