Best Teethers and Teething Remedies That Actually Soothe

Teething is one of those parenting challenges that can last months and disrupt everything — sleep, feeding, and your baby's general mood. The market is flooded with teething products, but many are useless and some are genuinely dangerous. We focused on what evidence and parent experience actually support.

When Teething Starts (And What to 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.

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 to Look For in a 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.

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.

Best Overall Teether: Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether

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

Best for Front Teeth: Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush

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

Best for Cooling Relief: Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether

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

Best Natural Option: Calmies 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

Evidence-Based Teething Remedies

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 Bottom Line

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.

Best Teethers and Teething Remedies That Actually Soothe