How to Choose the Best Teething Toys for Your Baby
When your baby starts teething, finding the right teething toy can make those challenging days a little easier. With so many shapes, materials, textures and designs available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your little one.
The good news is that choosing a teething toy doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on safety, materials, comfort, texture, durability and ease of cleaning, you can find options that suit both your baby's needs and your everyday routine.
At The Teething Co, we believe that teething toys should be more than just something for your baby to chew. They can also provide opportunities for sensory exploration, encourage babies to practise gripping and introduce them to early oral-care routines.
What Should You Look for in a Teething Toy?
1. Choose Safe, Baby-Friendly Materials
Safety should always be the first consideration when choosing a teething toy.
Babies naturally explore the world by putting things in their mouths, so it's important to choose products made from materials intended for baby use. Parents often look for options that are free from materials such as BPA, PVC and phthalates.
Silicone is particularly popular for teething toys because it is durable, flexible and easy to clean. For example, our Dinosaur Silicone Teether and Koala Silicone Teether offer fun designs that are easy for little hands to hold.
Always follow the manufacturer's age recommendations, care instructions and safety warnings, and inspect teething toys regularly for signs of damage.
Silicone vs Natural Rubber Teething Toys
Teething toys come in a range of materials, and two popular choices are silicone and natural rubber.
Silicone Teething Toys
Silicone teethers are available in a huge range of shapes, colours and textures. They are generally durable and easy to clean, making them a practical option for everyday use.
From playful designs such as our Snowman Silicone Teether and Unicorn Silicone Teether to the bright Silicone Sun Teether, there are plenty of designs to keep little hands and mouths interested.
Natural Rubber Teething Toys
Natural rubber offers a different experience, with a soft and flexible texture that many babies enjoy chewing.
The Natruba Teether Parrot is one example of a natural rubber teether. When choosing any teething toy, check the manufacturer's material information and care instructions to ensure it is appropriate for your baby.
There isn't necessarily one material that works for every baby. Some babies may prefer the firmer feel of silicone, while others may enjoy the softer texture of natural rubber.
2. Look for Designs That Are Easy to Hold
Your baby's teething toy should be easy for small hands to grip.
Teethers with handles, loops or thoughtfully designed shapes can give babies something they can hold while exploring the toy. This can also give them opportunities to practise coordination and gripping while they play.
The Itzy Ritzy Chew Crew™ Rainbow Teether is one example of a colourful teether designed with little hands in mind.
Consider your baby's age, hand size and ability when choosing a design.
3. Consider Different Textures
Not all teethers feel the same, and different textures can make a toy more interesting for your baby.
Raised surfaces, ridges and other textures can give babies different sensations to explore while chewing. Textured areas can also make a teether more engaging than a completely smooth toy.
The Dinosaur Silicone Teether, for example, features different areas for babies to explore.
Having a few different textures available can also help you discover which types your baby prefers.
4. Choose Toys That Are Easy to Clean
Teething toys spend a lot of time in your baby's mouth and will inevitably end up on the floor from time to time.
For this reason, easy-to-clean designs can make life much easier for parents. Before purchasing a teether, check its cleaning and care instructions and make sure you know how it should be washed and stored.
Avoid assuming that every silicone or rubber toy can be sterilised or placed in a dishwasher. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Don't Forget Durability
Babies can put plenty of pressure on their teething toys, so durability matters.
A well-made toy can be used repeatedly instead of needing to be replaced after a short period. Choosing durable products can potentially reduce waste and help parents get more value from their purchases.
However, durability doesn't mean a toy should be used indefinitely. Regularly inspect teethers for cracks, tears, broken pieces or other signs of deterioration and replace them when necessary.
6. Look Beyond Teething Alone
Some baby products can provide more than one type of experience.
For example, oral-care products can help introduce babies to early mouth-care routines while also providing a familiar object for gum exploration.
The Ali+Oli Oral Care Set is designed for early oral care, while the Jack N' Jill Silicone Tooth & Gum Brush Stage 3 provides another option for gently caring for little mouths.
Other products combine teething with comfort or sensory play, giving babies additional ways to interact with them.
Some Teething Toys to Explore
If you're looking for different styles of teethers, here are a few options to consider:
Itzy Ritzy Chew Crew™ Rainbow Teether
A colourful silicone teether with an engaging design, making it an option for babies who enjoy visually interesting toys.
Baby Boards Silicone Surfboard Teether
The Baby Boards Silicone Surfboard Teether combines a playful design with textured surfaces for babies to explore.
Dinosaur Silicone Teether
The Dinosaur Silicone Teether offers a fun shape and multiple textures while being designed for little hands.
Natruba Teether Parrot
The Natruba Teether Parrot provides an alternative for parents looking for a natural rubber option.
Tips for Making Teething Time Easier
Finding the right toy is only part of creating a comfortable teething routine. You can also:
- Keep several options available: Your baby may have different preferences from one day to another.
- Try different textures: A teether that your baby ignores one day might become a favourite later.
- Keep toys clean: Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions regularly.
- Try cooling where appropriate: Some teethers can be cooled in the refrigerator. Always check the product's instructions before doing so and avoid freezing unless the manufacturer specifically says it is suitable.
- Consider an oral-care routine: Age-appropriate gum and tooth-care products can help introduce healthy habits from an early stage.
- Inspect toys regularly: Check for damage before giving a teething toy to your baby.
Most importantly, remember that every baby is different. It may take some experimentation to discover which shapes, materials and textures your little one prefers.
Quality Over Quantity
With so many baby products available, it can be tempting to keep buying more toys in the hope that you'll find the perfect one.
Instead, focusing on quality over quantity can be a more practical approach. A small collection of carefully selected toys can provide different textures, materials and experiences without filling your home with products your baby may rarely use.
Quality toys can also encourage different types of play. As your baby grows, thoughtfully designed toys can become part of their sensory exploration, early motor-skill development and imaginative play.
Find the Right Teething Toys for Your Baby
Choosing a teething toy comes down to finding a balance between safety, material, texture, comfort, durability, cleanability and your baby's individual preferences.
Whether you choose silicone, natural rubber or a combination of different materials, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and supervise your baby appropriately when using teething products.
At The Teething Co, we offer a range of teething toys and baby products designed to support little ones through the teething stage.
Explore our collection and discover teething products for your little one's next stage of development.