It's Hard When a Baby Is Teething, but These Great Teething Toys Make It a Little Easier

A teething baby is often a cranky baby, so you want to make sure that your little one has something chew on. That's where teething toys come in handy. Also called teethers, these toys are great for soothing your baby's sore gums while their first chompers are coming in. Most babies start teething by around 6 months, but your child might start showing symptoms of teething far before then. If you notice excess drooling or chewing on toys and fingers, then doctors say there's a good chance that your baby is ready for a teething toy.

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and evaluate all kinds of children's products (everything from cribs to toys) for safety, quality, and ease of use. Many of our pros are parents themselves, so we know exactly what to look for while testing products like teething toys. Our recommendations include products that were tested by our lab experts along with picks from brands we trust with awesome reviews.

When shopping for the best baby teethers, there are a few things to keep in mind: They come in a variety of different styles and materials, so you might choose to keep a few on hand because all infants are different. Some babies might prefer softer fabrics, while others might like to chew on something hard (like wood). Don't forget to check the cleaning instructions, too — if you know you won't want to wash it by hand, make sure to pick one that's dishwasher-safe! These are the best teething toys for babies in 2020: