The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Teethers: Look For These 3 Materials!

Non-Toxic Teethers. Before becoming a parent, the term would have sounded like something out of an environmental studies course.

“Ah yes, many corporations choose to dump toxic teether into the river, which of course is why the government mandated the switch to non-toxic.”

Now, however, after washing countless bibs and seeing firsthand the literal buckets of drool, I am well acquainted with teething and the signs associated with new teeth pushing through tender baby gums.

Non-toxic teethers were quickly added to my growing arsenal of helpful baby items – both to comfort my little one and also to comfort mommy (“Please just calm down and chew on this for a bit”).

In all seriousness, teething is an important developmental stage in all babies’ lives – for most children teething starts right around  7-9 months.

Just when you think the sleepless nights are over, a bit of grumpiness and discomfort leads to a few more early-hour wakeups.

It’s not uncommon for teething to be accompanied by fussiness, drool, and of course, chomping at pretty much whatever they can get their paws on.

So, instead of letting them gnaw on their hands, as parents we set out to find the absolute best teethers the market has to offer. But where to begin?

Here’s the skinny on how to sift through the noise and find the best non-toxic teether for your little bundle of joy.

As a new parent, you are immediately confronted with first-time questions – “what’s the difference between breastfeeding and formula?

How long does the baby sleep in the bassinet? Do I want the non-organic or organic? -- what’s the difference?”

Questions like this present themselves everywhere, seemingly constantly. And as parents, we’re forced to respond and make decisions.

Life for your little peanut quickly becomes all about safety. Parents should be cautious about items built specifically for their baby’s mouth, not like everything doesn’t end up in there anyway.

Children deserve the healthiest start to life, and when it comes to teething, you want to give them something safe to chew on while they explore and grow.

When it comes to teething, non-toxic teethers are your go-to. They’re tested like crazy to make sure they’re safe for your baby to gnaw on – free of BPA, phthalates, or scary heavy metals.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are chemicals used in the production of many plastics. Imagine tiny invisible villains that could make your baby feel yucky.

That’s BPA and phthalates for you, often associated with being harmful to both humans and the environment.

And lead? A metal that can be dangerous for kids, especially since little ones love exploring the world mouth-first. My child doesn’t trust anything until he first tastes it.

These chemicals can mess with your baby’s health, so they should be avoided whenever possible.

Silicone is the safest and best option when it comes to non-toxic teethers. It's not plastic, but has some cool similarities, like being super flexible and water-resistant. Plus, it's kind to baby gums and free of BPAs and phthalates.

Silicone is often celebrated for its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to microbes, which make it a standout choice for teething toys.

Its elasticity makes it easy for little hands to hold, and it stands up to temperature changes allowing it to be a freezer-friendly option for extra relief.

Silicone teethers can come in various shapes and textures to provide relief and sensory exploration for your baby.

The Busy Baby 2-in-1 Teether and Training Spoon combines the safety of non-toxic silicon with the hand-eye coordination associated with self-feeding.

Enter beechwood, with its natural power to fight germs. It's like having a tiny tree warrior helping soothe your baby’s gums. Plus, it’s good for Planet Earth!

Known for its natural antimicrobial properties, beechwood offers an organic, sustainable choice for eco-conscious parents.

It’s durable, non-splintering, and free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe and lasting option for comforting teething pains.

The Fox Silicone Teething Toy is a great choice for parents looking to try beechwood.

Made from tree sap, natural rubber is the eco-friendly cousin of the teether family. It’s soft, squishy, and doesn’t invite dust or dirt to the party.

Natural rubber teething toys are hygienic, environmentally friendly, and free from chemical softeners.

Their moldable nature allows for a variety of shapes and textures, providing both relief and stimulation for teething babies.

Typically, a bit softer than silicone, one advantage to rubber is the ability to mimic the mother’s nipple.

This trait does however come with a downside, as natural rubber tends to have less longevity when compared to the competition.

Elements like air, light, and saliva tend to age natural rubber quite quickly.

Teethers aren’t just for chewing; they’re like little trainers for your baby’s motor skills and sensory exploration.

Consider Non-Toxic teethers of different textures and shapes to give your baby options.

- Safety First: Choose teethers that can stand up to baby’s chew without breaking or becoming a choking hazard.

- Clean Team: Whether it’s dishwasher-safe silicone or soap-and-water for wood, go for teethers that are easy to clean and keep germ-free.

- Fun and Functional: Find teethers with various textures and shapes to keep the baby engaged and comfortable.

-Growing with Your Baby: Babies grow fast, look for teethers that can keep up with them, providing comfort and relief as they hit different teething milestones.

Rubber is actually a blanket term that incorporates many different types of rubber – including silicone rubber; silicone is a type of rubber.

The properties of silicone make it more heat resistant which is why you often see its application in household appliances and food.

You're now equipped with the knowledge to choose the best non-toxic teethers for your little hero. 

Remember, the drooling inevitably stops, and teething is just a phase, but with the right gear, you can make it a tad easier (and safer) for your baby.