As far as milestones go, teething can be a tumultuous time for babies and parents alike. If your little one is displaying common signs of teething, such as drooling, biting on toys or fingers, flushed cheeks and irritability, a teething ring can provide some much-needed relief from aching, itchy gums.
Teething rings can be smooth or textured and are usually made of silicone, rubber, plastic or wood. Some can be placed in the fridge or freezer for a cooling effect. The Haakaa Palm Teether features five little fingerswith various textures to help soothe any aches or itches. The size is a great fit for smaller hands, and its innovative design makes it easy for little ones to reach virtually any area of the mouth.
What to know before you buy a teething ring
Solid vs. liquid-filled
Liquid-filled teething rings are designed to be placed in the fridge or freezer to help cool and soothe aching, swollen gums. However, it’s best not to give your little one a teething ring that’s frozen solid because this can further hurt and irritate your baby’s gums. Punctures and leaks aren’t all that uncommon, so take a moment to ensure that your chosen model is filled with a non-toxic fluid, such as distilled water.
For parents who’d rather not deal with the worry or hassle of a teething ring springing a leak, solid models are an excellent alternative. Solid teething rings can be made of a variety of materials, though plastic, rubber and silicone models can often also be placed in the fridge or freezer to achieve a temporary cooling effect.
Size and age range
As with any teething toys, teething rings come in a wide variety of different sizes and often have specific age recommendations as well. Before you buy, take note of the teething ring’s dimensions and recommended age range to determine whether it’s a good fit for your baby’s hands and current developmental stage.
Shape
Teething rings are generally easy to identify thanks to their ringlike shape. However, with a greater awareness of the benefits of different textures, more and more manufacturers are adding extra lumps and bumps to their teething rings. Protrusions such as these can make for more interesting and satisfying chewing sessions and help older babies reach farther back into their mouths as molars begin to emerge.
Cleaning ease
Babies spend a good deal of time chomping on their teething rings. Needless to say, keeping your little one’s teething ring clean is vital to your munchkin’s health. Sanitizing the teething ring in the dishwasher or microwave bottle sterilizer is by far the best way to eliminate germs and bacteria. However, not all teething rings are capable of withstanding high temperatures and may require gentle hand-washing.
Teething ring features
Textures
Many teething rings feature a variety of different textures on the surface. For instance, a teething ring may have bumps on one side and bristles or finger-like protrusions on the other. These types of teethers allow little ones to explore various textures until they find one that hits their personal sweet spot and provides the most relief.
Materials
Teething rings are typically made of BPA-free plastic, silicone, rubber or even wood.
Plastic teething rings can be either solid or filled with cooling gel or liquid, though they usually aren’t heat safe and require gentle hand-washing.
Silicone teething rings, on the other hand, have a soft and chewy texture that really gives babies something to sink their teeth into. Most silicone teethers are also dishwasher and sterilizer safe, making them easy to clean.
Rubber teething rings can also provide a satisfying surface to chomp on, though most aren’t heat safe and require hand-washing.
For those trying to cut back on plastics, natural wooden teething rings are worth considering. However, it should be noted that these can only be wiped off for cleaning. Parents should keep a careful watch for splinters, though this is more commonly observed in low-quality products.
Storage case
The best teething rings come with their own storage cases. A dedicated storage case helps keep your child’s teething ring clean and sanitary between uses.
Teething ring cost
Prices for basic teething rings, including cooling models, typically cost $3-$5. Multipacks and teethers with specialty shapes and lots of different textures or protrusions can cost anywhere from $5-$15.
Teething ring FAQ
Does my baby need more than one teething ring?
A. While some babies are perfectly happy to bite on just about any teething ring, many are notoriously fussy when it comes to shape and texture. Purchasing two different teething rings can boost the chances of your little one accepting and regularly using at least one of them. And if one gets lost or damaged, having an extra teething ring on hand certainly won’t hurt either.
How should I clean my teething ring?
A. This depends entirely on the teething ring in question. While some are dishwasher and sterilizer safe, others can only be washed in soapy water or wiped off. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your baby’s teething rings.
Which teething ring should I get?
Best of the best teething ring
Haakaa Palm Teether: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Our take: A top choice for all ages, this innovative hand-shaped teething ring is easy to grip and features five textured fingers that make it easy to reach the front, sides and back of the mouth.
What we like: Smaller size is easy for little hands to grip. Features five textured fingers that easily reach molars and simultaneously double as pacifiers. Food-grade silicone construction is durable, dishwasher safe and freezer friendly. Suitable for teething babies of all ages.
What we dislike: Doesn’t stay cold for very long after being placed in the freezer. Somewhat pricey.
Best bang for your buck teething ring
Nuby Silicone Teethe-eez Teether with Bristles: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
Our take: This popular teething ring is a firm favorite among babies and parents alike thanks to its textured surface, satisfying massaging bristles and easy to clean silicone construction.
What we like: Features a variety of textures for babies to explore and chew. The bristled head gently massages itchy, aching gums and provides full contact for front teeth. BPA-free silicone is durable and easy to care for. Comes with a storage case.
What we dislike: Some parents complained that dirt has a tendency to stick to the soft silicone surface.
Honorable mention teething ring
Baby Elefun Teething Toy: available at Amazon
Our take: This elephant-shaped teething ring offers a host of textures to soothe even the itchiest, achiest gums and a couple of perfectly sized extensions for improved reach around erupting molars.
What we like: Made of durable food-grade silicone. Features a variety of textures, including soft bristles, to ease aches, pains and itchiness. The trunk and legs easily reach the sides and back of the mouth. Can be popped in the freezer for a cooling effect.
What we dislike: The trunk could be positioned farther away from the feet for easier reach toward the back of the mouth. Erica van Blommestein is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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