The best teether toys to soothe sore gums

Baby with giraffe teether

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Your baby’s first teeth are a huge milestone, but before they reach this, you’ll be faced with a fair amount of drool and tears of discomfort but with the best teether toy (that's been sterilised properly!) you'll be able to help ease the pain.

Some teether toys are also attached to baby bibs for the added bonus of absorbing the excess dribble.

Best at a glance:

Best overall teether toy to soothe sore gums: Matchstick Monkey, Original Teether & Gel Applicator, £9.99
Best teether toy for adjustable poppers: Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew, £11.99
Best teether toy for motor skills: Gigi Giraffe Teething Starter Set, £15.99

Best teether toy for multi-sensory: Bibado Dawn The Dinosaur Teether, £16.95

Best teether toy for a squeak effect: Sophie La Girafe, £13.99

How can you ease your baby’s teething pain?

Teething can last for different periods of time from baby to baby, so we’ve summed up eight ways to ease your baby’s teething pain here, but if you’re looking for some natural ways to ease the pain alongside the teether, try:

• Soaking a new and clean dishcloth or flannel in warm water.
• Put your baby’s teether in the fridge for half an hour
• Depending on your baby’s age, freeze a chunk of cucumber
• Teething gels contain a mild anaesthetic to numb the gums.

Best Baby Teethers - UK 2024

Best teether toy for multi-sensory

The Bibado Dawn The Dinosaur Teether was awarded Gold for Best Teething Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Dawn the Dinosaur is a Multi-Sensory Teether designed to strengthen and develop mouth muscles and help curious mouths unlock the secrets to biting and chewing.

Our mum tester said: "We got our Dawn the Dinosaur delivered threw the post to test. As soon as it arrive we washed the product which I put on top rack dishwasher and sterilised it which I then gave to him he’s 8 months old and has two bottom teeth and very much teething which he loved he could hold and chew on this all he wanted. The bumps helped easy some of the cutting pain."

Read our full Bibado Dawn The Dinosaur Teether review.

Pros

  • Dentist designed
  • 5 multi-sensory textures
  • Affordable
  • Design is fun

Cons

  • No choices in colour
Package Dimensions:19.9 x 17.7 x 2.6 cm; 160 grams
Material Type:Silicone
Care Instructions:Machine washable
Style:Dawn The Teether
Material:‎BPA Free
  • Safety first
  • Perfect weaning prep
  • Best baby shower gift
  • Dentist designed
  • Bath teething toys

Best teether toy for ergonomic design

The Matchstick Monkey Teddy Tiger Teether was awarded Silver for Best Teething Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Perfect for tiny hands to grip, this adorable Teddy Tiger teether help to soothe your baby's sore gums. The BioCote® Antimicrobial Protection helps keep germs at bay, whilst textured bumps get teething products straight to the source of the pain, no fingers needed. Flexible and fun, the ergonomic design helps your baby develop essential motor skills whilst they chew.

Our mum tester said: "Well for a starters it has helped my son manage his tooth pain, it keeps him preoccupied biting and chewing it in different ways. This has had a positive effect on me! I am less stressed because he us less stressed, its super easy to just give it to him and let him bite on it however he likes. I've found I can get more jobs done!"

Read our full Matchstick Monkey Teddy Tiger Teether review.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy for little hands to hold
  • BPA free non-toxic and environmentally friendly
  • Dishwasher safe and fridge friendly
  • Adorable teether
  • Different colours to choose from

Cons

  • One texture
Height:11cm
  • FDA approved food-grade silicone
  • BPA free non-toxic and environmentally friendly
  • Dishwasher safe and fridge friendly
  • Suitable for steam and cold water sterilisation
  • Comes in reusable carry case packaging for storage
  • Added BioCote Antimicrobial Protection reducing microbes on the surface of the product making it more fresher and cleaner than any other teether
  • Soft toothbrush bumps on the back of the teether's head which are perfect for apply teething products to the hard to reach molars
  • Ergonomic design helps your baby to develop motor skills from an early age
  • Lightweight and easy for little hands to hold
  • Can be used as a pre-training toothbrush
  • Teddy Tiger is a fun, soft textured silicone teether providing soothing relief to aching gums

Best teether toy for different textures

The Baby Nom ‘The Gnaw-some Nibbler’ Teething Ring was awarded Bronze for Best Teething Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Replace the fist in your baby’s mouth with this innovative teether from Baby Nom. The Gnaw-some Nibbler designed for babies 4+ months. Comprising different textures and points for a satisfying chomp that will help soothe gums!

Our mum tester said: "I like this product as it’s easy for baby (7 month old) to use without constant help from an adult, great round shape for little hands and mouths, Easy to clean and keep clean. Seems really durable and long lasting in design and material A great item, will be buying more as gifts for new parents."

Read our full Baby Nom ‘The Gnaw-some Nibbler’ Teething Ring review.

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Silky soft
  • Different colours available

Cons

  • No size range
  • Colours are dull
Different colours available
  • Keep your little cranky pants busy and distracted from teething pain as they learn to self-soothe. This toy is shaped for little hands to easily grasp and keep hold of.
  • It’s easy peasy to clean all that sloppy drool off with warm soapy water. This teether is both dishwasher safe and steriliser safe. It’s also freezer friendly for when you need that extra bit of soothing cold relief.
  • 100% food-grade, durable soft touch silicone teether. Made in with one solid piece with no hard edges or parts to break off. No nasty chemical smells, no leaky gels or liquids, no risk of suffocation. Just safe fun for your baby to chew on.
  • Baby Nom teethers have been rigorously tested for your baby by a Swiss-owned lab, one of the best in the world. Safety tested and choke-proof, it contains no BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Cadmium or Lead. And of course it meets all UK, European and USA safety standards for baby teething toys.

Best teether toy for motor skills

Gold Award

Gold Winner for Best Teething Product at the M&B Awards 2023

At the top of our list, we have the Gigi Giraffe Teether Set, which is impressive in every aspect. Innovative, it has clever bumps on the back of the giraffe’s head, supplying a hassle-free, handy massage to the molars. The “arms” are easy for your little one to hold, which will help with motor skills and promote self-soothing – as well as encourage brushing early on. Reliable, this little set comes complete with everything you need to keep your little one pain-free and smiling.

One Mum Said: "This is a great teething toy and I think our daughter has got on really well with it. The design of the giraffe's arms makes it easy for our baby to hold on her own. She can get a good grip of it and pull it to her mouth. We really like the different options in the set including the flat faced teether. When we tested the finger brush, we got a positive reaction from our baby as it was a good massage on her gums. When she was teething really badly, we put some teething gel on the tooth brush head and this helped to settle her. The set is great because it will grow with our baby on her teething journey."

Read our full review of the Gigi Giraffe Teething Starter Set here.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Easy to grip

Cons

  • Comes as a single, not multipack
  • Doesn't come with a clip to attach to bags or clothing etc

Best teether toy for squeak effect

Silver Award
best-teething-products-2023-giraffe-2-baby-uk
Price: $26.99
Alternative retailers
Waitrose$15.99View offer
Walmart$28.00View offer

Silver Winner for Best Teething Product at the M&B Awards 2023

With long legs that help hard to reach molars, soft and bumpy ears to soothe sore gums and a light and easy grip for small hands, Sophie will soon become your baby’s best friend. That said, compared to others on the market, Sophie La Girafe cannot be submerged, or put in a steam steriliser or dishwasher as it affects her squeak.

One Mum said: "Sophie has been a great teether. The squeaker and the overall design make it a toy my son will smile at when he sees, and he will reach for. It provides him comfort from teething and he enjoys it as a toy as well.
Being a good size, he has been able to easily reach for it and the design make it easy for him to hold on to and he can chew different parts depending on his preference. It is my go-to toy for teething pain now. The squeaker definitely stimulates him and makes him smile as well.s

Read our full review of Sophie la girafe Original Teether here.

Pros

  • Easy for small hands to grab
  • Small and compact
  • Durable

Cons

  • No cleaning advice provided
  • Squeaker sometimes stops working

Best teether toy for silicone soft material

Carrot shaped teether

Rrp: $5.49

Price: $4.48
Alternative retailers
Walmart$10.00View offer

This super soft carrot teether toy will have your little one feeling comfortable, during those teething days. With its silicone material, it makes it perfect for calming tender gums and offering teething relief, especially with the bristles on the front & back end of teether. 

One review said: "My daughter (4mo) loves chewing on my thumb. I've tried so many teething toys between my 2 kids. With this one she learnt to hold very quickly and loves playing with it. It is firm but nice to chew on for a little one, with a few textured areas."

Pros

  • Easy to hold
  • Creative vegetable design
  • BPA free and dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Not many vegetable shaped designs to choose from

Best teether toy for eco-friendly

The Pippeta Bear Natural Rubber Teether is a soothing companion for teething youngsters. Made from 100 per cent natural rubber, it provides a safe and soft surface for gum relief. The bear design is seriously adorable and easy for little hands to grasp. Free from harmful chemicals, it offers a natural teething solution that's gentle on babies.

One review said: "My daughter loves Albert! He is easy for her grasp and manipulate into her mouth at 5 months old and she enjoys having a good chomp on him! Looks lovely and really good quality so I’m impressed too! Another great product.”

Pros

  • Made with an eco-friendly process 
  • 100% natural rubber
  • Cute design
  • No holes

Cons

  • Often sold out

Best teether toy for adjustable poppers

The best baby teether to catch teething drool
Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew
Price: $16.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$16.66View offer

These adorable Cheeky Chomper bibs come in a range of cute reversible patterns and were designed by two mums who were fed up of finding teethers on the floor, and constantly changing their baby’s soaked tops. With the clever design, your little one can chew away, whilst the bib catches the dribbles. Machine washable, with adjustable poppers so the bib grows with your baby.

One review said: "My 4 month old loves this, she's always got the teether in her hand or mouth and the absorbency is really good and they dry really quick. They wash well too. I've just bought more!"

Pros

  • Offers the ultimate 2-in-1 bib and teether to solve your baby and toddlers multiple needs
  • Made from 100% cotton

Cons

  • For 32cm-38cm neck sizes

Best teether toy for exploring

The best sensory teething toy

The Handychew comes in two designs: Bertie the Lion and Darcy the Elephant. You can pop the strap around your little one's wrist so they don't lose it, or attach it to your changing bag or pushchair. This silicone teether also features sensory details to keep your baby entertained while they soothe their gums; there are various textures to explore, ribbons, a crinkly ear and a rattle.

Mum tester Talia said: **"**As a mum, this product makes my life easier because it distracts and soothes my baby when she is teething, which means I can get on with everyday jobs that I couldn't normally do, due to my baby being upset and irritable because of her gums bothering her. The wrist attachment also means it doesn't get dropped as easily."

Pros

  • Features a crinkly ear to play with
  • Easy to hold for little hands

Cons

  • Strap is not adjustable 

Best teether toy for 100% recyclable

bibs heart teether
Price: $12.00

This stylish chic baby teether is the perfect shape for little hands. It's heart-shaped design allows little hands to grip on to it. It is easy to clean and can easily pop into your changing bag. . It's made from BPA and phthalate-free TPU - a durable, non-toxic, 100% recyclable and biodegradable material - you can even stick it in the dishwasher.

My personal review: " I really love this product. BIBS have such elegant and stylish products. I really like the simple yet interesting design. It is cute without being garishly bright. It has helped my son enormously. He can reach for it himself and I do not need to worry about any lose bits. Its very easy to clean, so it's perfect to take out and about."

Pros

  • Heart coloured model
  • Easy to grip onto

Cons

  • Not many colours to choose from

Best teether toy for circular shape

The best baby teether for front teeth

If you’ve ever noticed how much your baby seems to love biting fingers, they’ll love the Comotomo Silicone teething toy. Designed to mimic a baby’s fingers, the teether is made from a hygienic silicone material. The teether can be held from all sorts of angles, and its circular shape is great for when front teeth are coming through.

Mum tester Laura said : "I would highly recommend this product, and already have to many of my friends! The design of the teether is simple, easy to transport and really easy to clean. My little boy loves to play with this teether and always prefers this one to the many others that he already has. There is also no need to chill the teether, like others suggest, which is great."

Pros

  • Designed for their little hands to easily grad and hold
  • No moving parts

Cons

  • One review said it attracts dust and fibres

Best teether toy for chewable silicone

The best baby teether for you to wear

This clever necklace not only looks great, but has soft chewable silicone beads your teething baby will love. Team with your favourite V-neck dress for a mummy morning or special occasion, and rest assured its safe for your little one to gnaw on. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, the necklace is heat-resistant, dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

Mum tester, Stacey Matthews: "The necklace is very comfy and I forgot I was wearing it at some points, which is a bonus, as my initial thought was that it would be uncomfortable and heavy around my neck, but I was wrong. As the product is around your neck, it takes away the constant need to have to bend down to pick up a teething toy that the baby has dropped. It also saves my hair from being pulled out as his focus is on the necklace which is great."

Pros

  • The nibbling brighton teething necklace has been crafted with different sized
  • Shaped and coloured beads

Cons

  • Not soft enough

With plenty of different teethers to choose from, it’s a good idea to experiment with a couple of different ones that offer the right amount of pressure to ease discomfort. Try different textures and different shapes – circular teethers are the best for when the front teeth are coming through, whilst a longer, thinner design can help with molars.

Best teether toy for vibrant colours

The best teething toy to make you smile

These set of two silicone teethers are bound to make you and your baby feel cheerful, featuring a smiling sun and vibrant rainbow. With different textures for your tot to discover and spinning hoops to play with, they're bound to be a hit. 

One review said: "All things from Lucy Darling are adorable and the rainbow teether is no exception. My 12-month-old not only loves to chew on the teethers but they are also a fun sensory toy! Wish I had found LD sooner."

Pros

  •  Soft- textured
  • 2 Soothing teether toy

Cons

  • Measures between 2.5in- 4in Tall, and 3in-4.5in wide 

Best teether toy for lightweight

teether
Price: $21.18

Perfect from 3 months old, this teether toy is made from approved food-grade silicone and are BPA free, making it safe for baby. Easy to maintain clean, and amazing for the dishwasher, it can be put in the fridge for pain relief and is the must-have teething aid for your baby.

One review said: "Great teething toy. My baby was premature and low birth weight (born 4 weeks early weighing 4lb 7oz) and other teething toys I'd tried with him were too big to fit comfortably in his mouth for him to chew. He's now 4 months old and the matchstick monkey is the perfect size for him. The monkey's arm parts make it easy for him to hold himself - other toys were too big and chunky and he would keep dropping them. My baby seems to really like his matchstick monkey."

Pros

  • Bright and eye-catching
  • Ergonomic design 
  • Soft bumps on the back of the head 

Cons

  • Selling fast

What are the best baby teething toys on the market?

With plenty of different teethers to choose from, it’s a good idea to experiment with a couple of different ones . Each teether will that offer a different amount of pressure to ease discomfort. The best baby teethers for your baby will be different from someone elses. Try different textures and different shapes – circular teethers are the best for when the front teeth are coming through, whilst a longer, thinner design can help with molars.

How to clean your baby's teether

Most of the teethers in this list can be cleaned in a dishwasher or a steriliser for added convenience. It’s also a good idea to find one that can be put in the fridge, as cooling the teether can give relief to swollen, sore gums.

Hannah James is a Parenting and Lifestyle Writer working across Mother&Baby, Yours and Grazia.

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