Best Baby Teethers by Age: 8 Silicone and Soother Picks

The best baby teethers are firm or soft solid silicone or rubber shapes that a baby can grip and mouth safely, sized to the age on the maker’s label. For babies around 3 to 6 months, the Nuby NanaNubs Gum Massager and the Smily Mia Penguin Teether are our top picks, and the Bibs natural rubber pacifier set is the runner-up for families who want a soother and a mouthing option in one. This guide covers eight teethers and soothers, explains how to match shape to age, and sets out the safety points pediatric groups stress. It is general information, not medical advice, so talk to your pediatrician or dentist about any concern.

Our other teething guides on this site cover carrier teething pads, drool bibs and straps to keep toys close. This one is about the teether itself: what it is made of, how it is shaped, which age it suits and how to keep it clean. It is based on store listings, manufacturer pages and public guidance from pediatric and dental organizations. We did not personally use these products, and where a detail was not stated we write “not listed”.

Baby Montessori Sensory Teething Toy 0-6 6-12 Months, Teether Ball & Rattle | 12 Textured Silicone Teething Ball, BPA Free, Easy to Hold, Infant Developmental Toys for 3 6 9 12 Months, Newborn Gifts

Chosen because it specifies Teether Ball & Rattle and 12 Textured Silicone Teething Ball.

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Fu Store Hollow Teether Tube Apple Shape Baby Teething Toy for Babies 0-36M | Baby Teether Toys Chew Straw Sensory Toys Daily Essentials 0-6 0-12 Months Infant Toddlers Silicone Tubes Soothing Gums Gift

Picked as a relevant option in this category.

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Baby Teething Toys 3-6 Months, Baby Chew Teether Toys | BPA Free, Babies Teething Relief, Banana Toothbrush, Fruit Shape Giraffe Newborn Teether Toy Gift for Boy and Girl

Chosen because it specifies Baby Chew Teether Toys and BPA Free.

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3 Pack Ring Teether Baby Infant Toys, Baby Essentials, Silicone Teething Ring Toys for Babies 0-6 Months, Seposeve Toddler Teethers 6-12 Months 12-24 Months, Infant Teething Relief, Purple Pink White

Chosen because it specifies Baby Essentials and Silicone Teething Ring Toys for Babies 0-6 Months.

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Nuby NanaNubs Gum Massager, an angled silicone teether for 3 months and up that reaches the back gums.
• Best for 3 to 6 Months: Smily Mia Penguin Teethers, hand-sized silicone shapes made for 0 to 6 months.
• Best Easy-Grip Teether: haakaa Silicone Baby Teether, with a nipple-shaped end and a handle for babies 3 months and up.
• Best Teether and Toothbrush: Baby Banana Teether-Toothbrush, with soft bristles and a bendable handle for infants to toddlers.
• Best Value Multipack: Seposeve 3-Pack Silicone Ring Teethers for 0 to 6 months.
• Best Pacifier and Teether Combination: Bibs Natural Rubber Pacifiers, a set of 2 for newborns and up.
• Best Sensory Pick: AiTuiTui Silicone Sensory Teether Toy, a food-grade silicone toy for 3 to 12 months.
• Best for Back Molars Later On: Bebecan Silicone Teething Sticks, a six-pack aimed at back molars; confirm the age on the maker’s page.

Baby Teethers Compared

1. Nuby NanaNubs Gum Massager: Best Overall

• Soft silicone teething toy for 3 months and up
• Angled shape designed to reach back molars
• Easy-hold handle sized for small hands
• Dishwasher or boil guidance: check the maker’s instructions

Best for: a first teether for a baby who has started mouthing everything. Skip if: your baby prefers a chewier or textured toy.

The angled head is the main feature. Most babies chew at the front and sides of the gums first, but as molars begin to move, a shape that reaches farther back helps. A handle that is easy to hold means the toy often ends up in the mouth and stays there, which is the practical test of any teether. It is a single, simple item with no moving parts, which is a point in its favor for safety.

Inspect it before each use. Pull gently on the head and handle and check for cracks, tears or any piece coming loose. If you see damage, replace it, and keep a second one so one can be washed while the other is in use.

Pros: simple solid shape; reaches back gums; easy grip; low cost. Cons: single piece; limited texture; plain look.

2. Smily Mia Penguin Teethers: Best for 3 to 6 Months

• Silicone teething toys made for 0 to 6 months
• Small hand teether shape
• Light purple version of a multi-color line
• Exact dimensions: not listed in the title

Best for: young babies who are learning to grab and bring objects to the mouth. Skip if: your baby is older than about 9 months and needs a larger shape.

Babies in the 3 to 6 month range often have limited grip strength, so a small, light shape is easier to hold than a heavy ring. A penguin form gives them several parts to chew, from flippers to the body. Soft silicone is gentle on gums, and many parents like how it wipes clean after drooling.

Always follow the maker’s age range and check that no part is small enough to fit in a baby’s mouth beyond the front of the gums. A baby should never be left alone with a teether, and cords or ribbons should never be attached.

Pros: light; suits young babies; multiple chewing parts; easy to rinse. Cons: size not listed; may be too small for older babies; plain silicone can attract lint.

3. haakaa Silicone Baby Teether: Best Easy-Grip Teether

• For babies 3 months and up
• Nipple-shaped end for gum massage
• 360 degree design with an easy-grip handle
• Material: silicone, per the maker

Best for: babies who are used to a bottle or soother and like a familiar shape. Skip if: you want a toy with rattles or textures.

The nipple-shaped end makes this a good bridge for babies who like to suck. It looks familiar, which helps with acceptance. A 360 degree design means the baby cannot hold it the wrong way, a small feature that reduces frustration for younger infants.

Wash it before first use, and let it air dry. Replace it when you see cracks or thinning, as a worn teether can break into small pieces.

Pros: familiar shape; easy grip; works in any direction; trusted maker. Cons: simple; may not suit babies who refuse soothers; fewer textures.

4. Baby Banana Teether-Toothbrush: Best Teether and Toothbrush

• Teether and toothbrush in a banana shape
• Butter-soft bristles for gums and teeth
• Bendable handle
• Made in the USA, per the listing
• Infant to toddler range

Best for: families who want to start gum and first-tooth cleaning along with chewing. Skip if: you want a pure chew toy with no bristles.

When the first teeth appear, a teether with soft bristles doubles as a first toothbrush. The bendable handle makes it easier for a baby to hold, and the bristles clean gums. Many pediatric dentists suggest wiping gums with a soft cloth or brushing as teeth appear, so a product that helps with both is practical.

Because it has a brush head, an adult should supervise every use, and the toothbrush part should be replaced regularly. Check the manufacturer guidance for how often.

Pros: dual use; soft bristles; bendable; made in USA. Cons: needs supervision; bristles wear; not a pure chew toy.

5. Seposeve 3-Pack Silicone Ring Teethers: Best Value Multipack

• Three silicone ring teethers
• Designed for babies 0 to 6 months, per the listing
• Simple ring shapes that can be rotated and washed

Best for: families who like to have one teether in use, one in the wash and one in the diaper bag. Skip if: you want a single high-quality piece rather than a set.

Multiples make daily life easier. A teether that falls on the floor needs a quick wash, and a spare keeps the baby calm while you clean it. Ring shapes are easy for small hands to grip, and they can also serve as a first toy for passing between hands.

Check that each ring is solid and has no thin spots. Avoid attaching a ring to a clip or cord that could be long enough to wrap around the neck.

Pros: three pieces; simple to clean; easy to grip; budget friendly. Cons: basic design; quality can vary; limited texture.

6. Bibs Natural Rubber Pacifiers: Best Pacifier and Teether Combination

• Natural rubber pacifier, set of 2
• BPA-free, made in Denmark, per the listing
• For newborns, 0 months and up
• Vanilla and blush color set

Best for: babies who like to suck and mouth, and parents who want one soother from the first days. Skip if: you want to avoid natural rubber latex or your baby does not take pacifiers.

A pacifier is not strictly a teether, but the two often overlap: many babies chew on a soother when their gums feel uncomfortable. Natural rubber has a soft, slightly flexible feel that some babies prefer over silicone. The Bibs shape is simple, with a one-piece design that avoids seams, and the set of two means you always have a spare.

Natural rubber is a latex product. If anyone in your family has a latex allergy, talk to your pediatrician before using it. Replace a pacifier at the first sign of stickiness, cracking or discoloration, and follow the maker’s guidance on boiling and cleaning.

Pros: soft natural material; simple shape; two-pack; trusted design. Cons: natural rubber latex; needs regular replacement; not for every baby.

7. AiTuiTui Sensory Teether Toy: Best Sensory Pick

• Food-grade silicone
• Shaped like a small remote control, with raised textures
• Marketed for babies 3 to 12 months
• Bath-time use is mentioned in the listing; confirm care steps with the maker

Best for: babies who like varied textures and shapes. Skip if: you prefer a very simple shape that is easy to clean in every crevice.

A raised-texture surface gives babies more to explore with gums and fingers. A larger shape can be good for 6 to 12 months, as it is easier to hold and harder to swallow. Textured surfaces, though, take more effort to clean, so rinse thoroughly and use a soft brush on any grooves.

Pros: many textures; food-grade silicone; larger shape; suits a wide age range. Cons: grooves collect residue; decorative details; more to inspect.

8. Bebecan Silicone Teething Sticks: Best for Back Molars Later On

• Super-soft silicone teething sticks, six-pack
• Designed for back molars
• Multicolor set
• Age range: the listing title reads “36+ months”, which looks like a possible typo for “3 to 6+ months”; confirm with the maker

Best for: families who want a stick-style chew for older babies and toddlers. Skip if: you cannot confirm the age range.

Sticks are narrow enough to reach the back of the mouth, which is where molars appear later. The age listing is unclear, so we recommend checking the maker’s page or packaging before purchase and following whatever it states. A stick shape that is too long can be a problem for younger babies, so follow the age label and supervise.

Pros: six pieces; reaches back teeth; soft silicone; colorful. Cons: unclear age listing; long shape; easy to drop.

Also Consider

• Moonkie Koala Baby Teether and Silicone Toothbrush: a 2-in-1 teether with a suction base for 3 months and up.
• Dr. Brown’s HappyPaci Pacifier, 0 to 6 months, 4-pack: a 100 percent silicone pacifier set for families who prefer silicone.
• Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, 0 to 3 months, 4-pack: a one-piece medical-grade silicone pacifier for newborns.
• Itzy Ritzy Linking Ring Set: a set of eight rings you can link together; keep them short and unattached to cords.

We deliberately left out liquid-filled and gel teethers. The FDA and the American Dental Association advise parents to choose a firm, solid rubber teether rather than a liquid-filled one, because liquid-filled products can leak or break.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We started from the product list for this topic, confirmed each one against its current store listing, and read manufacturer pages and public guidance from the FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association. For each pick we recorded only what a listing or maker states, and marked anything unclear as “not listed”.

We favored solid silicone or natural rubber, simple shapes without small parts, and age ranges stated by the maker. We left out liquid-filled teethers, anything with a cord, and teething jewelry. Price tiers are relative labels because prices change. Nothing here is a claim that a product will relieve teething discomfort, since babies differ.

Matching Teether Shape to Age

Babies change quickly, so the right shape at 3 months can be wrong at 9 months. The table below is a general guide; always follow the age on the maker’s label.

As a rough budget, plan on three to four pieces: one for the diaper bag, one for the house, a spare for washing, and one in a different shape for variety. At the low-cost tier of most items here, that is a modest outlay, and replacing a worn teether every few months is cheaper than risking a damaged one.

A Simple Cleaning and Rotation Routine

Teethers spend a lot of time in a mouth and on the floor, so a routine matters more than the brand. The steps below are general; the maker’s instructions always come first, because some silicone and rubber products have specific limits on boiling, dishwashers or sterilizers.

A rotation of three pieces makes this easy: one in use, one drying and one in the bag. Store clean teethers in a closed container rather than loose in a diaper bag, where they pick up lint and crumbs. If you travel, a small zip pouch for clean pieces and another for used ones keeps things tidy. Keep teethers away from hot cars and direct sun, because heat can warp or degrade some materials.

Watch the baby as well as the product. If your baby gags on a shape, rejects a texture or seems to chew more on a particular side, adjust accordingly and mention it to your pediatrician or dentist at the next visit. Every baby moves through teething at a different pace, and some barely seem to notice, so there is no need to buy every shape in this guide. Start with one or two, see what your baby prefers, and add more only if needed.

Buying Guide

Choose solid and simple

The FDA and the American Dental Association advise firm rubber or silicone teethers over liquid-filled ones. Pick a single piece of solid material with no seams, hollow cavities or detachable parts. Avoid attached cords, ribbons or clips, which can be a strangulation hazard.

Skip teething jewelry and gels

The FDA warns against teething necklaces and bracelets, including those made of amber, wood or silicone, because they can cause choking or strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics also cautions against teething gels and homeopathic tablets. If your baby seems very uncomfortable, call your pediatrician instead of trying products.

Chill, do not freeze

Pediatric guidance generally says that a teether chilled in the refrigerator is fine, while one frozen solid is too hard for gums. Follow the maker’s instructions, since some silicone products carry specific temperature guidance.

Check size and shape

A teether should be large enough that it cannot go far into the mouth, and the handle should be easy to hold. For young babies, a lightweight piece is easier to grip. For older babies, a larger piece that cannot be swallowed is better.

Clean and inspect regularly

Wash with warm soapy water or follow the maker’s sterilizing instructions. Inspect before each use for cracks, tears, stickiness or discoloration. Replace the teether at the first sign of wear, and never let a baby chew on a broken one.

Common Mistakes

• Buying a teether without checking the age range.
• Tying a teether to a cord, clip or necklace.
• Freezing a teether solid.
• Leaving a baby alone with a teether or pacifier.
• Using a worn product instead of replacing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best baby teethers?

Solid silicone or rubber teethers sized for your baby’s age are the best choice. Simple, easy-grip shapes like the Nuby NanaNubs and the Smily Mia Penguin are good starting points.

What are the best teething toys for babies at 3 to 6 months?

Light silicone shapes that are easy to hold, such as the Smily Mia, the haakaa teether or the Seposeve rings, suit babies who are just learning to grab. Always follow the maker’s age label.

Are silicone teethers safe?

Silicone teethers from reputable makers are widely used, but safety depends on the specific product and age. Look for a solid single piece with no cords, check it before each use, and never leave your baby alone with it.

Should I use a pacifier or a teether?

They serve different needs. A pacifier is for sucking, and a teether is for chewing. Many families keep both, and some babies prefer one over the other.

Can I freeze a teether?

Pediatric guidance generally advises against teethers frozen solid. A teether chilled in the refrigerator is the usual suggestion, but follow the maker’s instructions.

How often should I replace a teether?

Replace it at the first sign of cracks, tears, thinning or stickiness, and sooner if your baby chews hard. Having a spare makes this easy.

When should I call a doctor about teething?

If your baby has a high fever, severe discomfort or other symptoms you are unsure about, call your pediatrician. Teething alone is not usually a cause of high fever.

Which One Should You Buy?

For a first teether, buy the Nuby NanaNubs Gum Massager, and add the Smily Mia Penguin for a lighter shape at 3 to 6 months. If your baby likes to suck, the Bibs pacifiers or the haakaa teether are a better fit. When first teeth arrive, the Baby Banana teether-toothbrush bridges chewing and cleaning. The Seposeve multipack is the practical choice if you want spares, and the AiTuiTui and Bebecan picks suit older babies once you have confirmed the age range. Choose solid shapes, avoid cords and jewelry, and talk to your pediatrician about any concern.

Sources

• FDA consumer update: Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
• HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): teething and teething necklace guidance
• American Dental Association MouthHealthy: teething
• Manufacturer pages for Nuby, haakaa, Baby Banana and Bibs
• Store listing details for each named product

Last updated: October 2026