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The best teethers for babies in 2026, top-rated by experts and tested by real families

They’re designed for your baby to chew, drool over and suck on when those new teeth are poking through, offering safe comfort and relief. We’ve rounded up the best baby teethers and soothers, as tested by our parents

Published: April 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM

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Most of us know all about the hell of teething. Sore gums, rosy cheeks, constant dribbling, fretfulness, ear-pulling and a loss of appetite are just some of the common symptoms – along with the strong desire to chew and gnaw everything in sight. All of which means you can find yourself with one seriously unhappy baby on your hands.

A teether can offer some welcome relief during this tricky stage, especially when first teeth are pushing through gums – usually between 3 and 7 months. And because teeth continue to emerge well into toddlerhood, it’s worth choosing a teething toy that’s sturdy, safe and soothing enough to last the distance.

Best baby teethers at a glance

How we chose the best baby teethers

Our best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists, using a mix of independent reviews, MadeForMums Awards testing, feedback from our home testing panel and The MadeForMums Club, plus our own editorial research. When assessing these teethers, we looked at design, age suitability, quality, texture and shape, value for money, ease of cleaning, and whether our child testers found them genuinely soothing. Each product has been chosen because it stands out for a different need, so you can find the best baby teether for your family.

Best baby teethers

Brush-Baby My FirstBrush and Teether Set, £7

Best for: Healthy teeth

Brush Baby My First Brush and Teether

Why we chose it: This clever set helps soothe sore gums while also getting babies used to early toothbrushing.

Every time he sees the teether he knows it will help him. He just grabs it, chews on it for five minutes and he is all better. It's always in my changing bag!

Ionela, mum to a 1-year-old

What we like

What to keep in mind

Once baby’s first tooth appears, this set comes into its own. It’s a smart choice for parents who want a teether that also supports good oral hygiene habits from the start, and our tester found it especially helpful during painful molar teething stages.

Available from: Amazon and Boots

Cheeky Chompers Handychew, £9.99

Best for: Cloth/multi-sensory option

cheeky-chompers-teether

Why we chose it: This soft, sensory teether doubles as a comforter, rattle and dummy holder, making it a great all-rounder for babies who prefer fabric to silicone.

It’s definitely worth the money, you get multiple features in one item - the chewy ear, the textured parts, the rattle and dummy strap plus the Handychew acts as a comforter.

Nicola, mum to a baby girl

What we like

What to keep in mind

For babies who like to chew and cuddle in equal measure, this is a brilliant pick. It feels more versatile than a standard teething ring and works particularly well for parents who want something soothing, sensory and easy to wash.

Available from: Cheeky Chompers and Amazon

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Tommee Tippee Kalani Maxi Sensory Teething Toy, £6.75

Best for: Every stage of teething

tt-kalani-teether

Why we chose it: Thoughtfully designed with multiple textures and shapes, this teether is made to help babies through different stages, from first teeth to molars.

She loved the design instantly – bright and eye-catching but not garish.

Aamna, mum to a 1-year-old daughter

What we like

What to keep in mind

If you want one teether that can go the distance, this is a strong choice. The different surfaces help tackle changing teething needs as your baby grows, and the anti-static finish is a genuinely useful extra.

Available from: Tommee Tippee and Amazon

Matchstick Monkey Gigi Giraffe Teether, £10.99

Best for: Hygiene

Matchstick Monkey Gigi the Giraffe

Why we chose it: With antimicrobial technology, easy-grip handles and the option to use teething gel, this stylish teether stands out for convenience and cleanliness.

It’s perfect to know this teether is hygienic and safe.

Sara, mum to a baby daughter

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a smart choice for parents who want a teether that’s easy to keep clean and simple for babies to hold independently. It also gets especially good feedback for younger babies around 4 to 5 months.

Available from: Matchstick Monkey and Amazon

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Nuby Lots A Loops Teether, £7.50

Best for: Value

Nuby Lots a Loop Teether

Why we chose it: Bright, simple and budget-friendly, this teether offers plenty to grab, chew and shake without costing much.

This is cheaper than some teething toys on the market. It’s easy to use and soft to chew on. My son has had great use as he's currently got two teeth breaking through and I feel it's been a blessing for him.

Zoe, mum to a little boy

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a great choice if you want an affordable teether that still feels cheerful and engaging. It works well as a first teether and gives babies plenty of shapes to explore with their mouth and hands.

Available from: Amazon, Nuby and Boots

Sophie La Girafe Original Teether, £15

Best for: Timeless design

Sofie la Girafe Teether

Why we chose it: This iconic natural rubber giraffe remains a favourite because it looks lovely, feels soothing and still genuinely works as a teether.

It may seem expensive, but having used the toy for some time now, it really is worth it.

Emily, mother of a baby boy

What we like

What to keep in mind

Sophie is as much a nursery classic as a practical teether. She’s particularly appealing if you want something giftable, well-made and cute enough to live out in plain sight, as well as something babies genuinely enjoy chewing.

Available from: Amazon and John Lewis

Gummee Glove Teether, £14.99

Best for: Early teethers

gummee-glove-teether

Why we chose it: This wearable teether is a clever solution for very young babies who want to chew but can’t yet reliably hold a teething toy.

It looks a bit odd – like a tiny baby boxing glove – but it's such a great idea if your child begins teething early on.

Gemma, MadeForMums team member

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a smart option for very early teething, when babies are chewing on their hands but haven’t quite mastered holding a toy. It won’t suit everyone, but for the right baby it could be a real sanity-saver.

Available from: Amazon and Gummee Glove

How our best teethers compare

ProductBest forAge suitabilityPriceTommee Tippee Kalani Maxi Sensory Teething ToyEvery stage of teethingFrom 3 months£6.75Matchstick Monkey Gigi Giraffe TeetherHygieneFrom 3 months£10.99Nuby Lots A Loops TeetherValueFrom 3 months£7.50Brush-Baby My FirstBrush and Teether SetHealthy teethFrom birth£7Cheeky Chompers HandychewCloth/multi-sensory optionFrom birth£9.99Sophie La Girafe Original TeetherTimeless designFrom birth£13.99Gummee Glove TeetherEarly teethersFrom birth options available£14.99

Baby teether safety: how to clean baby teething toys

Teethers can be made from a range of materials, including silicone, natural rubber, wood and cloth. Silicone is especially common because it’s softer to chew than hard plastic and won’t leach chemicals in the same way some plastics can. If you do choose a plastic teether, check that it’s free from BPA, PVC and phthalates, which may be harmful.

Whatever material you choose, check the cleaning instructions carefully. Some teethers can go in the dishwasher or steriliser, while others can only be washed in hot soapy water or surface-cleaned. This matters if hygiene is a big concern, especially with natural rubber or fabric designs.

What to look for in a baby teething toy

Textured surfaces: Look for knobbly bits, ridges and flexible chew areas that can help massage sore gums.

A ring shape or easy-grip handle: Teethers that are easy to hold are much more likely to be used by younger babies.

A bright or playful design: Bold colours and character shapes can help babies engage with the teether more quickly.

The chill factor: Some babies get extra relief from teethers that can be safely chilled in the fridge or freezer.

BPA-safe materials : Most teethers are BPA safe, but it’s always worth checking packaging before buying.

Something that suits your baby: Some babies prefer cloth teethers, others silicone, and some get on best with multi-stage designs. Teething is individual, so what works brilliantly for one baby may not for another.

How much should I expect to pay for a baby teething toy?

A basic plastic or silicone teether can cost just a few pounds, while more premium styles can reach around £20. Higher prices may reflect the materials used, added features, or a more design-led finish.

That said, teething can last a long time – often well into toddlerhood – so it can be worth spending a little more on a teether your baby genuinely loves. Many parents also find it useful to keep more than one on hand, especially if one is being cleaned or packed in the changing bag.

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About the author

Cheryl Freedman has been working as a journalist for 20 years and began writing about parenting when her son was a baby in 2009. She has written reviews and features for MadeForMums, testing everything from booster seats to strollers, and writing practical guides on breast-feeding, infant nutrition and more.

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Authors

Cheryl Freedman

Cheryl Freedman has been working as a journalist for 20 years, and began writing about parenting when her son was a baby back in 2009. She's written reviews and features for MFM, testing everything from booster seats to strollers and writing guides to breast-feeding, infant nutrition and more.

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