Best Teethers

It’s definitely possible to prepare homemade teething implements at home (aka cold stuff to chew on), but it’s not always the most practical option. Hence: best teethers.

Here are our favorite teethers you can buy off the shelf, in order of price (lowest to highest).

Nuby Silicone Gum Massager ~ $5

This teether is a two-in-one: it’s part gum massager, part toothbrush (because it’s never too early to get them into the habit). This one also reaches those back molars that teething rings often miss. It has a carry case to keep it clean during travel (read: when it’s shoved in the bottom of your diaper bag, between spit-up saturated burp cloths and stale puffs).

• One mom recommended putting the toothbrush head in a cup of ice water so that the handle doesn’t become cold.
• Some reviewers found it too big for their baby’s mouth.

Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Teether ~ $8

This twisty teether is a parent-favorite; it has four teething surfaces, each with a different texture. It can soothe sore gums AND helps promote motor and sensory development: winning!

• Fridge safe

Baby Banana Infant Training Brush and Teether ~ $6

My kids LOVED their bananas! This teether was a serious winner in our house – so much that I bought several extras in case any got lost (truth!). The banana peel “handles” are easy to grab. The silicone bristles act as a toothbrush (of sorts) while also providing relief to sore gums.

• Fridge/Freezer safe

ZoLi Bunny Dual Nub Teether ~ $12

Molars are this teether’s specialty. Your toddler can hold onto the round part while gnawing on the textured “bunny ears,” which reach all the way to the back of the gumline. Reviewers love how it allows babies to soothe both sides of their mouth simultaneously, and many parents note it’s their kiddo’s favorite teether.

Munch Mitt ~ $11 and Nuby Happy Hands ~ $9

There are few things as satisfying as watching a baby chomp down on his or her own hand. My daughter Alice used to make vampire-like sounds when wearing this thing. Best part about this ingenious glove-teether: they can’t really drop it (over and over again).

Grabease 2-in-1 Spoon and Teether ~ $12

Baby gets to teeth to her heart’s content, all while learning (early) how to use a spoon. Win, win! This 2-in-1 spoon and teether is made out of BPA and phthalate-free silicone, and has an anti-choke barrier so your babe can’t stick it too far into her mouth.

Gramercy Stroller Toy (Most re-ordered item) ~ $15

Let’s hope it’s not the most re-ordered item because it keeps getting lost, because that would suck (there’s a double entendre there, get it?). This is a more portable version of the Chewbead necklace. It attaches to baby’s car seat or stroller for easy, on-the-go use. Note that some parents say their babies can easily detach it with just a simple tug… and then chuck it, so watch out for that…

Ike & Leo Teething Toys ~ $15

Unlike the other best teethers reviewed here, this is a set that includes four teethers (each with different textures) and a pacifier clip to keep them handy (read: attached). The material is soft, yet durable enough so babies can’t chew through them. Makes a great gift.

• Fridge/Freezer safe

Sophie La giraffe ~ $23

If you haven’t heard of this, you’ve been hiding under a rock. The ever-present Sophie is a favorite in Europe and America – I even saw chocolate versions of it while traveling in France (that one’s for MOM, yo).

This giraffe is not cheap, so don’t lose it! Also, try not to let water get up in the little hole (hard for a toy that goes in the mouth!), as this has been cited for some serious mildew incidences in the past. Don’t make it worse by submerging it in water, as there’s no very good way for it to dry out. Still, parents and babies love this soft, adorable giraffe.

Chewbeads ~ $29

As a mother whose youngest child broke EVERY NECKLACE I OWNED (which isn’t many), Chewbeads have a special place in my heart. This is a cute accessory for a mom who needs a little splash of color, but is really entertainment/teething relief for baby (two birds, one stone). (Note: this is for mama to wear; not baby.)

To sum up, it seems best to avoid teething medications and substances marketed to alleviate teething pain in favor of the cheaper, safer options you probably already have at home: something you can throw in the fridge and give to Junior to gnaw away on. See also: home teething remedies.

Back to: Intro to Teething