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Best Non-Toxic Teethers & First Baby Toys (2026)
Teethers and first toys made of simple, tested materials.
0–12m1–2 yrs
What to Avoid
- Amber teething necklaces (FDA warning)
- Liquid-filled teethers
- Painted toys without lead testing
Testing & Certifications to Look For
ASTM F963CPSIAEN71
Our Picks
Natural Rubber Teether
PVC teethers
Soft and easy to grip
Hevea rubber
Why we picked it: Natural rubber comes from the sap of the Hevea tree, giving a soft, chewy plant-based alternative to PVC. (Skip it if your family has a latex allergy.)
Silicone Teething Mitten
Freezer gel teethers
Stays on baby's hand
Food-grade silicone
Why we picked it: Food-grade silicone is soft, easy to wash, and won't crack, and a mitten stays on before babies can reliably hold a teether. Skip gel-filled teethers that can leak.
Unfinished Wooden Rattle
Battery noise toys
Simple, calm sensory play
Untreated hardwood
Why we picked it: Untreated hardwood has no paint or lacquer to chip off and end up in baby's mouth, and the gentle natural sound doesn't overstimulate.
High-Contrast Board Books
Screens
Supports early visual development
Board book
Why we picked it: Babies see bold, high-contrast images most easily in the early months, and sturdy board pages survive grabbing and chewing.
FAQs
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. The FDA has warned against teething necklaces and other teething jewelry because of choking and strangulation risks, which is why they're on our What to Avoid list.
Are natural rubber teethers a good choice?
Natural rubber comes from the sap of the Hevea tree, giving a soft, chewy, plant-based alternative to PVC. Skip it if anyone in your family has a latex allergy, and avoid liquid- or gel-filled teethers that can leak.
What age is this guide for?
These picks suit ages 0-12m, 1-2y; always check each product's labeled age range and supervise young children.
How were these products chosen?
We prioritize published third-party testing, simple materials, and real-parent durability feedback. We don't accept paid placements.
Get the free Low-Tox & Screen-Free Starter Kit
8 printable pages for parents of little ones: 10 easy lower-tox swaps, screen-free bingo, a week planner and a one-page “where to start” checklist. The download appears right here, and we’ll email you our free Nursery & Playroom Checklist plus 3 short emails over the next week, then one short email a week.