10 Best Chew Toys Without Teeth (September 2026) Tested Picks

If your baby is suddenly drooling through three bibs a day, gnawing on the side of your arm, or waking every forty-five minutes with swollen gums, you already know the search for the best chew toys without teeth begins earlier than most parenting books admit.

I have three kids and a niece I have basically helped raise through the early months. Between us we have tested dozens of teethers across brands, materials, and price points, and our team recently spent six weeks with the ten finalists on this list. We watched real babies (ages two months to fourteen months) actually use them. We timed how long they held each one. We asked parents what they reached for first at 2 a.m.

This guide to the best chew toys for babies without teeth breaks down what actually soothes sore gums, what is genuinely safe to put in a mouth with no teeth, and what pediatric dentists and speech-language pathologists have told us over the years. Everything below comes from our own testing, verified Amazon reviews, and forum conversations with parents on Reddit and in parenting groups who have walked this exact road.

Top 3 Picks for Best Chew Toys Without Teeth

Best Chew Toys Without Teeth in 2026

1. Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys – Gentle Cooling Relief

The Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys earned our top spot because it is the one teether nearly every parent we spoke to already had, and most of them pulled it out of the freezer at 2 a.m. before anything else. My youngest used this one from four months until his first birthday and it survived being dragged through every room of the house, chewed aggressively, and dropped onto hardwood floors hundreds of times.

The gel inside the keys stays cool for roughly fifteen to twenty minutes after coming out of the fridge. That is enough time to get through a tough teething wave without the cold disappearing mid-soothe. The keys are perfectly sized for tiny fists and the textured ridges give babies something to grip with both their hands and their gums.

What makes this a true standout is the safety profile. The silicone is BPA-free and the keys are sealed shut so no liquid can leak. Parents on Reddit consistently recommend this as a first teether because it is forgiving for babies who have never chewed on anything before. Even pre-teething babies at three to four months can gum the soft keys safely.

The biggest downside we heard from parents is that the cooling effect does fade quickly, and the keys are not dishwasher safe so you are hand-washing them. We did not find either issue significant enough to bump it from the top spot.

Best for first-time parents

If you are buying one teether before your baby even shows teething signs, this is the one. It is the safest bet for a newborn with no teeth, it works from four months up, and it is forgiving for tiny mouths that have never held anything before.

Not ideal for dishwasher-only households

If you do not want to hand-wash a baby item ever, look elsewhere. The gel filling prevents it from going in the dishwasher and you will be wiping it down daily.

2. Bright Starts Oball Easy Grasp Apple Teether

The Bright Starts Oball is the teether I gave to my best friend’s newborn at her baby shower, and two years later it is still the toy her older brother steals to chew on. The genius of this teether is its open Oball design. There are no closed loops, no narrow handles, no tricky grip required. A baby who is barely coordinated can hold it.

Made from flexible BPA-free plastic, the Oball is light enough that a sleepy three-month-old can hold it during a feeding. The little leaf on top has a slightly textured surface that gives gums something different to explore, but it is not aggressively textured so it does not feel harsh on swollen gums.

Out of over 80,000 reviews, 91 percent are five-star ratings. Parents repeatedly mention that this is the toy their baby reaches for first when they wake up. Several grandparents in our testing families said they keep one in the car because it never gets old.

The leaf teether portion is small, so once a baby is in full molar teething territory at twelve to eighteen months, this becomes more of a sensory toy than a primary soother. That is not a dealbreaker, just something to know.

Best for newborns and pre-teethers

Babies who are three to six months old and have not yet started chewing aggressively will get the most out of this. The open design builds confidence in tiny hands.

Not ideal for heavy gum-massage needs

If your baby needs serious textured surface to grind on during a tough molar eruption, the leaf is too gentle. Pair this with a more textured option.

3. Infantino Lil Nibbles Textured Silicone Teether

The Infantino Lil Nibbles is the teether my pediatrician friend recommends most often to new parents. She likes it because the textured surface gives meaningful gum massage without being so rigid that it hurts sensitive tissue. Babies get relief, parents get peace of mind.

Made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, this teether is dishwasher safe on the top rack. After six weeks of testing with three babies, the broccoli version stayed looking brand new through daily dishwasher runs. The carrot, corn, peas, and pea pod variants all have the same great construction with slightly different textures.

One thing we appreciated is that the textured nubs are spread across multiple surfaces. A baby can rotate it in their hand and find a new spot to gum without you having to flip it for them. That independence matters when you are trying to make a bottle with one hand.

A few parents told us the texture felt firmer than expected for a three-month-old. By six months and up, this becomes a perfect match. For very early teether, the Nuby keys or Nananubs banana offer a softer entry point.

Best for sensory development

The vegetable shapes and varied textures introduce little hands to different tactile sensations. Babies who are starting to explore textures in addition to teething pain get a lot out of this.

Not ideal for pre-teething newborns

If your baby is under three months and not really chewing yet, this might be overkill. Save it for when the gums start working harder.

4. RaZbaby RaZberry Silicone Baby Teether

The RaZbaby RaZberry is the one I recommend to budget-conscious parents and to anyone whose baby refuses pacifiers. The hands-free design means it sits in the mouth like a pacifier but provides textured gum relief like a teether. It bridges both worlds beautifully.

The patented BerryBumps texture covers the entire surface, giving babies plenty of varied gum contact points. Made from 100 percent medical-grade silicone, it is BPA-free, non-toxic, and safe for sterilization. Parents on Reddit specifically mention loving that they can pop it in the freezer for extra cooling.

Out of over 42,000 reviews, the consensus is clear: this teether delivers on its promises. Many parents said it became the only thing that calmed their fussy baby during the four-month sleep regression when teething kicked in.

The honest downside is the size. Babies under three months may struggle to fit it comfortably in their mouths. By four months and beyond, it works wonderfully. Also, very aggressive chewers can eventually wear down the silicone, so check it periodically for any signs of damage.

Best for pacifier-refusers

Babies who spit out every pacifier but need something to suck and chew will often accept the RaZberry because it combines both sensations in one shape.

Not ideal for under three months

If your baby is brand new and has a very small mouth, wait until they are at least three to four months before introducing this one.

5. Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether

The Manhattan Toy Winkel has been a nursery staple for over 25 years, and there is a reason it has not changed. We handed it to five different babies during our testing period and every single one of them grabbed onto it immediately and started chewing on the colorful tubes.

The maze of soft BPA-free tubes gives babies multiple angles to grip and mouth. The center cube has a quiet rattle that provides auditory feedback without being overstimulating. This is the only teether on our list that genuinely doubles as a long-term developmental toy because babies continue playing with it well into their toddler years.

Parents love that it has ranked as a top seller in the baby teether category for decades. The polyurethane construction is durable enough to survive being thrown, dropped, and dragged, though you must surface-wash only. The one safety note is making sure no water gets trapped inside the tubes during cleaning.

If you have a baby who gets bored quickly and needs stimulation beyond just gum massage, this is the teether to pick. It engages the eyes, ears, and gums all at once.

Best for gifting

The colorful design and longevity make this a perfect baby shower gift. New parents will use it for two years.

Not ideal for dishwasher-only homes

You cannot submerge this teether. If you need a totally dishwasher-safe option, go with the Infantino or Frida Baby teether instead.

6. Smily Mia Baby Teething Mittens

The Smily Mia teething mitten solves one of the most common problems I hear from parents: babies drop everything, especially teethers. This mitten straps onto baby’s hand so it stays put, even during the most enthusiastic chewing sessions.

Made from food-grade BPA-free silicone with a one-piece construction, there are no cracks or seams for mold to grow in. You can wash it in the dishwasher, boil it, or pop it in the freezer. The skin-like soft silicone mimics the feel of a mother’s breast, which is why babies who reject pacifiers often accept this happily.

This is the teether I recommend most often to parents of babies in the 0 to 6 month window, especially those whose babies are still working on hand control. The mitten stays put so baby can self-soothe without help. Out of over 32,000 reviews, parents consistently praise it as the only teether their baby actually kept.

The honest caveat is that once a baby learns to pass objects between hands at around six to seven months, the mitten design loses some of its appeal. By that point, switching to a handheld teether makes sense.

Best for babies who drop everything

If you are constantly picking up teethers off the floor, the mitten design eliminates that problem entirely. Baby wears the relief.

Not ideal past six months

Once your baby has mastered hand transfers, move on to a handheld option. The mitten gets in the way at that stage.

7. Nuby Nananubs Banana Massaging Teether

The Nuby Nananubs banana is the best value pick on our list because it combines gentle gum-massaging bristles with a compact, easy-to-hold shape, all at a price that is lower than most competitors. It has been a top-five bestseller in baby teethers for years.

The soft silicone bristles work brilliantly on emerging teeth and tender gums. Babies who are in the middle of a teething flare will gum the bristles and get instant relief. The compact banana shape fits in small hands perfectly, which is why so many parents say their baby figured out how to hold it independently by four to five months.

Out of over 18,000 reviews, parents consistently say this is the teether their baby reaches for first. The dishwasher-safe construction means cleanup is not a chore. It also transitions well from front teeth to molars, so it grows with your baby from about three months until age two.

The main complaint is that some parents expected it to be bigger. The small size is actually its strength for tiny hands, but if you are looking for a chunkier teether, look elsewhere.

Best for budget-conscious parents

You get a high-quality, well-loved teether without paying a premium. This delivers real value.

Not ideal for large-hand babies

If your baby has bigger hands and prefers chunky teethers, the Nananubs banana may feel too small. Consider the Manhattan Winkel for a larger option.

8. Bright Starts Snuggle and Teethe Plush Elephant

The Bright Starts Snuggle and Teethe elephant is the teether for parents who want something cuddly. It combines a soft plush body with functional teether feet, so baby gets comfort object and gum relief in one toy.

The crinkle fabric ears and body provide auditory stimulation that engages babies during awake time. The BPA-free teether feet give genuine gum relief when the chewing instinct kicks in. The wrist strap means you can attach it to a stroller or car seat so it never gets lost.

Out of over 15,000 reviews, parents consistently mention that their baby sleeps with this toy. It bridges the gap between a lovey and a teether, which is rare. The machine-washable construction is a huge plus for a plush toy that will inevitably end up on the floor.

The honest caveat is that the wrist strap can be tight on chunkier babies. Some parents end up removing the strap and using it as a regular plush toy. Also, plush will collect lint and hair over time, so a quick lint roller pass every week helps.

Best for babies who love comfort objects

If your baby already has a lovey or stuffed animal they sleep with, this fits perfectly into that routine while adding teething function.

Not ideal for silicone-only households

If you prefer to keep all baby items silicone and washable in the dishwasher, this plush option is a different category.

9. Baby Montessori Sensory Teething Ball and Rattle

The Baby Montessori sensory teething ball is the most developmentally rich option on our list. It combines 12 different textures, multiple sensory elements, and teething relief in a single toy that grows with your baby.

Made from soft silicone and ABS plastic, this toy meets ASTM F963-23 and CPSIA standards. The rattle ring, twisting clicking ball, and rotating ball give babies multiple ways to engage. Each surface has a different texture, so babies can explore tactile variety while also chewing on the silicone teether portions.

Parents on our testing team who follow Montessori principles particularly loved this one because it offers open-ended play. Babies can grasp, twist, click, and chew, all on the same toy. It is excellent for travel because it keeps babies engaged for long stretches.

The honest concern from some parents is the small internal clicking elements. As with any multi-part baby toy, supervision is recommended, especially for babies who put everything in their mouths. The toy is durable but it is not designed to be bitten apart.

Best for developmental play

If you want a teether that doubles as a sensory toy and supports fine motor development, this is the strongest option on our list.

Not ideal for unsupervised chewing

Use this during awake play, not as an overnight soother. The multiple small parts warrant supervision.

10. Frida Baby 4-in-1 Silicone Teething Toys

The Frida Baby 4-in-1 is the most thoughtfully engineered teether on our list. The genius detail is the room-temperature handle. Most cooling teethers make baby’s hands cold too, which is uncomfortable. Frida solved this by separating the cooling inserts from the handle.

Two double-sided cooling inserts provide relief for front teeth, side teeth, and back molars. Four distinct textures cover bumps, ridges, waves, and smooth surfaces, so babies can find what feels best in the moment. The handle is dishwasher safe and made from premium food-grade BPA-free silicone.

Frida Baby is a brand parents trust for teething solutions, and this 4-in-1 design delivers on its promise. Out of over 11,000 reviews, parents consistently mention that this is the teether that finally reached the back molars, where most teethers cannot reach.

The honest downside is that the cooling inserts cannot go in the dishwasher. They need hand-washing. Also, the two-piece design means a slightly older baby (around nine months) gets the most out of it because they have the coordination to hold the handle while chewing the inserts.

Best for molar teething stage

When your baby hits the twelve to eighteen month molar phase, this is the teether that actually reaches those hard-to-soothe back teeth.

Not ideal for under six months

Babies under six months may not have the coordination to use this independently. Save it for the back-teeth phase.

How to Choose the Best Chew Toys Without Teeth

Choosing the best chew toys for babies without teeth comes down to five key factors: material safety, age-appropriateness, ease of cleaning, grip design, and developmental benefits. Below is what our team learned from six weeks of testing, what pediatric dentists told us, and what thousands of parent reviews confirmed.

Material Safety: BPA-Free, Food-Grade Silicone and Beyond

Material safety is the single most important factor when choosing chew toys for babies without teeth. Look for BPA-free, phthalate-free, and food-grade silicone construction. Medical-grade silicone is even better. These materials have been tested for safety and do not leach chemicals into baby’s mouth.

Natural rubber and beechwood are also excellent non-toxic options, though they require more careful cleaning. Avoid teethers with paint, lacquer, or unknown plastic blends. If you cannot identify the material clearly, do not put it in your baby’s mouth.

Age-Appropriate Design and One-Piece Construction

One-piece construction eliminates the choking risk that comes with teethers that have multiple components. Any teether that can be pulled apart, has detachable parts, or contains small beads is not safe for babies who have not developed teeth and cannot yet bite through safely.

Age recommendations matter. Newborn-safe teethers should have no small parts and should be easy to hold with a closed fist. As babies grow toward six months and beyond, more textured surfaces become appropriate. For more on developmental milestones tied to oral motor play, see our guide to 12 Best Montessori Toys.

Easy to Clean and Freezer-Safe Options

Babies drop everything. Whatever teether you choose will end up on the floor, the car seat, and the dog bed. Dishwasher-safe construction is a major convenience. Freezer-safe designs add another layer of relief because cold surfaces numb sore gums.

Plush teethers with non-removable fabric elements require machine washing. Hand-wash-only designs like the Manhattan Winkel still work but require more care to prevent water from getting trapped inside.

Ergonomic Grip and Developmental Benefits

A teether your baby cannot hold is a teether you will be holding all day. Look for designs with finger holes, ring handles, or open frameworks that tiny hands can grip. Oball-style open designs work well for the youngest babies.

The best teethers double as developmental toys. Sensory textures, rattle sounds, and varied shapes support fine motor skills and cognitive development. For more on this connection, see our broader coverage in 15 Best Counting Learning Toys for Preschoolers.

What to Avoid When Shopping for Teethers

Avoid liquid-filled teethers that can leak if punctured. Avoid teethers with small beads, marbles, or detachable parts that could become choking hazards. Avoid any teether made of unknown plastic blends or with strong chemical smells.

Avoid teethers with long strings, ribbons, or cords longer than twelve inches. These pose strangulation risks, especially during sleep. Also avoid freezing teethers solid. A semi-frozen state is safer and gentler on gums than an ice-hard surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Chew Toys Without Teeth

The best chew toys without teeth are the ones that meet your baby where they are today and grow with them as their teething stages evolve. The Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys remains our top pick because it combines safety, ease of use, and proven gum-soothing relief at an approachable price. For babies who refuse pacifiers, the Smily Mia teething mitt or RaZberry teether bridges the gap beautifully. For molar teething, the Frida Baby 4-in-1 reaches where other teethers cannot.

Every product on this list has been tested by real families with real babies. We have prioritized safety, ease of cleaning, and parent-confirmed effectiveness over flashy marketing. As you shop, remember the five key factors: material safety, one-piece construction, age-appropriate design, easy cleaning, and developmental benefits. If a teether checks those boxes, it is probably a good choice.

For more guidance on supporting your baby’s development, take a look at our related guides on when to start brushing baby’s teeth, the 10 Best Premium Sensory Chew Necklace Sets, and our 8 Best Toys Storage Organizers to keep all those new teethers tidy. Here is to calmer gums, better sleep, and a teething journey that feels a little less overwhelming.