The Best Teething Tools for Babies by Age: A Feeding Specialist’s Picks (0–12 Months)
The short answer
The best teething tools do more than soothe gums. The right ones help babies build the chewing, tongue, and hand-to-mouth skills they’ll need for eating. Below are the tools I recommend at each stage, from the first months of mouthing through starting solids.
From the moment they’re born, babies use their mouths to explore the world. Mouthing isn’t just about teething. It plays a key role in oral development, sensory learning, and the foundation for feeding and speech.
As babies grow, their needs change: newborns are discovering their hands and mouth, 4–6 month olds are chewing more intentionally, and babies starting solids are learning to feed themselves. That’s why I’ve organized my favorite tools by age.
How Teethers Help Build Feeding Skills
The repetitive mouthing, munching, and chewing babies do outside of meals strengthens the tongue, jaw, lips, and cheeks. Offering the right tools can help your baby:
Move the tongue side to side
Tongue lateralization moves food to the molars for safe chewing.
Build jaw strength
A stable jaw supports coordinated tongue, lip, and cheek movement.
Grow oral awareness
New shapes and textures prepare babies for the variety of foods ahead.
Feel comfortable with new sensations
Safe exploration can make new textures feel less surprising at mealtimes.
Practice hand-to-mouth
Bringing objects to the mouth is an early step toward self-feeding.
Soothe sore gums
Gentle pressure helps ease discomfort as teeth come in.
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Stage 1 · 0–3 months
Early Mouthing and Exploration
In the first months, babies instinctively bring their hands to their mouth. This is the start of the hand-to-mouth connection and of building an oral map: an understanding of where the parts of the mouth are and how to use them. The better the sensory input (touch, taste, and movement), the better the motor output (coordinated movements for feeding and speech).
Free and simple: your clean pinky
Let your baby mouth their own hands or your clean pinky finger. Gently swipe along the upper and lower gums from side to side. It builds oral awareness, hand-to-mouth coordination, and self-soothing skills.
Early on, babies may need help bringing a teether to their mouth. Gently guide it toward their lips, and try moving it to the sides of the mouth to encourage tongue movement.
0–3 months · 1
Haakaa Silicone Finger Toothbrush
Ultra-soft bristles gently stimulate the gums and get babies used to the feel of a toothbrush before teeth arrive.
View on Amazon0–3 months · 2
Bright Starts Oball
The open design encourages babies to bring both hands to the middle of the body, a building block for feeding and independence.
View on Amazon0–3 months · 3
ARK Baby Grabber®
A favorite of feeding specialists. The easy-to-hold design supports independent grasping, and two short nubs allow safe chewing on the gums.
View at ARK Therapeutic0–3 months · 4
Mombella Elephant Teether
Soft, easy to grasp, and textured for gentle gum relief. Encourages early grasping and oral exploration.
View on Amazon
Stage 2 · 4–6 months
Intentional Chewing and Texture Play
Between 4 and 6 months, babies begin exploring textures, chewing more intentionally, and getting ready for self-feeding. Tools that reach the back gums and offer a variety of textures are especially helpful now.
4–6 months · 1
Comotomo Silicone Teether
Finger-like extensions reach deeper into the mouth to soothe sore gums and early molars, while the soft silicone stays gentle.
View on Amazon4–6 months · 2
Baby Banana Toothbrush-Teether
A bendable, easy-grip handle with soft bristles that babies can guide to their own gums, practicing hand-to-mouth control.
View on Amazon4–6 months · 3
Beckman Tri-Chew
An ergonomic shape for little hands that encourages using both hands while providing soothing pressure on sore gums.
View on Amazon4–6 months · 4
ezpz Oral Development Tools
Designed by a pediatric feeding expert, this set helps babies practice munching, biting, and chewing with varied textures.
View on Amazon
Stage 3 · 6+ months
Starting Solids and Self-Feeding
Around six months, many babies begin solids. This is a sensitive period where varied flavors and textures help set the stage for accepting a wide range of foods. These tools bridge teething and self-feeding.
Starting solids · 1
NumNum Baby Spoons
A great first utensil. Grooves hold purées, and the large textured handle makes it easier for babies to feed themselves.
View on AmazonStarting solids · 2
ezpz Tiny Pops
Fill with breast milk, purées, or smoothies. The cold soothes gums while introducing new flavors and temperatures.
View on AmazonStarting solids · 3
Bebecan Teething Sticks
Hollow, flexible sticks you can fill with purée for flavor exploration and gentle gum massage. Cleaning brushes included.
View on AmazonStarting solids · 4
ARK Grabber®
A P-shaped chew tool with different textures and firmness levels that helps babies safely reach their back gums and practice chewing.
View at ARK TherapeuticPrefer real food? Learn how to safely offer natural food teethers, like chilled cucumber or a pineapple core, from as early as 4 months.
Teething Tool Safety Tips
- Always supervise teether time, and offer tools when your baby is awake and upright.
- Inspect tools often and replace any with cracks, tears, or loose pieces.
- Chill, don’t freeze. A teether from the fridge soothes without being too hard or cold for gums.
- Never tie a teether around your baby’s neck. Use a short clip made for teethers, if any.
- Skip teething necklaces and numbing gels. The FDA warns against teething jewelry and benzocaine teething products for young children.
Getting ready to start solids? Read Why Overcoming the Fear of Choking Matters When Starting Solids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my baby use a teether before teeth come in?
Yes. Mouthing is important long before the first tooth. Teethers and safe oral tools support oral awareness, hand-to-mouth skills, and early chewing practice from the first months.
When do babies usually start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between about 6 and 12 months, though some start earlier or later. Drooling and extra mouthing often begin weeks before a tooth appears.
How many teethers does my baby need?
Just a few. Two or three tools with different shapes and textures, rotated during the day, are plenty. Variety matters more than quantity.
Want Help Supporting Your Baby’s Oral Development?
Book a free 15-minute call. We’ll talk through where your baby is right now and which tools and strategies fit their stage.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical or feeding care. Product availability and pricing may change. If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding, swallowing, or oral development, contact your child’s healthcare provider.
