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The Best Teething Toys for Sore Baby Mouths – 2020 Edition

A baby’s first tooth is an important milestone – but also one with potential problems. Teething can be a tough time for little ones and their parents. But irritations from erupting teeth can be soothed with teething toys.

Not sure which baby teether will provide safe and effective relief for your teething tot? We’ve rounded up the top teething toys for 2020. Plus, we’ve also included a complete guide to help make teething as painless as possible.

Ready to find the best teething toy for your little one? Here’s what you need to know:

Our #1 Choice – Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether with Bristles

Perfectly-shaped for kids three months and older, this soft baby teether toy is made from 100% silicone and is BPA free. Features multiple different bristle patterns to massage and stimulate gums. It helps to reduce irritation during tooth eruption.

The silicone is easy to keep clean. Simply run it through the dishwasher periodically. Avoid boiling and warming in the microwave. Also includes a carrying case for easy and hygienic transportation.

Our #2 Choice – ATON Baby Teething Toys

The pain of teething varies depending on the location of the emerging tooth. This set of five different teething toys is versatile enough to provide comfort during the entire process. Baby teether toys look like a cherry, grape, strawberry, orange and (for some reason) a frog.

Each teether is made from 100% food-grade silicone with no BPA, Lead, Petroleum, Latex or phthalates. Baby teether toys are FDA-approved and completely safe to chew on for long periods of time. Plus, they’re easily cleaned with steam or soapy water.

Also includes a free pacifier clip which keeps the teether from falling onto the floor. Clip is made from soft plastic and won’t scratch or irritate skin.

Our #3 Choice – Nuby Soothing Teething Mitten with Travel Bag

Not every baby can hold a teething toy – but this mitten is a great alternative. A Velcro strap keeps the mitten secure on either the right or left hand. Plus, the soft mitten protects your little one with sore gums from accidental injury but still allows them to put their hand in their mouth, which is often a natural instinct for many kids.

Mitten is made from soft silicone with teething surfaces to massage sore gums. Multiple different surfaces create a variety of tactile sensations. Additionally, the mitten makes a fun crinkling sound when touched with the opposite hand.

Our #4 Choice – Vuminbox Baby Bandana Drool Bibs with Teething Toys

This six-pack of bibs/teethers helps to soothe a baby’s gums while also keeping them clean. Each bib is made from super-absorptive cotton with a 101% polyester fleece backing to keep little ones comfortable.

Bibs stay secure with two nickel-free snaps. Adjustable sizes suitable for kids between the ages of three months and two years. Quick for parents to put on and take off.

Our #5 Choice – Nuby Ice Gel Teether Ring

This teether ring has multiple teethers to provide a wide range of tactile surfaces. Kids love the variety of sensations which help ease pain from teeth erupting in the front, back and middle of the mouth. Plus, manipulating the teether helps develop fine motor control and coordination.

The ring can be placed in the refrigerator to create a cooling touch. Unique PurICE technology keeps the ring cool for extended periods of time. Suitable for kids three months or older.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teething Toys

How Can I Help Reduce the Pain of Teething?

While the severity of the pain felt by a little one with sore gums is debatable, there’s certainly no doubt the child is uncomfortable and irritable. Fortunately, treatments are usually both simple and effective. Here are a few common solutions to try:

Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can both provide temporary pain relief. Acetaminophen is typically more effective at pain relief while ibuprofen helps reduce swelling. Of course, always follow recommended dosage for your child’s age (and don’t use both of the pain relievers at the same time).

Note that pain relievers should be used as sparingly as possible. If pain relievers need to be used for more than a few days, check in with your doctor. The source of the pain might be something more serious than a teething issue.

Gentle Pressure and Massage

Pain from teething can occur well before the tooth emerges. Counterpressure can be an effective way to dull pain which originates deep in the gum and jaw. Simply rub your child’s gums with your clean finger. Your finger can be either bare or wrapped in gauze.

Distraction

Teething pain is similar to a constant, dull headache. Sometimes the pain can be lessened if your mind is otherwise occupied. A new baby teether toy, extra cuddles, a favorite more or other distraction can actually work wonders.

Wet, Cold Washcloth

Take a clean, soft washcloth and soak one end in cold water. Then simply let your little one with sore gums chew on the cold washcloth. The benefits are two-fold. The cold temps numb sore gums while the soft, thick fabric provides a comforting tactile sensation against the gums.

What Should I Look for in a Teething Toy?

Teething relief toys are durable plastic objects which kids can chew on to help prevent teething pain. They provide pressure and other tactile sensations against the gums, which helps provide relief from irritation. When shopping for a teething toy, here’s what to keep in mind:

Materials

What is the teething toy made from? Most teethers are constructed from a pliable silicone. Make sure the teether is BPA-free and non-toxic.

Texture Variation

Additionally, you want a teether with a variety of textures. Different textures provide unique sensations against the gums. Each erupting tooth will feel different, so the varying textures helps relieve pain throughout the entire teething process.

Hygiene

Teethers need to be cleaned regularly. Many teethers can simply be thrown in the dishwasher. However, not all teethers can be boiled, which is a cleaning method some parents prefer.

“Coolability”

A cold teether often provides added pain relief. Most teethers can simply be thrown into the refrigerator for about half an hour to create a cool effect. However, some teethers will be specifically designed to stay cool for longer periods of time.

What Teething Techniques Should be Avoided?

There’s plenty of teething misinformation out there. Here are a few Old Wives’ Tales you’ll want to avoid:

Stay away from hard foods such as frozen carrots, frozen bananas, zwieback crackers or frozen breads. While babies will happily chew on these foods, they’ll quickly become a choking hazard.

Also, try to prevent your baby from chewing on their hand. Babies have a surprisingly strong bite, and they can accidentally injure themselves. If your child is prone to hand-chewing, a teething relief mitten can often be a safe and effective solution.

Finally, avoid rubbing any alcohol on the child’s gums. Even small amounts can be very dangerous.

How Do I Care for My Baby’s First Teeth?

Brushing begins as soon as the first tooth appears. Until about the age of two, don’t use any toothpaste. Brush with water only.

As soon as two teeth emerge which touch, you’ll want to start flossing. Floss once a day (the specific time doesn’t particularly matter).

Baby teeth are very susceptible to cavities. Be careful of what’s called “baby bottle tooth decay” which are cavities caused by the sugars found in milk and juice. Avoid putting your child down with a bottle.

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, you’ll still want to protect them from cavities. Tooth decay can quickly spread from tooth to tooth. Damage to any baby teeth can cause permanent teeth to erupt at an incorrect angle.

Your dentist will be a valuable partner here. He or she will use x-rays and other techniques to monitor the position of emerging permanent teeth. Helping teeth erupt correctly helps reduce the need for braces and other orthopedic devices later in life.

A Final Thought

Teething can be a tough time, but fortunately it’s usually easy to manage with the right teething toy and some tender loving care. Choose the best teething toy for your little one which has multiple surfaces to provide a variety of sensations. Also make sure the baby teether toy is easy to clean and durable. Teething is tough but relief is available today!