Baby teething ring: soothing teething naturally

2 June 2026

The phase of baby teething is often synonymous with difficult nights, crying and a baby chewing on everything within reach. The’teething ring is the ultimate tool for soothing baby naturally. But with dozens of models available, how do you choose the right one? This comprehensive guide takes a look. 🦷

📅 When does teething start and how to recognise it?

The first teeth generally appear between 4 and 12 months, with an average around 6 months. Some babies start as early as 3 months, while others do not get their first tooth until 14–15 months — both are perfectly normal.

The characteristic signs of teething:

Baby is putting everything in their mouth and chewing insistently
Excessive salivation — profuse drooling
Swollen, red or slightly bluish gums
Unusual irritability, especially in the late afternoon and at night
Red cheeks, sometimes a slight fever (no higher than 38°C — above that, consult a doctor)
Temporary sleep and eating disorders

🔍 The different types of teething rings

The food-grade silicone ring

The most popular and safest. Certified food-grade silicone is flexible, soft on gums, inert (does not release any chemical substances), boil-resistant and machine-washable. Available in various shapes — simple ring, animal shape, branching — and in attractive colours for baby.

The natural rubber ring

Natural latex offers a much-appreciated resistance to biting. More elastic than silicone, some babies prefer it. Beware of latex allergies — rare in infants but to be monitored during the first use.

The natural wood ring

Montessori trend: untreated beech or maple wood rings. The resistance of the wood against the gums effectively relieves pressure. Check that it is unpainted, unvarnished, and splinter-free. Do not wash in hot water — simply wipe with a damp cloth.

The cooling ring

A true classic: the inner gel is chilled in the fridge — never the freezer, as it's too cold and risks burning the gums. The cold relieves the pain of inflamed gums very effectively. Check that the gel is non-toxic in the event of an accidental leak.

The food feeder pacifier

Very practical alternative: baby can slip a piece of cold fruit or vegetable into it to soothe their gums while discovering flavours. Our PetitMaxou teething dummy combine teething relief and the introduction to solid foods.

✅ Safety criteria for the teething ring

CE certification mandatory for any baby accessory in Europe
BPA, phthalate and PVC free — demand it expressly for plastic or silicone models
Tensile-resistant - the ring must not be able to be separated into pieces by the baby
True to size — large enough to prevent any risk of ingestion
Without neck lanyard — never tie around baby's neck, risk of strangulation

❄️ Chilled ring: the right technique

Place the ring on the fridge 30 minutes - not in the freezer
Check the temperature before giving it to baby: the ring should be cool, not freezing
Never microwave — the interior gel can overheat unevenly
Inspect the ring regularly for cracks — replace at the slightest doubt

🌿 Other natural ways to soothe teething

Gum massage with a clean finger or a silicone finger cot — direct pressure provides effective relief
cold, damp flannel to nibble
Paediatric paracetamol on medical advice if the pain severely disrupts sleep

To be strictly avoided: lidocaine teething gels for infants (not recommended by the ANSM), amber necklaces (risk of strangulation, effectiveness not scientifically proven by paediatricians).

📅 The milk teeth eruption chart

The full set of milk teeth (20 teeth) is usually complete between the ages of 2 and 3:

6 to 10 months lower central incisors
8 to 12 months upper central incisors
9-13 months lateral incisors
13-19 months : first molars (often the most painful)
16-22 months canines
25-33 months second molars

Each flare-up lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Molars are generally the hardest to get through as they are the widest teeth.

🧼 How to clean the teething ring?

Silicone hot soapy water, steam or boil sterilizable
Timber damp cloth only, never immersed nor in the dishwasher
Refrigerated hand wash in lukewarm water, never in the dishwasher
Rubber warm soapy water, air-dried

To complete the baby care routine, discover our guide on the baby toothbrush — to be introduced from the first tooth — and our advice on weaning where the feeder dummy plays a central role.

❓ FAQ — Baby teething ring

From what age can you give a teething ring?

From the very first signs of teething — often around 3-4 months, even if the teeth are not yet appearing. Always check the recommended age on the product packaging.

Can the teething ring replace the dummy?

No — they are two objects with different functions. The dummy satisfies the need for non-nutritive sucking. The teething ring responds to the need to bite during teething. Some babies use both depending on the time.

How many teething rings are needed?

2 to 3 are enough. One in use, one in the fridge ready to go, one clean spare. Varying the materials (one silicone, one chillable) allows you to adapt according to the intensity of the pain.

Are amber necklaces effective?

Scientific studies have not demonstrated the effectiveness of amber necklaces for teething pain. Furthermore, they present a real risk of strangulation and the swallowing of small beads. French and European health authorities advise against their use.

🛍️ Baby teething accessories at PetitMaxou

Teething dummies and CE-certified silicone teething rings: PetitMaxou offers safe and effective solutions to provide natural relief for your baby. BPA-free and machine-washable. Free delivery throughout the EU.

→ See all PetitMaxou baby care accessories

🛒 Which brand of teething ring should I choose?

Faced with the numerous brands, here are a few useful guidelines. Rings from major specialist childcare brands (recognisable by their clearly displayed CE certification and multilingual user manuals) are more reliable than unbranded models sold at very low prices. Be particularly wary of amber teething rings, which have no proven effectiveness and present a documented strangulation risk. For silicone rings, brands that publish the technical data sheets for their silicone (FDA or LFGB certification) are worthy of your trust. Our PetitMaxou teething dummy is CE certified, LFGB tested and available in several colours to suit every baby's taste.

📦 How many teething rings should you get?

Two to three rings are more than enough. One in use, one in the fridge ready to go, and a clean one in reserve. Alternating materials (a silicone one for everyday use, a coolable one for painful flare-ups) makes it possible to adapt the response to the intensity of the symptoms. Wooden rings are more fragile and must be replaced if cracks appear.

📋 Summary: the key takeaways

To summarise this guide on baby teething rings in a few key points:

Always choose CE and OEKO-TEX certified products for baby's safety and comfort
Tailor your choice to baby's age and stage of development — what suits a newborn won't necessarily suit a 12-month-old
Quality matters more than quantity: it is better to have one or two quality products than several low-end items
If in doubt about your baby's health or safety, always consult your paediatrician or family doctor

PetitMaxou selects all its products according to these strict criteria. Our team is on hand to advise you if you’re unsure which model to choose. Free delivery throughout the European Union; returns accepted within 14 days.

🔗 To go further

Our blog is packed with practical guides to support you through the first few months with your baby. Here are a few articles related to this topic that you might find interesting: