Quick answer

A traditional stuffed animal is not a safe teether, but specially designed plush toys with built-in silicone or crinkle elements can be. Look for toys made from food-safe silicone or with sewn-in teethers. Always check that the toy has no small parts that could become choking hazards.

What Makes a Toy Safe for Teething?

Safe baby teething toys are made from non-toxic, durable materials that can withstand chewing and drooling. They should have no sharp edges, loose parts, or coatings that could chip off. Silicone is a top choice because it is soft, flexible, and food-safe, making it ideal for sore gums. Crinkle toys with textured fabrics can also provide soothing tactile stimulation, but only if the fabric is securely sewn and the toy is labeled as safe for mouthing.

Myth: All Plush Toys Are Safe for Teething

Many parents assume that any soft toy is fine for a baby to chew on. In reality, traditional plush toys often have long fur, button eyes, or ribbon tags that can be pulled off and swallowed. Even if the toy is labeled as a lovey, it may not be designed for teething. The key is to look for products specifically marketed as teethers or activity toys with built-in teething elements.

Fact: Silicone and Crinkle Toys Can Be Great Teethers

Toys made from food-safe silicone, like the Simply Silicone Red Clay Rattle, are designed to be chewed on safely. They have no sharp edges, are highly durable, and are made from a sustainable, non-toxic material. Similarly, crinkle teethers like the Taco Bout Cute Crinkle Teether combine soft fabric with a sewn-in teether, offering both sensory play and gum relief. These toys are a safe middle ground between a traditional stuffed animal and a hard plastic teether.

Teether Safety Verdicts

  • Traditional plush stuffed animal: Not safe for teething. Loose parts, long fur, and non-food-safe materials pose choking and ingestion risks. Do not let your baby chew on standard plush toys.
  • Silicone teether toy (e.g., Simply Silicone Red Clay Rattle): Safe and designed for teething. Food-grade silicone is non-toxic, flexible, and has no sharp edges. Excellent choice for gum relief.
  • Crinkle teether with sewn-in teether (e.g., Taco Bout Cute Crinkle Teether): Safe when used as intended. The sewn-in teether is baby-safe, and the fabric is securely attached. Great for babies who want both softness and something to chew.

Teether-Friendly Products from Mary Meyer

  • Simply Silicone Red Clay Rattle – 5″: Made of food-safe silicone, ideal for teething little ones. Non-toxic, highly durable, and sustainable. You can let your baby chew on this rattle without worrying about harmful chemicals or breakage. It is safe for mouthing and easy to clean.
  • Taco Bout Cute Crinkle Teether – 6×6″: Part soother, part activity toy with a sewn-in teether and detailed embroidery. Features textured backing and baby-safe embroidered details. This toy gives your baby something soft to hold and a safe surface to chew on, combining comfort with teething relief. The textured backing also provides extra sensory stimulation.