Safe Teething Products Every Parent Can Trust

5 June 2025

Teething can be a tough phase for both babies and parents. Your little one is fussy, drooling non-stop, and constantly trying to chew on everything in sight. As a parent, you just want to ease their discomfort—but with so many teething products on the market, how do you know which ones are truly safe?

Not all teething products are created equal, and some could even pose risks to your baby. That’s why it’s important to choose carefully. In this article, we’ll break down the safest teething products that parents can trust, what to avoid, and how to ensure your baby stays comfortable and safe during this tricky stage.

Why Safety Matters When Choosing Teething Products

Babies explore the world through their mouths—especially when they’re teething. That means anything you give them to chew on should be free from harmful chemicals, choking hazards, and unsafe materials. Unfortunately, some teething products have been recalled in the past due to safety concerns like toxic materials or small parts that can break off.

As a parent, you don’t want to gamble with your child’s safety. That’s why knowing the safest teething products is crucial for ensuring your baby’s well-being.

What to Look for in a Safe Teething Product

Before purchasing any teething product, keep these safety factors in mind:

- Material Matters: Opt for BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic materials like food-grade silicone or natural rubber.
- Choking Hazard Prevention: The teether should be large enough that it can’t fit entirely into your baby’s mouth. Avoid anything with detachable parts.
- Easy to Clean: Teething products should be easy to sanitize since babies put them in their mouths frequently.
- Proper Texture: A good teething product has a texture that soothes sore gums without being too hard or too soft.
- No Liquid Fillings: Avoid teethers filled with liquid—if they break, the contents could be harmful to your baby.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best teething products that meet these safety standards.

Safe Teething Products Every Parent Can Trust

1. Silicone Teething Rings

Silicone teething rings are a classic choice—and for good reason. They’re durable, safe, and easy to clean. Look for rings made from 100% food-grade silicone to ensure they’re free from harmful chemicals.

Why they’re great:

✔ Soft yet firm enough to soothe sore gums
✔ Easy for tiny hands to grasp
✔ Can be chilled for extra relief
✔ Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Pro Tip: Avoid teething rings made of plastic, as they might contain harmful toxins or BPA.

2. Natural Rubber Teethers

If you prefer an eco-friendly option, natural rubber teethers are a fantastic choice. These teethers are usually made from pure rubber from Hevea trees, making them soft, flexible, and free from synthetic materials.

Why parents love them:

✔ Non-toxic and biodegradable
✔ Gentle on gums
✔ Free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates

Be Aware: Some rubber products have a strong natural smell at first—this is normal and fades over time.

3. Wooden Teething Toys

Wooden teethers may sound old-school, but they’re making a comeback due to their natural antibacterial properties. They’re typically made from hardwood like maple or beech, which is safe and durable.

What makes them great:

✔ No harmful chemicals
✔ Naturally bacteria-resistant
✔ Stylish and trendy

Pro Tip: Ensure any wooden teether you buy is unfinished or coated with food-grade oil (like coconut or beeswax) instead of synthetic varnishes.

4. Teething Necklaces for Parents (Not for Baby!)

A teething necklace worn by parents (not babies) is a genius idea. These are made of food-grade silicone beads and give your baby something to chew on while you hold them.

Why it’s a win-win:

✔ Safe for baby’s mouth
✔ Keeps tiny hands busy while feeding or being carried
✔ Stylish accessory for parents

Safety Warning: Never leave a baby unattended with the necklace or let them wear it.

5. Cold Washcloth

Sometimes, simple is best. A clean, damp washcloth chilled in the fridge can provide instant relief for teething babies.

Why it works:

✔ Soft yet satisfying to chew
✔ Readily available in every home
✔ No need to worry about materials—it’s just fabric

Pro Tip: Always supervise your baby while they chew on a washcloth to prevent choking on loose threads.

6. Mesh or Silicone Teething Feeders

Teething feeders allow babies to safely gnaw on frozen fruit or veggies without the risk of choking. They come in mesh or silicone varieties, and both work great for teething relief.

Why parents trust them:

✔ Encourages self-feeding
✔ Offers cooling relief from frozen foods
✔ Safe alternative to traditional teethers

Best Foods for Teething Feeders: Frozen bananas, strawberries, or even breast milk cubes!

What to Avoid in Teething Products

Not all teething products are safe—even if they’re sold in baby stores. Here are a few things to avoid:

🚫 Teething Gels and Tablets – Many of these contain ingredients like benzocaine or belladonna, which can be harmful to babies.

🚫 Amber Teething Necklaces – Despite their popularity, there’s no scientific proof that amber releases pain-relieving oils when warmed against the skin. Plus, they pose a strangulation and choking hazard.

🚫 Plastic Teethers with Unknown Materials – If a teether doesn’t clearly state that it’s BPA-free or made from food-grade materials, skip it.

🚫 Teethers with Liquid Fillings – These can burst, potentially exposing your baby to bacteria or chemicals.

Safe Teething Tips for Parents

Beyond using safe products, here are a few extra tips to help make the teething journey smoother:

✔ Massage Baby's Gums – Gently rub their gums with a clean finger for relief.
✔ Offer a Chilled (Not Frozen) Teether – Extreme cold can hurt their gums, so avoid freezing teethers too long.
✔ Keep Everything Clean – Always sanitize teething products regularly to keep them germ-free.
✔ Comfort with Cuddles – Sometimes, a little extra love is the best remedy!

Final Thoughts

Teething is tough—but choosing safe, high-quality teething products can make all the difference. Whether it’s a silicone teething ring, a natural wooden toy, or a chilled washcloth, always prioritize safety, durability, and ease of cleaning. Avoid plastic, unnecessary chemicals, and anything that could potentially harm your little one.

At the end of the day, teething won’t last forever, even if it feels like it. Hang in there, parents—your baby’s gummy grins will soon turn into adorable toothy smiles!