Short answer: a good silicone teether is made of 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone, is one solid piece with no small parts, is easy for small hands to hold (or wearable, like a mitten), has textured surfaces for sore gums, and is easy to wash. Avoid amber necklaces, liquid-filled teethers that can leak, and anything worn around the neck.
When do babies need a teether?
Most babies get their first tooth between about 4 and 10 months, though signs like drooling and chewing can start earlier. Read our guide to baby teething signs, timeline and relief for what to expect.
Why silicone?
- Soft but firm: gives gentle pressure on sore gums.
- Safe material: food-grade silicone contains no BPA, phthalates or PVC.
- Hygienic: non-porous, easy to wash, and many can be boiled or sterilised.
- Durable: won’t crack like hard plastic.
Types of silicone teethers
| Type | Best age | Why parents like it |
|---|---|---|
| Teething mitten | About 3–6 months | Stays on the hand so it doesn’t keep falling; great before grip develops |
| Ring / handheld shapes | About 4–12 months | Easy to grab and pass between hands |
| Character shapes (animals) | About 4–12 months | Different textures to explore; fun to hold |
| Teether + rattle | About 4–12 months | Sound keeps babies interested |
| Brush-style teethers | About 6 months+ | Soft bristles help introduce tooth brushing |
Safety checklist
- One-piece design with no small parts that could break off.
- Labelled food-grade and BPA-free.
- Large enough that it can’t fit fully into the mouth.
- No strings, cords or necklaces; never tie a teether around a baby’s neck.
- Avoid amber teething necklaces and gel-filled teethers that could leak.
- Always supervise and check the teether for tears or bite marks before each use.
- Talk to your paediatrician before using teething gels or medicines.
How to use and clean a teether
- Wash before first use and after every use with warm soapy water.
- Sterilise as the maker recommends; many silicone teethers can be boiled for a few minutes.
- Chill in the fridge (not the freezer) for extra relief; frozen teethers can be too hard for gums.
- Keep two or three in rotation so one is always clean.
- Replace at the first sign of cracks or tears.
Our silicone teethers
- Silicone teething mitten: wearable, with textured ridges and crinkle fabric.
- Reindeer baby teether: soft mitten grip, 0–12 months.
- Chick teether rattle: rattle and teether in one.
- Penguin teething toy: wearable, 0–6 months.
See all our baby teethers, with free shipping and Cash on Delivery across India. Teething babies also love Montessori stacking toys made of soft silicone.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a baby use a silicone teether?
Many silicone teethers are designed from around 3 months. Check the maker’s age label.
Are silicone teethers safe?
Food-grade, BPA-free, one-piece silicone teethers are widely considered safe when used under supervision and replaced when damaged.
Can I put a teether in the freezer?
Chilling in the fridge is better. Frozen teethers can be too hard and cold for a baby’s gums.
This guide is general information. Please speak to your paediatrician if your baby has fever, diarrhoea or seems very unwell while teething.