These Baby Teethers Can be Bitten Off or Cause Suffocation

By sucking and chewing teethers, babies can alleviate discomfort during teething and reduce their risk of chewing dirty or dangerous objects. Hong Kong Consumer Council inspected 20 types of baby teethers and found that some samples were of poor quality.

These baby teethers can be bitten off or cause suffocation

Two samples detected harmful and contain Nitrosamines or nitrosatable substance which a possible caused for cancer. One of which was the most expensive sample, has total more than 8 times from the maximum limit recommended by European standards for Nitrosamines or Nitrosatable substance; two other samples were able to bite off and failed to withstand the bite force of children aged 18 months and below; and the other sample has a too-small-end that is easy to penetrate into the throat of young children and there is a danger of suffocation; there is one sample with a liquid inside the teether, has total more than 336 times from the maximum limit recommended by European standards for Nitrosamines or Nitrosatable substance and all test results have been transmitted to customs follow up.

Read more: Wooden teether, natural fabrics, or silicone teether?

Hong Kong Consumer Council has tested 20 types of baby teethers on the market, including 13 non-liquid teethers and 7 liquid-containing teethers. The prices range from HKD 18 to HKD 139. However, the overall performance of the samples was very disparate.

Among them, in the bite test, Ange Giraffe Teether (HKD 79, made in Korea) and Edison Mama Kamikami Baby Banana (HKD 80, made in Korea) had insufficient bite resistance and could not withstand bite force from babies aged 18 months or less, and the Edison Mama Kamikami Baby Banana even failed to meet the requirements of the European toy safety standard EN71-1. The volume of the end part is too small, and it is easy for young children to swallow into the mouth which can caused suffocation. In terms of chemical substance detection, 2 models detected nitrosamine compounds and / or nitrosable substances, of which 1 sample Nuvita Romeo Natural Massaging Teether 7020 (HKD 139, made in China) detected has total more than 8 times from the maximum limit recommended by European standards for Nitrosamines or Nitrosatable substance (maximum limit: 0.1 milligrams/kilogram). In addition, some parts of SKIP HOP Explore & More'stay cool teether SH305305 (80 yuan, made in China) also detected nitrosamine compounds or nitrosable substances, but the total amount of detected standard requirement. A nitrosable substance is a precursor substance of a nitrosamine compound. After ingestion of these substances in the oral cavity, they have the opportunity to be converted into carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds in the acidic environment of gastric juice.

And a lot more.

Read more: Things you must know about baby teething and teether

Nuvita Romeo Natural Massaging Teether 7020

Ange Giraffe Teether

Edison Mama Kamikami Baby Banana

SKIP HOP Explore & More'stay cool teether SH305305

Read more: How to choose a perfect teether for my baby?

6 Points to prevent potential risks of using teethers

• Carefully read the product instructions and warnings, and clean as instructed.

• Before and after each use, wash with mild soapy water, then rinse with water.

• Carefully inspect children while they’re using it. If any damage or liquid leakage is found, discard it immediately.

• Do not put liquid teether in the refrigerator ice tray. The low temperature not only can easily hurt children’s mouth, but also cause the outer layer of toothpaste to burst.

• Do not hang teether on the child's neck with a rope or strap to avoid accidents.

• If congestion occurs in young children, send them to hospital immediately for medical treatment.

Original article is from OhPaMa.

The Safest Teether for Your Baby: A Guide to Silicone, Wood, and Fabric

Editor's Note:

This article has been updated to be a comprehensive, evergreen guide on teether materials. All specific brand recommendations and outdated distribution information have been removed to provide unbiased, factual advice that parents can trust.

Choosing a teether for your little one’s aching gums can be surprisingly complicated. A teether is an object that, when chewed, provides relief to sore gums. They are available in a variety of materials, most commonly wood, BPA-free plastic, natural rubber, and silicone.

So, which teether material is the best and safest one for your baby? Let's break it down.

Safety First: What to Avoid in ANY Teether

Before we compare materials, it's crucial to know what to avoid. You must ensure any teether you choose is free from harmful chemicals.

• BPA (bisphenol-A): This chemical can disrupt the body’s hormonal systems and is particularly harmful to babies and young children. But be wary: "BPA-free" doesn't always mean safe. Many companies simply replace BPA with BPS (bisphenol-S), which is just as, if not more, toxic. Your safest bet is to choose materials that are naturally BPA/BPS-free, like silicone, wood, or natural rubber.

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): This is one of the most toxic plastics and should be avoided in any product your child will put in their mouth.

• Phthalates: These chemicals are added to plastics to make them soft and flexible. However, they can leach out over time and are known carcinogens.

The Bottom Line: Always read labels and choose products from reputable brands that explicitly state they are free from this entire list of harmful chemicals.

Teether Materials: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Silicone Teethers

Silicone is arguably the most popular material for teethers today, known for its fun, colorful, and attractive designs.

• Pros: 100% food-grade silicone is soft, flexible, and gentle on sore gums. It's extremely durable and can withstand repeated chewing and cleaning. It's also non-porous, making it easy to sanitize (it's usually dishwasher and sterilizer safe), and can be chilled in the refrigerator for extra soothing relief.

• Cons: You must ensure it is high-quality, 100% food-grade silicone to guarantee it's free from fillers and harmful chemicals.

Wooden Teethers

If you are concerned about plastics, wood is a fantastic natural alternative.

• Pros: Hardwoods like maple are naturally antimicrobial and non-splintering, making them inherently safe. They provide a firm, satisfying surface for babies to bite down on, which can offer significant relief. They are a completely natural, chemical-free, and plastic-free option.

• Cons: They cannot be sterilized in the same way as silicone and should only be spot-cleaned. They can show wear over time and should be treated with a food-safe oil (like coconut or olive oil) to prevent drying or cracking.

Natural Fabric Teethers

Fabric is another great natural option, often combined with other materials.

• Pros: Soft, absorbent organic cotton or muslin is perfect for soaking up drool. The fabric can be dipped in water and frozen for a cooling, soothing treat for baby's gums. It provides a different, softer texture for babies to explore.

• Cons: Requires frequent washing to remain hygienic. It's not as durable as wood or silicone for aggressive chewers. Often, the fabric is a component of a larger teether (e.g., attached to a wooden ring).

So, Which Teether Material is Best?

There is no single "best" material—it all depends on your priorities and your baby's preference.

• For convenience, durability, and cooling relief, silicone is a top choice.

• For a natural, firm, and antimicrobial option, wood is an excellent pick.

• For a soft, absorbent, and freezable soother, fabric is a great addition.

Many of the best teethers on the market today combine materials, such as a silicone and wood teether, to give a baby the benefit of multiple textures in one toy.