Teething is often a trying time—for the baby, and for the parents who see their child in pain without quite knowing what to do. A teething ring is one of the first things people think of, and it's a good idea. But between plastic, silicone, wood, with or without gel, to put in the fridge or not—it's easy to get lost.
I went through this period with Gabriel, and I looked into everything before choosing. Here's what I wish I had known from the start.
What is a teething ring really for?
When the first teeth emerge, baby's gums are inflamed and sensitive. Biting and applying pressure to the gums relieves this pressure—it's a natural reflex. Baby will put anything in their mouth during this time: table corners, toys, clothes.
A teething ring offers them an object designed for this purpose: a suitable surface to bite, safe, easy to grasp, and that can be cooled to amplify the pain-relieving effect.
It's simple—but you still need to choose the right one.
At what age should you start?
The first teeth generally appear between 4 and 7 months, but signs of teething (excessive drooling, irritability, desire to bite everything) can start as early as 3-4 months.
You can therefore introduce a teething ring from 3 months, provided it is suitable for this age: lightweight, without small parts, and easy for small, still poorly coordinated hands to grasp.
The different types of teething rings
Food-grade silicone ring
This is what I chose for Gabriel, and what I recommend first. Food-grade silicone is:
- BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free—essential when baby puts it directly in their mouth
- Flexible: the texture adapts to gum pressure, unlike rigid plastic
- Easy to clean: washable with hot water or in the dishwasher
- Durable: does not deform or yellow over time
Models with multiple textures (smooth, granular, ribbed) are particularly effective—baby instinctively finds the area that feels best.
Natural wood ring
Wood (untreated beech or maple) is a popular natural alternative. It is firm, which suits some babies who prefer a more marked resistance. Pay attention to a few points:
- Check that the wood is untreated and unvarnished
- Do not let it soak in water—it can crack
- Do not put it in the fridge—unlike silicone
Wood is often combined with mixed wood-silicone rings, which combines the natural aspect with flexibility.
Cooling gel ring
These models contain a gel that cools in the refrigerator. The cold effectively relieves gum inflammation. But be careful:
- Never put in the freezer: hardened gel is too hard for baby's fragile gums, and the risk of rupture increases
- Check that the gel is certified non-toxic in case of leakage
- These models are less easy to clean than simple silicone
In practice, with a food-grade silicone ring placed in the refrigerator for 15 minutes (not the freezer), you get a similar effect without the drawbacks.
What to avoid
- Rings with small decorative parts: beads, knots, charms—anything that can detach poses a choking hazard
- "Teething necklaces" to wear around the neck: formally discouraged by pediatricians and health authorities—risk of strangulation
- Uncertified models: systematically check for CE conformity and the absence of harmful substances
- Low-quality hard plastic: it does not yield to gum pressure and eventually cracks, creating sharp edges
How to care for a teething ring?
A teething ring should be cleaned after each use—especially during teething periods when baby drools a lot.
- Silicone: warm soapy water or top rack of dishwasher
- Wood: wipe with warm water, immediate drying—never immerse
- Cooling gel: hand wash, regular check for gel integrity
Replace the ring as soon as it shows signs of wear: cracks, discoloration, deformation.
Baptiste's note
With Gabriel, the teething period lasted several months—as it does for all babies. What really helped: a silicone ring placed in the fridge, readily available. Simple, effective, chemical-free.
What I take away from this experience: a good teething ring doesn't cost much, but it's worth thinking about for a couple of minutes before buying just anything.
Baptiste — Gabriel & Compagnie "Chosen by a dad. Approved by babies."
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