Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. One day your little one seems perfectly happy, and the next they're drooling, chewing everything in sight, waking more often and becoming increasingly unsettled.

While teething is a normal part of your baby's development, knowing what to expect and having the right teething toys, soothing techniques and baby-safe products on hand can make the experience much easier.

In this complete guide, we'll cover everything Australian parents need to know about baby teething — from the first signs and teething stages to choosing the best teether, caring for sore gums and knowing when symptoms may be caused by something other than teething.

What Is Teething and When Does It Start?

Teething is the process of your baby's primary (baby) teeth breaking through the gums.

Most babies begin teething at around 4 to 7 months, although every baby develops differently. Some babies may get their first tooth earlier, while others may not see their first tooth until later.

Teething continues gradually throughout infancy and toddlerhood, with most children having their full set of primary teeth by around age 3.

A General Baby Teething Timeline

Every child's timeline is different, but teeth commonly appear in roughly this order:

• Around 6–10 months: Lower central incisors often appear first.
• 8–12 months: Upper central incisors commonly follow.
• 9–16 months: Additional front teeth begin to emerge.
• 13–19 months: First molars typically start appearing.
• 16–23 months: Canines may begin to come through.
• 23–33 months: Second molars generally complete the primary set.

Don't worry if your baby's teeth don't follow this exact schedule. There can be considerable variation between children.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Teething

Knowing the common signs of teething can help you understand why your baby may suddenly be more unsettled.

Common signs can include:

• Increased drooling
• Chewing or biting on objects
• Tender or swollen gums
• Increased fussiness or irritability
• Wanting extra cuddles and attention
• Changes in feeding habits
• Difficulty settling or disrupted sleep
• Wanting to rub their gums
• A strong desire to put things in their mouth

Some babies experience very little discomfort, while others can become noticeably unsettled when a tooth is moving through the gum.

What About Fever During Teething?

A genuine fever should not simply be attributed to teething. Healthdirect defines a fever as a temperature of 38°C or higher, and notes that teething does not cause fever.

If your baby has a fever, rash, diarrhoea, seems unusually unwell or has other concerning symptoms, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional rather than assuming it's caused by teething.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

There isn't one solution that works for every baby. The best approach is often to try a few gentle methods and see what your little one prefers.

1. Offer a Chilled Teether

A chilled teething toy can provide a cooling sensation against sore gums.

Place an appropriate teether in the refrigerator, rather than freezing it solid, and always follow the manufacturer's care and temperature instructions.

Cold can be particularly comforting when gums feel swollen or tender.

2. Massage the Gums

Wash your hands and gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.

A soft silicone finger toothbrush can also provide gentle pressure while helping introduce your baby to early oral-care routines.

3. Use a Cold Washcloth

Dampen a clean washcloth, chill it in the refrigerator and allow your baby to chew on it while supervised.

It's a simple option that doesn't require any special equipment and can be particularly useful when you're away from home.

4. Keep Your Baby Distracted

Sometimes distraction can be just as useful as physical relief.

Try:

• Sensory toys
• Interactive books
• Singing
• Gentle play
• Walking around with your baby
• Offering a favourite comfort item

Keeping your baby's hands and mind occupied can help take their attention away from discomfort.

5. Give Extra Comfort

Teething can make babies more clingy than usual.

Extra cuddles, rocking, feeding and reassurance can help your baby feel safe and comfortable while they're going through this developmental stage.

Choosing the Best Teething Toy for Your Baby

With so many baby teethers and teething toys available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

Instead of choosing a teether based purely on appearance, consider how safe, practical and suitable it is for your baby's current stage.

1. Choose Baby-Safe Materials

Look for products made from appropriate, baby-safe materials such as:

• Food-grade silicone
• Suitable natural wood
• Other materials that meet relevant safety requirements

Always check the manufacturer's product information and age recommendations.

If you're shopping for a silicone teether, look for products that clearly state their material and safety information.

2. Consider the Texture

Different textures can give babies different sensations when chewing.

Some teethers feature:

• Raised bumps
• Ridges
• Smooth surfaces
• Flexible sections
• Different shapes and textures

A variety of textures can make a teether more interesting while providing gentle pressure against the gums.

3. Choose an Easy-to-Hold Design

Babies are still developing their grip, so a teething toy should be comfortable for small hands to hold.

Look for lightweight shapes, handles, rings or easy-grip designs that allow your baby to independently bring the teether to their mouth.

4. Think About Cleaning

Teething toys spend a lot of time in your baby's mouth, so easy cleaning is important.

Silicone teethers can often be cleaned with warm soapy water, while some may be dishwasher-safe. Wooden teethers generally require more careful cleaning.

Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

5. Check for Small or Detachable Parts

Inspect the teether regularly for damage, loose pieces, cracks or deterioration.

Choose an age-appropriate product and never give your baby a teething toy with parts that could become a choking hazard.

Silicone Teethers vs Wooden Teethers

Both silicone and wooden teethers can be popular choices, and your baby's preference may ultimately determine which one they enjoy most.

Silicone Teethers

Silicone teethers are often:

• Soft and flexible
• Lightweight
• Easy for little hands to grip
• Available in a wide range of shapes
• Easy to clean

They're a particularly versatile option for babies who enjoy softer textures.

Wooden Teethers

Wooden teethers offer a firmer chewing surface and can appeal to babies who prefer a different sensation.

When choosing a wooden teether, look for one specifically designed for babies and made from suitable, baby-safe materials with a smooth finish.

Why Textures and Sensory Features Matter

Teething toys don't have to be purely functional.

Babies naturally explore the world through their senses, and a well-designed teething toy can combine gum-soothing chewing with sensory exploration.

Textures, shapes, colours and movement can encourage your baby to investigate the toy while keeping their attention focused on something safe and appropriate.

This is why many modern sensory teethers combine multiple textures and interesting shapes rather than simply being a basic ring.

Teething Toys for Different Stages

Your baby's preferences may change throughout the teething process.

Early Teething

When your baby's first teeth are beginning to emerge, softer and easy-to-hold teethers can be useful.

Chilled silicone teethers and soft textured designs may provide a soothing chewing experience.

Later Teething

As more teeth appear, your baby may prefer teethers with different textures, firmer surfaces or more substantial designs.

Having a small selection of teethers available can help you discover which shapes and textures your baby prefers.

Teething and Early Oral Care

Teething is also the beginning of your child's journey with oral hygiene.

Baby gum brushes and silicone toothbrushes can help introduce gentle oral care while providing another way to massage the gums.

Products such as silicone finger brushes can be particularly useful for parents who want to combine early oral hygiene with gum comfort.

As teeth begin appearing, establishing good oral-care habits becomes increasingly important.

How to Clean and Store Teething Toys

Because teething toys are constantly being dropped, chewed and carried around, proper cleaning is essential.

Silicone Teethers

Many silicone teethers can be washed with warm soapy water. Some are also dishwasher-safe.

Always follow the individual product's cleaning instructions.

Wooden Teethers

Wooden teethers usually require gentler care.

Depending on the manufacturer's instructions, this may involve wiping the surface with a clean, damp cloth rather than soaking the toy.

Storage

Once clean, allow teethers to dry completely before storing them.

Keep them in a clean, dry location away from contaminants. A dedicated storage pouch or container can also make it easier to keep several teethers organised.

Regularly inspect every teething toy for damage and replace it if it becomes cracked, broken or unsafe.

What About Teething Gels and Medication?

Parents often look for products that promise quick relief from teething discomfort.

Before using any medicated teething product, speak with your doctor or pharmacist and check the ingredients carefully.

Avoid using products containing ingredients that aren't recommended for babies, and never use medication simply because a product is marketed as a teething solution.

If your baby appears to be in significant pain, an Australian healthcare professional can advise whether an appropriate pain-relief option is suitable and what dose is safe for your child's age and weight. Healthdirect recommends following dosing instructions carefully and seeking advice from a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.

What About Amber Teething Necklaces?

Amber teething necklaces are sometimes marketed as a natural teething remedy, but necklaces and similar products can present safety risks.

They should not be treated as a necessary teething product, and babies should never sleep with necklaces or other potentially hazardous items.

For everyday teething relief, it's better to choose purpose-designed, age-appropriate teethers that can be safely supervised.

When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

Teething is usually a normal developmental process, but not every symptom that appears around the same time is caused by teething.

Speak with your doctor or healthcare professional if your baby:

• Has a temperature of 38°C or higher
• Develops a rash
• Has persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
• Is refusing fluids
• Seems unusually sleepy or unwell
• Has symptoms that are severe or getting worse
• Has other symptoms that concern you

For babies under 3 months, Healthdirect advises seeking immediate medical attention for a temperature of 38°C or higher.

When you're unsure, it's always better to get professional medical advice rather than assuming a symptom is simply part of teething.

Building Your Teething Essentials Kit

Having a few useful items ready before the next difficult teething episode can make things much easier.

Your teething kit might include:

• 2–4 baby-safe teething toys
• A chilled teether
• A clean washcloth
• Soft bibs for managing drool
• A silicone finger toothbrush
• A few sensory toys for distraction
• A clean storage pouch or container
• Your baby's usual comfort items

You don't necessarily need dozens of products. A small selection of well-chosen, age-appropriate items is often enough.

Finding the Right Teether for Your Baby

Every baby is different.

One baby may prefer a soft silicone teether, while another might prefer a firmer wooden design. Some babies love textured surfaces, while others prefer simple shapes that are easy to hold.

The key is to focus on safety, age suitability, texture, grip, cleaning and your baby's individual preferences.

At The Teething Co, we specialise in products designed to support babies and parents through the teething stage. From silicone teethers and wooden teethers to sensory and oral-care products, our collection gives parents a range of options to explore.

Shop The Teething Co's Teething Collection

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teething

When do babies start teething?

Many babies begin teething between around 4 and 7 months, although some start earlier or later. There is a wide range of normal development.

What is the best teether for a teething baby?

There isn't one teether that's best for every baby. Look for an age-appropriate product made from suitable materials, with a design that's easy to hold, clean and inspect for damage.

Can I put a teether in the freezer?

Generally, chilled teethers are preferred over frozen ones. A very hard or frozen teether may be uncomfortable for sore gums. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product.

How do I soothe a teething baby at night?

Try offering an appropriate teether before bedtime, gently massaging the gums, maintaining your usual calming bedtime routine and providing extra comfort when needed.

Are wooden teethers safe?

Baby-specific wooden teethers can be an option when they're made from suitable materials, are properly finished, are age-appropriate and are regularly inspected for damage. Always follow the manufacturer's safety and care instructions.

How many teethers should I have?

You don't need a huge collection. Having a few different shapes, textures or materials available can help you discover what your baby prefers while keeping a spare clean teether available when one gets dropped.

Final Thoughts

Teething may come with drool, chewing, unsettled nights and plenty of extra cuddles, but it's also an important milestone in your baby's development.

By understanding the baby teething stages, recognising common symptoms, choosing safe and age-appropriate teething toys, and knowing how to provide simple comfort, you can make the experience easier for both you and your little one.

The most important thing is to remember that every baby is different. Experiment with different textures, shapes and soothing techniques to discover what works best for your child.

And when something doesn't seem like ordinary teething — particularly a fever or other signs of illness — don't hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional.

Looking for safe, practical and sensory-rich baby teethers?

Explore The Teething Co's range of baby teethers and find a teething solution suited to your little one's stage and preferences.