How to choose a teether for your baby? A dad's complete guide

Gabriel started drooling like a faucet around 3 months old. He would chew on his fingers, his cuddly toy, the corner of his bib—in short, anything he could get his gums on. That's how I ended up spending a Sunday afternoon comparing dozens of teethers, lost between food-grade silicone, untreated wood, cooling gel, and CE/EN71 labels I'd never heard of.

The result? I learned a lot. And I've only selected for the shop what I would have chosen for Gabriel. Here's what I wish I'd known from the start.

Why does a baby need a teether?

Between 3 and 7 months, a baby's first milk teeth begin to emerge. This teething process causes gum inflammation which can be very uncomfortable—hence the crying, night waking, red cheeks, and profuse drooling.

A teether addresses a natural need: to chew to massage the gums and relieve pressure. But beyond its pain-relieving aspect, it's also a wonderful developmental tool: textures, shapes, and colors stimulate baby's senses and help them develop fine motor skills.

💡 Dad's tip: if your baby is drooling a lot, chewing on their hands, and seems irritable for no obvious reason, it's often the first sign that a tooth is preparing to emerge. No need to wait for it to break through to get out the teether.

From what age can you offer a teether?

There's no absolute rule. Generally:

•       From 3 months: baby enters their oral phase and explores everything with their mouth. An age-appropriate teether can already be offered.

•       Between 4 and 7 months: this is the most intense period of eruption for the first incisors.

•       After 6-7 months: molars appear, and teethers with conical or elongated shapes allow reaching deeper areas.

The best approach: observe your baby. If they're putting everything in their mouth and seem uncomfortable, it's the right time.

What material should you choose for a teether?

This is the central question. And the answer depends on your baby's age, their preferences, and your priorities (natural, practical, easy to clean...).

🌿 Food-grade silicone

This is the most common material, and for good reasons. Flexible, lightweight, easy to sterilize, bacteria-resistant. It's guaranteed BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free. The textures (nubs, ridges, raised patterns) are varied and very effective for massaging gums.

My choice for parents who want everyday simplicity.

🌳 Untreated natural wood

Firmer than silicone, so much appreciated by some babies who like to feel resistance. Untreated wood is naturally antibacterial. Be careful: it doesn't tolerate excessive water (no dishwasher, no immersion). Opt for this if you are sensitive to natural and ecological aspects.

⚠️ Always check that the wood is certified untreated and from sustainably managed forests (FSC/PEFC). Varnished or painted wood is not suitable for a baby's mouth.

🌱 Natural rubber (Hevea latex)

Flexible, biodegradable, plant-based. Its unique texture is very popular with babies. Naturally antibacterial like wood. Note: not recommended if your child has a latex allergy.

❄️ Cooling teethers

Filled with distilled water or non-toxic gel, they are used after being placed in the refrigerator (never the freezer—excessive cold can burn the gums). The cooling effect immediately soothes inflammation. Ideal during painful teething phases.

How to identify a truly safe teether?

Safety is non-negotiable. Here are the points to check before any purchase:

•       Mandatory CE marking: it indicates that the product complies with European safety standards.

•       EN71 standard (parts 1, 2 and 3): guarantees the absence of dangerous detachable parts, chemical or mechanical risks.

•       BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, lead-free, cadmium-free: check the product sheet.

•       No small detachable parts: baby should not be able to swallow pieces.

•       Rounded edges, no sharp edges.

•       Tested durability: the teether must not crack or deform under biting pressure.

🚫 Absolutely avoid: teethers without visible certification, cheap plastic products of unknown origin, and teethers with unapproved cords or attachments.

Different types of teethers

The classic teether

Simple, effective, easy to grasp. The basic choice that suits the vast majority of babies. It comes in silicone, wood, or rubber, in dozens of shapes (animals, rainbows, fruits...).

Teething rattle

Combines a teether and a noisy rattle. In addition to soothing gums, it stimulates hearing and attracts baby's attention. Ideal for curious and alert babies.

Teething comforter

A soft cotton fabric comforter combined with a teether. The fabric can be chewed in addition to the ring, and the familiar aspect of the comforter reassures baby. A must-have for babies who find it hard to part with their comforter.

Teething mitt

Particularly suitable for very young babies (from 3 months) who can't yet hold a teether. It attaches to baby's wrist or hand, with soft nubs on the surface. Practical and clever.

Teething bracelet/necklace for mum

Does baby love to grab mum's jewelry? These food-grade silicone bracelets are designed to be worn by mum and chewed by baby. Trendy, practical, and always within reach of little hands.

How to care for baby's teether?

Hygiene is essential. Here are the basic rules:

•       Wash the teether in hot soapy water after each use, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.

•       Before first use, sterilize it (boiling water for 5 min or cold sterilizer).

•       Wooden teethers: clean with a damp cloth only, never immerse. Occasionally nourish with a natural vegetable oil.

•       Cooling teethers: in the refrigerator only, never the freezer.

•       Regularly check the condition of the teether. At the slightest sign of a crack, chip, or deformation: replace it immediately.

💡 Practical tip: always have several on hand. One at home, one in the diaper bag, one at the nanny's. You'll always be prepared.

Our selection at Gabriel & Compagnie

All teethers available in the shop have been chosen with the same filter: "Would I have bought this for Gabriel?" Certified materials, ergonomic shapes suitable for small hands, designs that parents want to see in their daily lives.

👉 Discover our selection of teethers — https://gabrieletcompagnie.fr/collections/jeux-deveil

Frequently asked questions

Can a teether be put in the freezer?

No. The excessive cold of the freezer can burn a baby's delicate gums. The refrigerator (around 4°C) is sufficient for a soothing effect without risk.

Is a teether a miracle cure?

No, and no health professional will tell you it is. It's a relief tool, not a treatment. If your baby is in a lot of pain, talk to your pediatrician. Massaging the gums with a clean finger is also very effective.

Baby refuses the teether, what to do?

This is common. Every baby has their preferences. Try different textures and shapes. A slightly cool teether might be more attractive. And don't hesitate to alternate with other solutions: gum massage, a chewable comforter, a clean finger.

Wood or silicone: which to choose?

There's no universal right answer. Silicone is more versatile and easier to clean. Wood is firmer and appeals to babies who like good bite resistance. Ideally: try both!

In summary

Choosing a teether for your baby isn't so complicated when you know what to look for. Prioritize safety (CE, EN71, BPA-free), then the material according to your preferences, and finally an ergonomic shape that baby can easily grasp.

At Gabriel & Compagnie, we've done this selection work for you. Every product is chosen by a dad, for babies—and Gabriel has often given his opinion first.

Any questions? Leave a comment below or write to us directly. We always respond.

— Baptiste, Gabriel's Dad & founder of Gabriel & Compagnie