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

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

• Best for healthy teeth: Brush-Baby My FirstBrush and Teether Set, £7.99
• Best cloth/multi-sensory option: Cheeky Chompers Handychew, £9.99
• Best for every stage of teething: Tommee Tippee Kalani Maxi Sensory Teething Toy, £6.75
• Best for hygiene: Matchstick Monkey Gigi Giraffe Teether, £10.99
• Best for value: Nuby Lots A Loops Teether, £7.50
• Best timeless design: Sophie La Girafe Original Teether, £15
• Best cooling teether: Skip Hop Explore & More Stay Cool Teether, £6
• Best for early teethers: Gummee Glove Teether, £14.99

Best baby teethers

Brush-Baby My FirstBrush and Teether Set, £7

Best for: Healthy teeth

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!

What we like

• Includes both a brush-like teether and a first toothbrush
• Soft silicone bristles massage gums and gently clean new teeth
• Long handle and flower-shaped mouthguard make it practical and easy to use
• Dishwasher safe, steriliser safe and fridge suitable

What to keep in mind

• More practical than playful
• Plain design won’t entertain like some toy-style teethers

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

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.

What we like

• Combines teether, comforter, rattle and dummy loop in one
• Machine washable
• Soft fabric helps mop up dribbles and offers extra comfort
• Handy strap helps stop it falling out of the buggy

What to keep in mind

• Can’t be chilled
• Won’t suit babies who prefer firmer teething surfaces

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

Tommee Tippee Kalani Maxi Sensory Teething Toy, £6.75

Best for: Every stage of teething

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.

What we like

• Different parts are designed for different teething stages
• Easy to grip and hold
• Dishwasher safe, steriliser safe and fridge suitable
• Anti-static design helps stop fluff and dust sticking

What to keep in mind

• Design is functional rather than especially stylish
• Some parents may prefer a simpler shape

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

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.

What we like

• Added antimicrobial technology helps prevent germs growing on the surface
• Textured head can be used with teething gels
• Ergonomic handles are easy for babies to grip
• Dishwasher safe and suitable for steam and cold-water sterilising

What to keep in mind

• Not the cheapest option here
• Some parents may not need the added hygiene features

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

Nuby Lots A Loops Teether, £7.50

Best for: Value

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.

What we like

• Excellent value for money
• Colourful looped design is easy for small hands to grab
• Built-in rattle adds extra sensory appeal
• Can be chilled in the fridge
• BPA-free

What to keep in mind

• Not dishwasher safe or steriliser safe
• A little bulky for taking out and about

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

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.

What we like

• Classic design with long limbs and neck that are easy for babies to chew
• Made from natural rubber with food-grade paint
• Light and easy to grasp
• Squeak adds extra play value

What to keep in mind

• Expensive compared with many other teethers
• Can only be surface cleaned
• Not dishwasher safe or steriliser safe

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

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.

What we like

• Works well for babies who are too young to grip a standard teether
• Fastens onto baby’s hand so it stays put
• Detachable teething ring means it can adapt as your baby grows
• Options available from birth

What to keep in mind

• Can be fiddly to put on and take off
• Fabric can get grubby quickly

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

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.

Read more

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• Annabel Karmel's baby biscotti recipe for teething tots
• Best baby teething aids