Teething Toys and Rings: How to Choose and Use Them Safely

When your baby starts chewing everything within reach, a teething toy or ring can give them something specifically designed for sore gums. The NHS recommends teething rings as one of the simple measures that may help with teething discomfort.

The best option does not need to be complicated. Look for a teether that is appropriate for your baby’s age, comes from a trustworthy seller, has clear safety and care instructions, and is free from loose or easily detachable parts. Check it regularly for damage and always use it as the manufacturer directs.

Some teething rings can be chilled in the fridge, but the NHS advises never putting them in the freezer. It also warns against tying a teething ring around a baby’s neck because of the risk of strangulation.

What is a teething ring?

A teething ring is a product designed for a baby to hold and chew while their teeth are coming through.

Despite the name, modern teethers come in many shapes. Some are simple rings, while others are made to look like animals, keys, fruit or other toys.

They may be made from materials such as silicone, rubber, plastic, wood or combinations of materials.

The shape and material matter less than whether the product is suitable for your baby and safe to use.

A good teether should be easy for your baby to hold, sturdy enough to withstand chewing and simple enough for you to inspect and clean.

How can a teething ring help?

The NHS says teething rings give babies something they can chew safely and may ease discomfort while distracting them from pain.

Chewing is also one of the common behaviours associated with teething.

A teether will not necessarily stop every period of fussiness, and some babies are more interested in them than others.

If your baby rejects one design, that does not mean you need to keep buying different products. Gentle gum massage, comfort and distraction are other NHS-supported options.

Choose a product intended for teething

Babies explore objects with their mouths, so an item intended to be looked at or held is not automatically suitable for chewing.

Choose a product that is specifically sold as a baby teether and follow its age guidance.

Read the packaging and instructions before giving it to your baby.

Look for:

Clear manufacturer or supplier information
Age or developmental guidance
Cleaning instructions
Warnings and directions for safe use
A sturdy construction
No obviously loose components
No accessible small parts

Be particularly cautious with products from sellers where the manufacturer, safety information or product origin is difficult to establish.

Buy from a trustworthy retailer

A low price or attractive design does not tell you whether a baby product is safe.

UK product safety alerts have included teething products that failed safety requirements because parts could break or detach and create choking hazards.

Buying from a reputable retailer does not remove the need to inspect a product, but it can make important information such as manufacturer details, instructions, returns and recall notices easier to trace.

If you buy through an online marketplace, look carefully at who is actually selling the product rather than assuming the marketplace itself manufactured or checked it.

Keep packaging or order details where practical so you can identify the exact product later if a safety alert is issued.

Check for small or detachable parts

A teether needs to cope with repeated chewing, pulling and dropping.

Before first use, inspect it carefully.

Avoid using a product if you notice:

Loose beads
Parts that appear poorly attached
Cracks
Splits
Fraying
Damaged seams
Pieces beginning to separate
Broken wooden sections
Exposed internal components

The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards has recalled teething products after testing found that components could detach or break into small pieces, creating choking hazards.

A product that was intact when purchased can also become damaged with use.

Make inspection a quick habit rather than a one-off check.

Be careful with beaded teethers

Beaded teethers are popular because they can be colourful, textured and easy to grip.

Their construction deserves particular attention.

UK safety recalls have included wooden and beaded teethers where cords became untied or wooden components broke, releasing small parts that could present a choking risk.

That does not mean every beaded teether is unsafe.

It does mean you should buy a properly designed product from a trustworthy source, follow its instructions and stop using it immediately if the cord, beads or other components show signs of damage.

Do not make improvised teething jewellery from loose craft beads or cords for a baby to chew.

Avoid long cords and necklaces

Do not tie a teething ring around your baby’s neck.

The NHS specifically warns against this because of the choking risk.

Product safety reports in the UK have also identified cords on baby products that were long enough to create strangulation hazards.

A teether should not need to hang around your baby’s neck to be useful.

If a product has a clip or attachment, use it only exactly as the manufacturer instructs and check that the complete product is designed for that purpose.

Never improvise with ribbon, string, elastic or cord.

Can you put teething rings in the fridge?

Some teething rings are designed to be cooled in the fridge.

The NHS says a cool teething ring may help soothe a baby’s gums.

Check the instructions first because not every product is designed to be refrigerated.

If it is suitable, cool it for the period recommended by the manufacturer.

The aim is a pleasantly cool surface, not a frozen object.

Never freeze a teething ring

The NHS advises against putting teething rings in the freezer because a frozen ring could damage a baby’s gums.

This applies even if colder seems as though it should provide stronger relief.

Use the fridge only if the manufacturer says the product can be chilled.

If you accidentally freeze a teether, allow it to return to an appropriate temperature before giving it to your baby and inspect it for damage.

Freezing may affect some materials, so check the manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure.

What about liquid-filled teething rings?

Some teethers contain liquid or gel designed to stay cool after refrigeration.

If you choose one, inspect the outer material carefully before every use.

Stop using it if you notice a leak, puncture, split or other damage.

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and chilling instructions exactly.

Do not assume that a liquid-filled teether can be frozen just because it is designed to be cooled.

The NHS advice remains not to freeze teething rings.

Silicone, rubber, wood or plastic?

There is no single teething material that every family needs to choose.

Different babies may prefer different shapes and textures.

Whatever material you select, focus on the safety and condition of the finished product.

Silicone or rubber

Flexible teethers can be soft enough for babies to chew comfortably. Check them for splits, tears or sections beginning to detach.

Plastic

Harder plastic rings may be simple to grip and clean. Look for cracks, sharp damaged edges or loose components.

Wood

Wooden teethers can feel smooth and firm, but they still need regular inspection. Stop using one if it cracks, splinters or breaks.

UK recalls have included wooden teething products that broke during safety testing and released small pieces.

The material alone does not establish whether a product is safe. Construction, testing, condition and correct use all matter.

Do babies need textured teethers?

No particular texture is essential.

Some babies seem to enjoy raised bumps, ridges or different surfaces because they provide varied sensations against sore gums.

Others are perfectly happy with a simple smooth ring.

Choose something your baby can grip comfortably and that you can clean and inspect easily.

More elaborate does not automatically mean more effective.

A straightforward teething ring can do the job without lots of attached pieces.

How big should a teething toy be?

Follow the manufacturer’s age and use guidance rather than relying on a homemade size rule.

The important principle is that a baby should not be able to choke on the product or on pieces that detach from it.

A teether should also be manageable for your baby to hold and use as intended.

Avoid giving a baby small household objects as substitute teethers, even if they seem easy to grip.

Products designed for older children may contain components that are inappropriate for babies who put everything in their mouths.

Inspect teethers before every use

A ten-second check can catch damage before the product goes back into your baby’s mouth.

Look over:

The main body
Seams and joins
Rings
Beads
Clips
Cords
Wooden surfaces
Any filled sections

Gently check that parts are secure without deliberately damaging the product.

If anything is cracked, loose, frayed, leaking or broken, stop using it.

Do not glue a broken component back into place unless the manufacturer specifically provides an approved repair process. For an inexpensive baby teether, replacement is usually the safer option.

Clean teethers according to their instructions

Anything that spends a lot of time in a baby’s mouth will need regular cleaning.

How you clean a teething toy depends on its material and construction.

Some products can be washed in warm soapy water. Others may be dishwasher-safe or have specific sterilising instructions.

Wooden products may require different care from silicone or plastic.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Avoid boiling, microwaving, sterilising or putting a teether in a dishwasher unless the instructions say that method is suitable. Excessive heat can damage some products.

Allow the teether to dry as directed before storing it.

Hand-me-down baby items can be useful, but a teething toy deserves a careful look before being reused.

If you cannot identify the product, find its instructions or clean it properly, replacing it may be the more sensible choice.

Do not pass on a teether that is:

Cracked
Discoloured in a concerning way
Sticky or degraded
Frayed
Missing components
Difficult to clean
Showing bite damage
Subject to a recall

If you do reuse a teether, check the current product safety alerts and follow the original manufacturer’s care guidance.

Check for product recalls

Baby products can be recalled if a safety problem is identified after sale.

The UK Government publishes product safety alerts, reports and recalls online.

If you hear about a recall, check the exact brand, model and product identifiers rather than relying on a photograph alone.

If your product is affected, follow the official recall instructions and stop using it when advised.

Keeping an order confirmation, receipt or photograph of the packaging can make identifying a product easier later.

Be cautious with handmade teethers

Handmade baby products can look beautiful, but attractive materials do not replace product safety requirements.

A baby teether is intended to be chewed, pulled and handled repeatedly.

If you are buying a handmade product, look for clear information about the maker, intended age, care, safety and product compliance.

Be particularly cautious about strings of beads, clips and decorative pieces.

UK product recalls demonstrate why components that detach or cords that are too long can be dangerous for young children.

Do not assume that a product is safe simply because it is described as handmade, natural or non-toxic.

Natural does not automatically mean safer

Words such as natural, eco, organic or wooden can sound reassuring.

They do not tell you whether a finished teether is well constructed or suitable for a baby.

A wooden component can crack. A cord can loosen. A decorative bead can detach.

Choose based on the complete product, its instructions and its condition rather than a marketing description.

The same applies to silicone and plastic products.

No material removes the need for appropriate design and regular checks.

What about teething mitts?

Teething mitts are designed to be worn on a baby’s hand so they can chew the textured section.

Some parents find them useful for babies who struggle to hold a ring.

If you use one, choose a product intended for your baby’s stage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check straps, fastenings, seams and any textured pieces regularly.

Make sure the mitt fits as intended and remove it if it becomes damaged.

Do not leave wearable teething products on a sleeping baby unless the manufacturer explicitly states that use is safe and it is consistent with safer sleep guidance. A clear sleep space remains the safest approach.

Remove teethers before sleep

Teething rings and toys are for awake use.

The Lullaby Trust advises keeping a baby’s cot clear, with no toys or unnecessary soft items in the sleep space.

If your baby falls asleep while holding a teether, remove it and place your baby in their normal clear, flat sleep space.

Do not leave a teething ring in the cot so your baby can find it during the night.

If teething is disturbing sleep, use the teether during awake settling time and remove it before sleep.

Supervision still matters

A well-designed teething toy is made for babies to chew, but that does not mean it should disappear into the toy box without further thought.

Stay aware of what your baby is chewing and check the product regularly.

This becomes particularly important once a baby is stronger and able to pull, twist and bite toys more forcefully.

If your baby manages to damage a product, remove it straight away.

Do not wait for a small split to become a missing piece.

What else can help sore gums?

A teething toy is only one option.

The NHS also suggests gently rubbing a baby’s gums with a clean finger.

Comfort and distraction can help too.

For babies over six months who are already eating solid foods, the NHS says suitable healthy foods such as soft melon may help soothe gums. Food must be prepared appropriately and babies should always be supervised while eating because of the risk of choking.

If your baby appears to be in pain and simple measures are not enough, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional about appropriate pain relief.

What should you avoid as a teething remedy?

Avoid turning ordinary household objects into improvised teethers.

Something being cold, smooth or easy to grip does not mean it has been designed to withstand chewing by a baby.

Also avoid:

Frozen teething rings
Teethers tied around the neck
Damaged toys
Products with loose or detachable small parts
Long improvised cords or ribbons
Unidentified products without useful safety information
Adult oral pain gels used as teething products
Unlicensed remedies bought from unreliable sources

Simple products used correctly are usually easier to assess than complicated homemade solutions.

What if your baby does not like teething rings?

That is fine.

A teething ring is an option, not a developmental requirement.

Some babies prefer gum massage. Others seem more interested in chewing a safe toy with a different texture.

Some barely appear bothered by teething at all.

Do not force your baby to use a particular product.

If they repeatedly throw a teether away, you can try another safe comfort measure instead.

Teething symptoms that need a closer look

Teething commonly causes mild symptoms, but it should not be used to explain everything.

The NHS lists sore or red gums, one flushed cheek, dribbling, chewing, ear rubbing, fretfulness, poorer sleep, a facial rash and a slightly raised temperature below 38°C among possible signs.

The NHS also says there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea.

A temperature of 38°C or above is a fever and should not simply be dismissed as teething.

If your baby seems genuinely unwell, seek medical advice even if you can also see a tooth coming through.

A quick teething toy safety checklist

Before giving your baby a teething ring or toy, ask:

Is it intended for teething?
Is it appropriate for my baby’s age or stage?
Are the manufacturer and instructions clear?
Is it free from visible damage?
Are all components secure?
Are there any small pieces that could detach?
Are cords or attachments being used exactly as instructed?
Has the product been recalled?
Do I know how to clean it safely?
If I chill it, does the manufacturer allow refrigeration?
Have I kept it out of the freezer?
Will I remove it before my baby sleeps?

You do not need a drawer full of teethers.

One or two well-chosen products that are easy to clean, inspect and use correctly may be much more practical.

When to get professional advice

Speak to your health visitor, GP, NHS 111 or another appropriate healthcare professional if your baby seems unwell, has significant or persistent pain, is feeding much less than usual or has symptoms that concern you.

A temperature of 38°C or above should not simply be attributed to teething. The NHS says teething may be associated with a slightly raised temperature below 38°C and that there is no evidence it causes diarrhoea.

If you think your baby has swallowed or choked on part of a teething toy, seek urgent medical help. If your baby is choking and cannot breathe normally, follow current NHS first-aid guidance and call 999 as appropriate.

For concerns about a particular product, stop using it while you check the manufacturer’s information or official UK product safety alerts.

If you are considering medication or a teething gel because toys and simple comfort measures are not enough, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure what is suitable for your baby.