The Best Teething Tools for Babies 4-6+ Months: Expert Recommendations
As babies grow, so do their oral motor skills and teething needs! Between 4 and 6 months, babies begin exploring different textures, chewing more intentionally, and preparing for self-feeding. This stage is crucial for oral development, and choosing the right teething tools can make all the difference as your little one transitions to solid foods. As a feeding specialist, I’ve rounded up the best options to support your baby’s comfort and growth. But before we dive in, let's explore how teething and mouthing play a vital role in feeding development.
How Teethers Help Build Chewing Skills
By offering teethers that encourage essential chewing motions, you’re giving your baby a head start in developing the coordination needed for safe eating.
Promotes Tongue Lateralization: Chewing on a teether helps the tongue move from side to side, an essential skill for safely chewing and swallowing solids.
Strengthens Jaw Muscles: Biting on a teether builds jaw stability, which supports the efficient movement of the tongue, lips, and cheeks.
Builds Oral Awareness: Teethers expose babies to different textures and shapes, preparing them for the variety of food textures they will encounter.
Reduces Sensory Sensitivity: Provides a safe way to explore new sensations, helping reduce the gag reflex and increasing feeding readiness.
Encourages Hand-to-Mouth Coordination: Helps babies practice bringing objects to their mouths, an essential skill for self-feeding.
Supports Healthy Tooth Development: Gentle biting stimulates the gums and jaw, promoting proper tooth eruption.
Encourages Jaw & Airway Development: Applying pressure to the jaw bones supports forward growth, ensuring proper tooth alignment and optimal airway function.
Top Teething Products for 4-6+ Month Babies
1. Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether
The Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether is designed to mimic little fingers, making it both fun and functional for oral exploration.
Its elongated, finger-like extensions allow babies to reach deeper into their mouths, providing relief to sore gums and early molars. Made of soft, baby-safe silicone, this teether is gentle on sensitive gums while offering the perfect amount of resistance for chewing. Its lightweight design makes it easy for babies to grasp and manipulate, fostering hand-eye coordination and early self-soothing skills.
2. ZoLi Bunny Baby Teething Toy
The ZoLi Bunny Baby Teething Toy is an excellent choice for babies who are beginning to explore different textures and flavors. The easy-to-grip handle is perfect for tiny hands, promoting independent holding and strengthening fine motor skills. Larger nubs on the teether provide textured sensory stimulation, offering soothing relief for teething discomfort.
A feeding specialist favorite—dip the textured bumps into purees to introduce new flavors and encourage oral sensory exploration, which is essential for feeding readiness.
The ZoLi Chubby Gummy teether is more than just a teething toy—it’s a fantastic tool for early self-feeding practice. Its spoon-like design helps babies transition into self-feeding by mimicking the motions needed for using utensils. The textured, flexible tip provides gentle gum massage while strengthening oral muscles. The easy-grip handles make it ideal for little hands, supporting coordination and independence during mealtime.
4. ezpz Oral Development Tools
The ezpz Teething Set is designed by a pediatric feeding expert to support babies' oral motor development, helping them practice munching, biting, and chewing—essential for feeding and speech skills. With varied textures and shapes, these food-grade silicone tools encourage sensorimotor exploration, whether used alone or dipped in breast milk, formula, or purees. Soft, safe, and easy to clean, this set makes early oral development simple and effective!
Final Thoughts
Teething doesn’t have to be a struggle! By offering your baby the right tools, you can ease discomfort while supporting crucial oral and motor skill development. These expert-recommended teethers not only provide soothing relief but also lay the foundation for strong feeding and self-regulation skills. Start your baby's feeding journey with the right teething tools today!
