Are Baby Teethers Safe? How to Choose a Safe, Non-Toxic Teether

Teething is a significant but often uncomfortable milestone in your baby’s development. As tender gums swell and first teeth push through, babies can become distressed and seek relief through chewing - at the start, often on fingers, toys or other objects. 

This is where teethers come in. These “toys” give your child something safe to chew on and are designed to help soothe a baby’s sore gums. 

While baby teethers can be a soothing solution, studies have found that plastic teethers can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and contain toxic chemicals and bisphenol A (BPA), which are harmful to infant health. This is in addition to headlines on choking and strangling hazards and contamination, which have prompted global recalls of some products. 

This, of course, begs the question for parents: Are baby teethers safe?

The answer isn’t simple, but we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll cover what teethers are, if they’re safe for your infant, how to choose a non-toxic teether, and other guidelines for safe usage.

By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident in both choosing and using teethers with your child. 

What is a Baby Teether?

Teething toys are pain-relieving devices for babies when their teeth begin to develop. These are designed to place gentle counter-pressure on inflamed gums during tooth eruption, but might also help new teeth penetrate the gum and stimulate sensory development with their varied textures. Teethers differ from dummies (or "pacifiers") in that they are intended to be chewed, rather than sucked on. 

Most modern teething rings are silicone, but can also be made of wood or rubber. Some teething rings are filled with a fluid or gel that can be frozen or refrigerated, though we wouldn't recommend these — more on that next. 

Are Baby Teethers Safe? 

In general, teething toys are safe when made and used to recognised safety standards.

However, you should always choose natural and safe teething toys that do not contain plastic or other toxic materials. BPA (Bisphenol-A), PVC, and phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to developmental issues. These chemicals can leach when saliva interacts with plastic. 

In addition, as WebMD recommends:

• Search for teethers with solid components, as loose pieces usually break off. Your baby will swallow these pieces and may choke.

• Some teething toys have liquid or gels in them. Try to avoid such toys as your baby can chew holes in them easily, exposing them to bacteria or unknown substances.

• Never pin or clip a teether around your baby's neck and clothes. Since your baby is always playing and moving, the toy can tangle around their neck and make them choke. 

How to Choose a Baby Teether 

Here's what to consider when choosing a baby teether to ensure it's safe and non-toxic.  

1. Material

When shopping for a teether, the material is one of the most important factors. Some of the safest and most recommended materials include food-grade silicone, untreated hardwood, or natural rubber.

Silicone

Silicone is inert, meaning it won’t react with saliva or leach chemicals. Unlike cheaper silicones, food and medical-grade variants undergo rigorous testing for metals (lead, cadmium) and other toxic materials. In addition, silicone is soft, durable and dishwasher-safe, just be sure to avoid those without safety certifications.

Untreated Hardwood

Wood teethers are a natural option that’s strong and antimicrobial. However, keep in mind that wooden teethers must use close-grained hardwoods (e.g., beech, maple) to prevent splintering and lifting fibres. Ensure the teether is smooth, splinter-free, and unfinished (made without varnishes or synthetic lacquers), and avoid porous woods like bamboo. 

Natural Rubber

Rubber teethers are naturally soft, flexible and biodegradable, though they can wear down quicker than silicone or wood.

Ensure rubber is nitrosamine-free and look for the Fair Rubber Association logo or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification.

2. Safety Certifications

Look for CE marks (for UK and EU products), EN71 compliance, or other safety certifications. These ensure the teether has undergone rigorous testing for both chemical and physical hazards.

3. Texture & Hardness

Avoid teethers with beads, bells, or detachable parts – even if secured. Designs with multiple textures, on the other hand, can help stimulate gums and keep your baby engaged.

4. Shape & Size

A good teether should be large enough that your baby can chew, but not so large that they can put the whole thing in their mouth, and in one solid piece, with no small or detachable parts. 

5. Easy to Clean

Teethers will spend a lot of time in your baby’s mouth, so hygiene is essential. Choose designs that are dishwasher-safe and avoid ones with crevices or holes that are difficult to clean.

Final Tips 

Teething can be a trying time for both you and your baby, but choosing the right teether can make all the difference. The good news is that baby teethers are generally safe, as long as you know what to look for. Prioritise non-toxic materials, check for safety certifications, and keep things clean and well-maintained

Remember to inspect your baby’s teething toys regularly. If you notice cracks, stickiness, or worn edges, it’s time to replace them. Even natural wood and silicone can degrade over time, especially with frequent use.

Meet Eloise the Elephant

Handcrafted from 100% natural rubber from the Hevea tree, Eloise is hand-painted with natural food-grade dyes. She is completely non-toxic, meaning she is free from BPA, Phthalates, PVC, and Nitrosamines, so she is a safe and natural teething toy for your little one.

The soft and soothing natural rubber has a variety of textures, all perfect for sore gums to chew upon. The ergonomic design makes Eloise easy for little hands to grasp. Her ear can also be used to tie teether straps, so you don’t lose her.

Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish and easy-to-adapt alternatives to common plastic products around the home, including teethers.  

We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop all of our sustainable home & lifestyle products on our website, or browse our household collection for more kitchen and bathroom swaps. 

Share your plastic-free swaps with us at hello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram #wildandstone.