It's Hard When a Baby Is Teething, but These Great Teething Toys Make It a Little Easier
It's Hard When a Baby Is Teething, but These Great Teething Toys Make It a Little Easier
A teething baby is often a cranky baby, so you want to make sure that your little one has something chew on. That's where teething toys come in handy. Also called teethers, these toys are great for soothing your baby's sore gums while their first chompers are coming in. Most babies start teething by around 6 months, but your child might start showing symptoms of teething far before then. If you notice excess drooling or chewing on toys and fingers, then doctors say there's a good chance that your baby is ready for a teething toy.
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and evaluate all kinds of children's products (everything from cribs to toys) for safety, quality, and ease of use. Many of our pros are parents themselves, so we know exactly what to look for while testing products like teething toys. Our recommendations include products that were tested by our lab experts along with picks from brands we trust with awesome reviews.
When shopping for the best baby teethers, there are a few things to keep in mind: They come in a variety of different styles and materials, so you might choose to keep a few on hand because all infants are different. Some babies might prefer softer fabrics, while others might like to chew on something hard (like wood). Don't forget to check the cleaning instructions, too — if you know you won't want to wash it by hand, make sure to pick one that's dishwasher-safe! These are the best teething toys for babies in 2020:
1) Twisty Figure 8 Teether
Munchkin
amazon.com
$4.99
This multitasking teether doubles as a toy that helps develop motor skills while entertaining your little one. In reviews, parents say that their babies found it fun to play with even if they didn't chew on it. Each color has a different texture, and it twists and rattles, too.
2) Ice Gel Teether Keys
Nuby
amazon.com
$3.74
You can throw this key-shaped teether in the fridge to give sore gums some quick cooling action. Plus, the easy-to-grip design is perfect for small hands practicing their coordination. Avoid putting it in the freezer so it's safe for your baby, and don't forget to wash it by hand.
3) Soothing Corn Teether
Nuby
amazon.com
$5.99
This corn-shaped teething toy conveniently has built-in handles for easy holding. The yellow "corn" has a textured surface that will massage your baby's gums and provide some relief. It can stand up on its base to help prevent it from getting dirty as often, and it's dishwasher-safe on the top rack. Nuby also makes teething bibs, which have a corner for your baby to nibble on.
RELATED: The Best Baby Bibs, According to Textile Experts and Real Parents
4) Classic Baby Beads Wood Rattle and Teether
Manhattan Toy
amazon.com
$11.99
This rattle and teether duo is made of wood, so it's a great option if your baby prefers chewing on hard materials. The large, colored beads can twist and turn, and they'll love the sounds when you rattle the toy. Just be sure to wash them by hand.
5) Infantino Cuddly Teether, Fox
Infantino
amazon.com
$7.99
This teether is a compact toy and stuffed animal duo that packs in a whole bunch of features. It has different textures, crinkly sounds, soft fabrics, and teething "feet" and rings so your baby will never get tired of chewing and playing.
6) Dancing Elephant Teether
Mombella
amazon.com
$7.59
Mombella's teether helps soothe gums, and comes in three different stimulating colors. It's made of silicone and can be thrown in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Plus, it's freezer safe if your infant prefers cold toys or needs some extra relief.
7) Bite & Brush Teether
MAM
amazon.com
$7.99
This lightweight, ring-shaped teething toy can be easily held and used to massage your infant's tender gums. It also works as a toothbrush teether, a type that's super popular because they can gently clean baby's first teeth.
8) Silicone Baby Teether
Comotomo
amazon.com
$18.49
This toy was designed to be the same size and shape as your baby's fingers, so they can nibble on this soft, silicone teether's "fingers" instead of their own. Even though some parents say it needs to be washed off before each use, but it's also safe to throw in the dishwasher or microwave to disinfect. It has a minimalistic design, but it does come in two different color options.
9) Twist Teether Toy
Green Toys
amazon.com
9.34
The teething toy is a great sustainable option because it's made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. Its bright colors and unique shapes will stimulate baby's visual and tactile senses, and it also doubles as a rattle for even more ways to play. Plus, it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Chosen by real parents and parenting experts.