Teething is one of those phases nobody warns you about quite loudly enough. The drooling, the night waking, the grumpiness that seems to come out of nowhere. A good teether won't solve all of that — but the right one will give your baby something safe to chew on while their gums work through the discomfort.
We've put together our honest guide to the best silicone teethers available in the UK right now, including a few from our own range that we're genuinely proud of.
What to look for in a silicone teether
Not all silicone is the same. When you're buying a teether for a young baby, the material standards matter more than you'd expect. Here's what to check:
- Food-grade silicone — not all products labelled "silicone" meet food-grade standards. Look for explicit BPA-free, phthalate-free, and PVC-free labelling.
- Texture variety — different parts of the gum need different pressure. Ridged, nubbed, and smooth sections on the same teether are more soothing than a single flat surface.
- Safe grip — babies have unpredictable grip strength. A teether should be easy to hold at 3 months but also safe if they drop it on themselves.
- Easy to clean — dishwasher-safe or steriliser-safe is a practical must. Anything with hollow parts or joins that trap moisture is a mould risk.
- Natural materials alongside silicone — beech wood is a traditional teething material that pairs well with silicone. It's naturally antibacterial and has a different texture that babies often prefer.
Our favourite silicone teethers for UK babies
1. Bunny Teether — BPA-Free Silicone & Beech Wood
Our best-selling teether, and the one we'd recommend to any parent starting out. The Bunny Teether combines food-grade silicone with a natural beech wood bead — giving babies two different textures in one safe piece. The bunny shape is easy to grip and the silicone ears are slightly ridged for gum massage.
Made from BPA-free, phthalate-free silicone. Safe from birth. Priced at £6.99, it's one of the most affordable quality teethers available in the UK.
2. Textured Silicone & Wood Teether
If your baby is past the grabbing-and-chewing stage and starting to engage with textures more deliberately, the Textured Silicone & Wood Teether is the step up. Multiple textured silicone sections give different sensations across the gum, and the beech wood disc in the centre gives a natural chewing surface.
Available in pink, blue, and red at £8.99.
3. Wooden & Silicone Teether
For parents who prefer simpler, the Wooden & Silicone Teether strips it back to a classic ring design — natural beech wood with BPA-free silicone. At £4.99 it's our entry-level option and holds up just as well as anything at twice the price.
When do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months, though some start as early as 3 months and others not until after their first birthday. The lower front teeth (central incisors) usually come through first.
Signs your baby might be teething:
- Increased drooling
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or anything they can reach
- Swollen, tender-looking gums
- Irritability or disturbed sleep
A teether doesn't need to be refrigerated to help — though some babies do prefer a slightly cooled teether for extra soothing. Never freeze a teether, as this can make it too hard and damage gums.
Silicone vs wooden teethers — which is better?
The honest answer is: both. They serve different purposes.
Silicone teethers are softer, more flexible, and easier to clean. They're ideal for the early months when gum pressure is the main source of discomfort. Wood teethers (specifically natural beech wood) have a slightly firmer surface that many babies find more satisfying as their first teeth start to push through. They're also naturally antimicrobial.
That's why our most popular teethers combine both materials — soft silicone on one end, smooth beech wood on the other. Your baby will naturally gravitate to whichever they need.
Are silicone teethers safe?
Yes — provided they meet food-grade standards. All Natural Nursery teethers are made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone and comply with relevant UK and EU safety regulations. We don't use painted wood, synthetic dyes, or any materials that shouldn't be in a baby's mouth.
What to avoid: teethers with liquid-filled centres (burst risk), those with small detachable parts, and anything with bright synthetic dye that might rub off.
Browse the full teether range
We've got everything from simple single-piece teethers to combination sets with dummy clips. Browse our full soothers and teethers collection — all BPA-free, all made from natural materials, all designed with babies and anxious parents in mind.
If you're looking for a gift, our baby gift sets include teethers paired with dummy clips and keepsakes — a more considered alternative to a single product.