Infants generally begin teething anywhere from 4 to 7 months of age. But the timeline for teething can also be incredibly variable and may even begin after a year of life—so don’t worry if you feel your little one isn’t sprouting teeth early enough. Teething is commonly associated with excessive drooling, discomfort, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and even, at times, a low-grade fever. Studies show that oral stimulation, such as teething biscuits or cold external pressure, can support symptom management. You should only offer your child teething biscuits and frozen foods if they are already taking solid foods. Teething biscuits should also be easy to hold, travel-friendly, and have a variety of flavors. We researched the top picks from trusted brands with these features in mind. Here are the best teething biscuits for your baby (as well as some options for infants not yet on solids). Known as the original teething biscuits, we love Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks for their overall value. These affordable biscuits are allergen-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO Verified. Plus, nearly half of their product line is organic at this time. Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks are made with japonica rice (sushi rice), which is known to have lower arsenic levels than other types of rice. These teething biscuits meet the AAP’s criteria as dissolvable soft solids and are safe for introduction at 4 to 6 months of age. They are readily available at local and national grocery stores and come in eight great flavors. Since they are individually packaged, they are easy to travel with, and reviewers note that they are easy for little hands to hold. Price at time of publication: $18 Try Kellogg’s Eggo Mini Homestyle Waffles With Maple Flavor as an easy, budget-friendly teether. The family favorite are free of allergens, including fish, peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts. Price at time of publication: $5 The tasty teething biscuits combinations include “Apple With Leafy Green” and “Banana Pumpkin.” These flavor profiles are perfect for your budding foodie—exposing them to a variety of fruit- and veggie-inspired flavors in a convenient teething biscuit. Price at time of publication: $24 Bamba, a dissolvable soft solid, is the perfect option for teething babies who are accepting complementary foods and ready to start adding common allergens into the diet. Note that Bamba is smaller than a typical teething biscuit (and contains a common allergen), so it’s important to closely monitor your child while eating them. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing allergens. Price at time of publication: $15 The teething biscuits are gluten-free and USDA Organic. Happy Baby uses jasmine rice for a quick-melting product perfect for teethers that sit with help or a bit of support. The long, easy-to-grab shape of the cracker encourages self-feeding so your little one can feel more independent. Price at time of publication: $5 Starting with the more simple options—offering a peeled, chilled, or frozen apple or banana to gnaw on may be enough to soothe your infant. Even a carrot has been noted to be beneficial. As your infant becomes more interested in advanced tastes or textures, some of these foods may become a choking hazard. That is where introducing a mesh feeder may be beneficial. It is designed for you to be able to toss some frozen fruit like berries, melon, or banana in and allow your infant to self-soothe. Price at time of publication: $7 Price at time of publication: $19
Ingredients
As always when it comes to ingredients, the simpler, the better. Try to pick products with the fewest ingredients and additives. Avoid products with added sugar. Tooth decay and dental caries are common in pediatrics, and they are associated with frequent intake of added sugars.
What Experts Say
“Teething biscuits are a great option to help soothe a baby’s aching gums. If your infant is safely taking solid foods, there is a low choking risk with these biscuits, and they can keep your infant distracted from the discomfort for some time. Based on my son’s experience, give the purple carrot and beet varieties a try!” —Matthew Demczko, MD. Make sure you are providing age-appropriate sizes that are not choking hazards. And finally, do not use teething necklaces or bracelets made of amber, wood, marble, or silicone, as they are also considered choking hazards.
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Feeding our children is personal, and with the abundance of baby-food products on the market, it can also be overwhelming. Lauren’s job is to help parents and children make the best dietary choices for their families. To write this article, Lauren Cohen, MS, RD, consulted with trusted peers in the pediatric healthcare system and referenced multiple studies and papers. She looked to the AAP for infant feeding and teething recommendations as well as the FDA for infant food regulations. She used her experience in clinical practice to inform her category-specific choices and furthered her education on infant food ingredients by diving deeper into published clinical research.
