What makes for the best teething toys? First ask yourself, “What does my teething baby need?” The answer? Comfort and distraction!
Teething toys “should offer relief from sore gums, provide distraction and keep your baby from putting other things in his mouth that might be choking hazards,” says pediatric dentist Dr. Grace Yum. Plus, she notes, “they should be easy to hold for a baby or toddler’s hands.” Sprouting those tiny teeth can be hard on babies, and hard on Mom and Dad, too.
Here are 25 toys that will put your baby at ease during tough teething times:
- Teething Links
The brightly colored Infantino Ring-A-Links Teether Set is a multipurpose toy and teething aid. The rings can be linked together with tiny hands and rattled for a fun noise. The smooth surface of the rings make them the perfect gnawing tool for sore gums. “The pressure of biting helps relieve pain,” says pediatric dentist Dr. Jill Lasky. “Hard and soft parts are ideal in a teething toy, and nubs and raised bumps are helpful, as well.”
- Chewbeads
Chewbeads are a beaded necklace (or bracelet) for you to wear that also serves as a teething toy for your baby. Tiny hands can grab on to them while you hold your little one.
- The Classic Sophie
Sophie the Giraffe is one of the most recognizable animals in the baby world. Parents and babies alike are drawn to her smiling face and soft coloring.
- Rattle
The bright, high-contrast Sassy Flutterby Teether doubles as a rattle and a teether. Its multi-textured surface allows your baby to fully explore the senses.
- Gummy Sticks
Toothbrushes make good teething toys. Their bristles help stimulate gums. Zo-li Gummy Stick Baby Gum Massagers resemble toothbrushes and work on the same principle. They can be used by toddlers anytime.
- Figure Eight Magic
Each multicolored section of the Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Teether Toy provides a new and different teething surface for babies.
- Elmo, a Comforting Friend
What baby doesn’t love Elmo? With the Munchkin Teether Sesame Street Elmo, the funny red friend becomes a teether.
- Bon Appetit!
Chicken wings, broccoli, bacon and ice cream sandwiches — no, not on the lunch menu! They’re Appe-teethers, the cool teething toys shaped like foods.
- Keys to the Kingdom
If your little princess is feeling down in the mouth, the Kids Preferred Disney Princess Keys to the Kingdom Teether can help.
- Blankie Soft
The brightly colored Kids Preferred Amazing Baby Blanket Teether Bear does it all, with plenty of activities to keep your baby busy.
- Book It, Shake It and Teethe!
The Hello Baby Shaker Teether combines a rattle with a board book. Choose from puppy or kitty designs.
- The Friendly Lion
The soft, teethable Lamaze Logan the Lion Teether is perfect for keeping your baby’s mind off his discomfort.
- Cute and Cuddly
The Skip Hop Bandana Buddies are soft, providing nurturing support with multiple fabrics and textures.
- Moose Fun
Lamaze Mortimer the Moose Teether is made especially for babies with soft, teethable surfaces and fun, engaging fabric.
- Plastic Keys
A ring of plastic keys is the quintessential baby toy. Combine that with the power of a teether and you have Bright Starts Polar Gel Teether Keys for little ones sprouting those first teeth.
- Bright and Fun
The Nuby Wacky toy’s fabric crinkles and makes a noise under a baby’s soft touch.
- Cool Combo
If you’re looking for something to soothe and keep baby busy at the same time, the Manhattan Winkel Toy Rattle and Teether is the one.
- Round We Go
Roll the Oball Shaker Teether around for distraction or let your baby gnaw away for relief.
- Cuddle Up
Bright Starts Snuggle Teether is a lovey and teether in one. It’s easily washed, too.
- Sophie’s Cousin
Meet Zeta Zebra, who’s just like Sophie the Giraffe.
- Au Naturale
The Olives and Pickles Organic Plush Teether comes in neutral colors with all-organic materials.
- Out of This World
The funny alien creature that is the Vulli Chan Pie Gnon Teether provides hours of play and comfort.
- Beaded Beauty
Little hands will keep busy with Oball Flexi Loops.
- Twisty Treat
The rounded corners on the Twisty Teether make it easy for even the smallest babies to grip.
- Bug Buddies
Babies are attracted to the brightly colored bumble bees and butterflies in the Nuby Teether Set — an awesome teething tool.
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based parenting writer with a fussy teething toddler who will benefit greatly from one (or all) of these toys.
