Best Teethers and Teething Remedies That Actually Soothe

Best Teethers and Teething Remedies That Actually Soothe

The Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether is the best teether overall, with soft, flexible bristles and an easy-grip design that babies can hold independently. For cooling relief, the Nuby IcyBite Keys can be refrigerated (not frozen) for soothing cold therapy on sore gums.

The AAP recommends chilled (not frozen) teething rings and gentle gum massage as the safest and most effective teething remedies. Importantly, the FDA issued a safety warning in 2018 advising parents to avoid all benzocaine-based teething gels (such as Orajel) for children under 2 due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal blood condition. Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though the timeline varies widely.

When does teething start and what should parents expect?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months, though some start earlier and others not until after their first birthday. The lower central incisors typically come first, followed by upper central incisors. The full set of 20 baby teeth usually arrives by age 3.

According to the AAP, the average age for first tooth eruption is 6 months, with most children having a full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. A 2016 systematic review in Pediatrics found that teething symptoms — including irritability, drooling, and gum inflammation — typically begin 4 days before and last up to 3 days after tooth eruption.

Signs of teething include increased drooling, gum swelling, irritability, putting everything in their mouth, disrupted sleep, and mild ear pulling. Contrary to popular belief, teething does not cause high fever, diarrhea, or rash — if your baby has these symptoms, call your pediatrician.

What should parents look for in a baby teether?

Material safety

Look for BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free materials. Food-grade silicone and natural rubber are the safest options. Avoid anything with liquid inside that could leak, and check for small parts that could detach.

The CPSCCPSCThe US federal agency that issues product recalls and enforces safety standards on cribs, strollers, car seats, and other juvenile products. requires that all teething products comply with ASTM F963 toy safety standards, which include limits on lead, cadmium, and phthalates. In 2017, the FDA also warned against the use of amber teething necklaces due to choking and strangulation risks — a warning the AAP has echoed, noting there is no scientific evidence that amber releases therapeutic amounts of succinic acid.

Texture variety

Different textures provide different sensations against sore gums. Bumpy, ridged, and smooth surfaces each offer relief. Some babies prefer soft silicone; others want firmer rubber.

Coolability

Cold provides natural numbing. Some teethers are designed to be chilled in the refrigerator (not freezer — frozen teethers are too hard and can damage gums). Water-filled teethers can be cooled but carry leaking risk.

Which baby teether is the best overall?

The Comotomo teether is simple, effective, and beloved by babies and parents alike. Made from 100% hygienic silicone, it's easy for little hands to grip, has multiple textured surfaces for chewing, and is microwave/dishwasher sterilizable.

The design mimics natural hand shapes that babies instinctively bring to their mouths. It's soft enough to be gentle on gums but firm enough to provide satisfying pressure. Available in multiple colors. At about $10, it's an easy purchase.

Pros

• 100% silicone — no mixed materials
• Easy grip design for small hands
• Multiple textured surfaces
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Very affordable at ~$10

Cons

• Collects dust and lint due to silicone texture
• No cooling feature
• Single size may not suit all ages
• Limited color options

Which teether is best for front teeth?

The Baby Banana looks like a tiny banana and functions as both a teether and an early toothbrush. The soft, bendable silicone "bristles" massage front gums perfectly, and the banana peel handles prevent the teether from going too far into baby's mouth.

It's genius in its simplicity. Babies love the shape, parents love the dual function, and it introduces the concept of tooth brushing early. At under $8, it's a must-have addition to your teething toolkit.

Pros

• Dual function — teether and training toothbrush
• Safety handles prevent gagging
• Soft silicone bristles massage gums
• Introduces toothbrushing concept early
• Under $8

Cons

• Bristles can attract lint
• Only effective for front teeth/gums
• Gets thrown on the floor constantly (clip it to clothing)
• Banana scent may diminish with washing

Which teether provides the best cooling relief?

The Nuby IcyBite Keys are a teething classic. The multi-surface design offers different textures on each "key," and the gel-filled sections can be refrigerator-cooled for soothing cold relief. The ring handle is easy for babies to hold and shake.

At under $5, they're practically disposable — buy multiples and keep one in the fridge at all times. The cooling doesn't last long (10-15 minutes once out of the fridge), but during active teething pain, those minutes matter.

Pros

• Coolable gel sections for cold relief
• Multiple textures on different keys
• Easy-grip ring handle
• Under $5 — buy several
• BPA-free and dishwasher safe

Cons

• Cooling effect is temporary (10-15 min)
• Gel sections could theoretically leak (rare but possible)
• Bulkier than simple teethers
• Hard plastic ring isn't comfortable for chewing

What is the best natural rubber teether?

For parents who prefer natural materials, the Calmies teether is made from 100% natural rubber (from Hevea trees) with no added chemicals, paints, or coatings. The shape is designed for both front and back teeth, with rounded bumps for gum massage.

Natural rubber has a slight give that many babies prefer over silicone — it's softer and warmer in the mouth. The trade-off is that rubber can degrade faster than silicone and may develop a slight rubber smell. At about $12, it's reasonably priced for a natural product.

Pros

• 100% natural rubber — no synthetics
• Softer feel than silicone
• Designed for front and back teeth
• No paints, dyes, or coatings
• Biodegradable material

Cons

• Rubber can develop odor over time
• Degrades faster than silicone (replace every few months)
• Not dishwasher safe (hand wash only)
• Limited availability in some stores

Which teething remedies actually work according to research?

Beyond teethers, here's what the research says about other teething remedies:

What works

• Cold washcloth: Wet a washcloth, refrigerate it, and let baby chew. Simple, free, effective.
• Gum massage: Clean finger pressure on swollen gums provides immediate relief.
• Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol): For nights when teething disrupts sleep. Dose by weight, not age. Ask your pediatrician.
• Infant ibuprofen (Motrin): For babies 6 months and older. Often more effective than acetaminophen for teething pain. Ask your pediatrician.

A 2018 systematic review published in the British Dental Journal found that chilled teething rings and gum massage were the only non-pharmacological interventions with consistent evidence of effectiveness. The review found no reliable evidence supporting homeopathic teething tablets, amber necklaces, or essential oils for teething pain relief.

What doesn't work (or is dangerous)

• Teething tablets/gels with benzocaine: The FDA warns against benzocaine for children under 2 due to risk of methemoglobinemia (a serious blood condition). Avoid any product containing benzocaine.
• Homeopathic teething tablets: The FDA has warned about inconsistent levels of belladonna (a toxic substance) in some products. Several brands were recalled.
• Amber teething necklaces: No evidence they work, and they present strangulation and choking hazards. The AAP explicitly recommends against them.
• Whiskey on the gums: An old wives' tale that's actually dangerous. Alcohol is toxic to infants in any amount.

What do parents ask most about teething?

How long does teething pain last per tooth?

Active discomfort from a single tooth typically lasts 3-5 days — a few days before the tooth breaks through the gum and a day or two after. However, since babies get 20 teeth over roughly 2 years, teething can feel like a constant state. The molars (coming in around 12-18 months) tend to cause the most discomfort due to their larger size.

Should I use teething gel?

Avoid gels containing benzocaine (Orajel, Anbesol) for children under 2 — the FDA warns against them. Some parents use natural gels containing chamomile or clove oil, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Cold pressure (from teethers or frozen washcloths) is generally more effective and carries no risk.

The FDA issued a formal safety communication in 2018 warning against the use of benzocaine products (including Orajel and other teething gels) in children under 2 years old due to the risk of methemoglobinemia. The FDA also issued warnings in 2016 and 2017 about homeopathic teething products containing potentially toxic levels of belladonna. The AAP recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the only appropriate pharmacological option for teething pain, used sparingly and with pediatrician guidance.

Can teething cause fever?

Teething can cause a very slight temperature elevation (up to 100.4°F), but true fever (above 100.4°F) is not caused by teething. If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F, look for other causes and contact your pediatrician. The timing of teething often coincides with the age when maternal antibodies wane, leading to more infections — not caused by teething but occurring at the same time.

When should I start brushing baby's teeth?

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily. The Baby Banana teether is a great bridge between teething and toothbrushing. Your baby's first dental visit should be by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth.

The AAP and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend beginning tooth brushing with a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts. The AAPD also recommends scheduling a child's first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth.

So which teether should you buy?

The Comotomo silicone teether is our top pick for everyday teething relief, and the Baby Banana is an essential dual-purpose tool. Keep Nuby IcyBite Keys in the fridge for acute episodes. Skip amber necklaces, benzocaine gels, and homeopathic tablets — the evidence is clear that they don't help and may harm. For more baby health guidance, visit our baby health page.

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