Teething Toys for Babies in India: Wooden vs Silicone Teethers

By Shruti Shukla

The best teether for a 4-month-old is a lightweight, single-piece teether that’s easy to grip, made from food-grade silicone or smooth solid wood, with no small parts or liquid inside. In India, teething toys start at ₹200. Chill teethers in the fridge, never the freezer.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your paediatrician about your baby’s teething, pain relief and any fever.

Compare the picks: best for, age and price in ₹

When does teething start, and what does it look like?

Many babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but teething can start earlier, and some babies show signs from about 4 months. Common signs are drooling, chewing on everything, sore or swollen gums and extra fussiness. Teething doesn’t cause a high fever. If your baby has one, call your doctor.

Wooden vs silicone vs natural rubber teethers

None is “best” for every baby. Choose by what your baby likes to chew, and always check the finish and material details on the listing.

How to choose the best teether for a 4-month-old

1. Lightweight and easy to grip. A 4-month-old is still learning to hold things, so avoid heavy or oversized teethers.
2. One solid piece. Avoid anything with small detachable parts, and check that nothing can come loose from a ring or strap.
3. Nothing liquid or gel inside. Fluid-filled teethers can burst or leak.
4. Food-grade, non-toxic material. The listing should say what it’s made from.
5. Smooth edges. Run a finger over the whole teether before giving it.
6. A safety mark. Toys sold in India fall under BIS rules. For example, WoodBee’s neem teethers are listed as BIS certified by the seller.

Our teethers in detail

WoodBee Apple Neem Wood Teether (₹200)

A teether made from solid neem wood with hand-sanded edges, sized for small hands. It’s plastic-free, with no gels or batteries, and the seller says it’s BIS certified. The listing notes that neem is traditionally used in Indian homes. WoodBee also makes other neem teether shapes at ₹200, including the Cup Cake, Star and Sea Horse.

Hooper Set of 5 Teethers (₹449.99)

A multicolour set made from food-grade, BPA-free material and listed for ages 0 to 2 years. It weighs 130 g for the set, which makes it a low-cost way to see which shape your baby prefers. Check the size of each piece when it arrives: anything that fits inside a toilet roll tube is too small for a baby who mouths toys.

Dr. Brown’s Ridgees Giraffe Massaging Teether (₹499)

A giraffe-shaped teether with firm edges that massage sore gums and a multi-textured surface that relieves pressure from erupting teeth. It measures 10.5 × 6 × 1.5 cm and is made from polypropylene.

Lille Barn Avocado Teether (₹499.99)

A silicone avocado teether made from food-grade silicone, with a smooth wooden ring for easy handling. It’s described as soft, non-toxic, lightweight and easy to grip, and it’s listed for ages 0 to 2 years. It’s easy to clean, and it’s a good fit if you want silicone with a touch of wood.

BiBaDo Dotty the Dinosaur Silicone Teether (₹999)

A multi-sensory dinosaur teether made from medical-grade silicone. It was designed with teething and weaning experts to help babies practise biting and chewing and to strengthen mouth muscles.

Oli & Carol Blues the Butterfly Chewy Teether (₹1,199)

A butterfly teether handmade from 100% natural rubber and hand-painted with natural plant pigments. It has an ergonomic shape and raised textures for sore gums. The listing says it can hang from a strap for chewing on the go. Never tie it around your baby’s neck or wrist, and don’t leave your baby alone with a strap.

Safe teething: what to avoid

• Teething necklaces and bracelets, whether they’re made of amber, wood, marble or silicone. They carry choking and strangulation risks, and there’s no proof they work.
• Numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine, and homeopathic teething tablets. Benzocaine gels are warned against for children under 2 because of a rare but serious blood oxygen problem.
• Liquid- or gel-filled teethers, which can burst or leak.
• Frozen-solid teethers. Extreme cold makes them very hard and can hurt gums. Chill them in the fridge instead.
• Teethers with small or detachable parts, or materials that aren’t clearly food-safe.

Natural teething relief that is safe

• A fridge-chilled teether. The cool temperature soothes sore gums. 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge is enough.
• A clean, chilled washcloth. Wet it, roll it up, chill it and let your baby chew on it.
• Gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and extra cuddles.
• Ask your paediatrician about pain relief if your baby is very uncomfortable.

Cleaning and care

• Follow the care label on each teether.
• Silicone: wash with warm, soapy water and rinse well.
• Wood: wipe with a slightly damp cloth, dry straight away and don’t soak it.
• Check regularly for cracks, splinters or damage, and throw away any damaged teether.
• Don’t share teethers between babies without cleaning them first.

Buying teething toys online in India

• Delivery: we ship across India. Orders to metros usually arrive in 4 to 5 days, with a delivery window of up to 7 to 10 days elsewhere.
• Shipping and payment: delivery is free on orders above ₹2,000, and cash on delivery is available.
• Returns: read our return policy before you order.
• Questions about a listing? Message our team on WhatsApp before you order.

Browse more in our wooden toy collection, and read our newborn care tips for more on caring for your baby.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best teether for a 4-month-old?

A lightweight, single-piece teether that’s easy to grip, made from food-grade silicone or smooth solid wood, with no small parts and no liquid inside. Check the age and material on the listing, and ask your paediatrician if you’re unsure.

Are wooden teething toys safe?

They can be, if the wood is smooth, well finished and free of cracks, and the toy is made for babies. Check for splinters regularly. WoodBee’s neem teethers are listed as BIS certified by the seller.

Is a silicone teether or a wooden teether better?

Neither is better for every baby. Silicone is softer and easy to wash, while wood is firm and plastic-free. Pick the one your baby prefers, and check the material details.

When do babies start teething?

Many babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, though signs can start earlier. Teething doesn’t cause a high fever, so call your doctor if your baby has one.

Can I freeze a teether?

No. Chill it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes instead. Frozen-solid teethers are very hard and can hurt your baby’s gums.

What is the price of teething toys in India?

In our range, teething toys cost from ₹200 for a neem wood teether to ₹1,199 for a handmade natural rubber teether, depending on material and brand.