How to Choose the Best Teether for Soothing Your Baby’s Gums
Teething can be a tough phase for both babies and parents. From excessive drooling and fussiness to disrupted sleep, the symptoms of teething are often challenging. But the good news? The right teether can make a world of difference in easing your baby’s discomfort.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best teether for soothing your baby’s gums—while also exploring smart accessories like pacifier clips to keep everything in place and within reach.
Why Babies Need a Teether
Teething usually starts between 4 to 7 months of age, although it can vary. During this stage, babies experience swollen gums, soreness, and an intense need to chew. Teethers are specially designed for this purpose—giving babies a safe and soothing object to bite down on.
They also provide important stimulation for oral development and can even help strengthen jaw muscles.
Key Features to Look for in a Baby Teether
1. Material Matters
The material of the teether plays a huge role in safety and effectiveness. Look for:
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Food-grade silicone: Soft, durable, and easy to clean. BPA-free silicone is a favorite among modern parents.
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Avoid harmful plastics: Stay away from PVC, phthalates, and other toxic materials.
2. Texture for Relief
Textured surfaces help massage sore gums and provide extra sensory relief. Our teether offer a mix of smooth and bumpy textures to meet different teething needs.
3. Easy to Hold
Your baby’s grip is still developing, so choose a teether with an ergonomic design that’s easy for little hands to hold. Loop handles or ring shapes work great.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Let’s be honest—teethers spend a lot of time on the floor. Choose one that’s dishwasher-safe or easily washable with soap and water. Silicone teethers are a win here.
5. Safety Standards
Always look for a teether that meets ASTM and CPSIA safety standards. That ensures it’s been tested for baby-safe use.
How Pacifier Clips Make Teething Easier
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect teether, here’s a practical pro-tip: attach it to a pacifier clip. Yes, pacifier clips aren’t just for pacifiers anymore—they’re perfect for teethers too.
Why Use Pacifier Clips with Teethers?
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Prevents dropping: You won’t have to wash the teether 15 times a day.
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Keeps teether accessible: Babies can grab it when they need relief.
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Great for on-the-go: Whether you’re out shopping or in the car, the teether stays attached to your baby’s clothing or bib.
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Stylish and safe: Today’s clips are made of food-grade silicone and come in stylish colors to match your baby’s outfit.
Make sure the clip is short (less than 7 inches), doesn’t pose a choking hazard, and is securely attached.
Bonus Tip: Combining Teether + Pacifier Clip for Maximum Comfort
We now sell teether sets that include a matching pacifier clip. These are designed to work seamlessly together in terms of safety, size, and aesthetic. Whether you choose a fox-shaped teether or a minimalist round ring, pairing it with a coordinating pacifier clip makes the setup both functional and fashionable.
When and How to Introduce a Teether
Most babies start showing signs of teething around 4 months. Look for:
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Increased drooling
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Chewing on fingers or toys
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Fussiness or irritability
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Swollen or red gums
When these symptoms appear, gently offer a clean, cooled teether and guide their hand to it. Let your baby explore it at their own pace. Always supervise teething time, especially with new items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Freezing gel teethers: Freezing can cause the teether to become too hard, potentially damaging baby’s gums.
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Using unsafe materials: Double-check that the teether is BPA-free and made with baby-safe materials.
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Leaving baby unattended: Even with safe toys, babies should never be left alone while using teethers or pacifier clips.
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Ignoring wear and tear: Regularly inspect your teether for cracks or breakdown, and replace it when necessary.
Best Practices for Cleaning Teethers and Pacifier Clips
Keeping everything clean is essential, especially during teething when babies constantly put things in their mouth.
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Silicone teethers: Boil for 3–5 minutes or place in the top rack of the dishwasher.
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Pacifier clips: Hand wash or wipe clean, depending on the material.
Let all items air dry completely before giving them back to the baby.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right teether can offer major relief for your baby during the teething phase—and some peace of mind for you too. Look for high-quality, safe, and easy-to-use designs that your little one will love. Pairing your teether with a pacifier clip adds an extra layer of convenience, ensuring that comfort is never far away.
Whether you’re assembling your baby registry or searching for the perfect shower gift, remember this: soothing your baby’s gums doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can be stylish, safe, and even fun.