Teething Toys: Safe Materials Compared (2026 Guide)

Teething is a 12 to 18 month process that most parents over-prepare for in the first month, then forget about by month six, then panic about again at the molar stage. The teething toy itself matters less than parents expect (consistent gum pressure from anything safe to chew is the active mechanism), but the material composition of the toy matters a lot because babies put it in their mouth for hours each week. This guide walks through the materials pediatric dentists generally consider safe, the ones to avoid, and the practical features that make a teething toy actually useful. For specific medical or developmental questions about teething, consult your pediatrician.

The three materials generally considered safe

Food-grade silicone. The most common material in modern teething toys and the most widely recommended by pediatric dentists. Silicone is heat-stable, non-leaching at typical baby temperatures, free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC, and soft enough to give without bruising gums. Reputable brands publish material certifications (LFGB from Germany, FDA-grade from the US). Examples: Sophie la Girafe So Pure, Comotomo Silicone Teether, Itzy Ritzy Silicone Pearl, Mushie Silicone, Nuby Silicone IcyBite.

Natural rubber. The classic Sophie la Girafe is natural rubber from hevea trees. Natural rubber is soft, flexible, slightly textured, and free of synthetic plastics. The downside is that natural rubber can degrade in dishwashers and should be hand-washed with mild soap. Some babies are sensitive to natural latex; the AAP notes that latex allergy in infants is uncommon but possible. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Untreated or food-safe finished wood. Beechwood, maple, and birch teething toys (Bannor Toys, Bella Tunno wood teethers, Hape) are popular for natural-look households. Safety depends on the finish: untreated wood is fine if smooth, while finished wood must use food-safe finishes (organic beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, or certified non-toxic sealants). Avoid painted or stained wood unless the finish is explicitly certified non-toxic and food-safe. Wood should never go in the dishwasher.

Materials to avoid

PVC and vinyl with unspecified plasticizers. Cheap teething toys made of PVC may contain phthalates and other plasticizers that are not safe for prolonged oral contact. The FDA has restricted some phthalates in children’s products, but imported or unregulated products may still contain them. If a product does not specifically state “phthalate-free, BPA-free, PVC-free,” assume it is not.

Painted or stained wood with non-certified finishes. Lead-based paint is rare in modern toys sold by major retailers, but novelty or imported wood teethers occasionally have non-certified paint or stain. The risk is the baby ingesting paint particles over weeks of chewing.

Beaded necklaces and bracelets. Amber, marble, wooden bead, and silicone bead necklaces or bracelets marketed as teething jewelry. The FDA has issued public warnings about strangulation and choking deaths from these products. There is no clinical evidence that amber or any specific material reduces teething pain through skin contact. Consult your pediatrician for evidence-based comfort options.

Magnetic teethers. Small magnets that hold the teether in shape or attach to clothing. If a magnet detaches and is swallowed, it can cause serious intestinal damage, especially if more than one magnet is swallowed. Avoid entirely.

Liquid-filled gel teethers, after the first bite. Gel teethers (the chillable kind) are safe before a baby has teeth. Once the baby can puncture the casing with new teeth, the gel can leak. Some gels are food-safe, some are not. Inspect for cracks and retire when teeth break through.

Cold teethers, the right way

Cold pressure helps numb sore gums. The mechanism is real and pediatric dentists generally endorse cooling. But the temperature matters:

• Refrigerator cool (around 40 F): Recommended. Soothing without being hard.
• Freezer cold (below 32 F): Generally not recommended. The teether becomes rigid and can bruise gums or damage emerging tooth surfaces.

A reasonable cooling protocol: store one or two silicone teethers in the refrigerator (not freezer) and rotate them. A clean wet washcloth knotted at one end and refrigerated also works as a cheap teether substitute.

Some teethers are specifically designed to be frozen (Nuby IcyBite Keys, for example, has gel-filled rings that stay flexible when frozen). Follow the specific product instructions. If in doubt, refrigerate rather than freeze.

Size and shape considerations

• Choking hazard test: A teething toy should be larger than a baby’s mouth and not have any detachable small parts. The standard test is whether the entire toy can fit through a toilet paper tube. If yes, it is too small for an infant.
• Single-piece construction is safest. Toys with screwed-on parts, beaded sections, or clip-on attachments add failure points.
• Multi-texture surfaces help. Different textures (bumpy, smooth, ribbed) provide variety as the baby explores. Sophie la Girafe and the Comotomo Silicone Teether both have multiple texture zones.
• Long handle or grip area. Helps the baby hold it without losing grip when wet with drool.

Brands generally considered safe

The major brands that publish material certifications and have been on the market long enough to have stable quality include:

• Comotomo: All-silicone, dishwasher-safe, single-piece.
• Sophie la Girafe (classic and So Pure): Natural rubber (classic) or silicone (So Pure).
• Manhattan Toy Winkel: Hard plastic, BPA-free, no detachable parts.
• Vulli (Sophie’s manufacturer) Vanilla Teether: Natural rubber.
• Bannor Toys: Untreated maple wood teethers, US-made.
• Itzy Ritzy: Silicone teething necklaces (for parent to wear, not baby).
• Nuby: Silicone and ice-gel teethers, widely available, well-priced.

Cleaning

• Silicone: Dishwasher top rack or hand wash with hot soapy water. Inspect periodically for cracks or tears at stress points.
• Natural rubber: Hand wash only. Do not boil or microwave. Air dry.
• Wood: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never submerge or dishwasher. Re-oil with food-safe oil occasionally to maintain the seal.

What to avoid in teething pain management

The FDA has issued warnings against:

• Benzocaine teething gels (Orajel, others). Linked to methemoglobinemia in young children. Not recommended under age 2.
• Belladonna-containing homeopathic teething tablets. Recalled in 2017 after reports of seizures.
• Amber and similar bead necklaces. Strangulation and choking risk.

For pain management, consult your pediatrician. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be appropriate at specific ages under pediatrician guidance.

A simple buying framework

1. Pick a silicone teether or natural rubber teether from a reputable brand with published material certifications.
2. Buy two so one can be refrigerated while the other is in use.
3. Skip novelty teethers with detachable parts, magnetic teethers, beaded necklaces, and frozen-hard gel teethers.
4. Inspect weekly for tears or cracks. Replace at the first sign of compromise.

For related reading, see our baby skincare brands comparison and babyproofing cabinet locks types.

Frequently asked questions