Kids & Baby

Pacifiers & teethers

2 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of pacifiers & teethers — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Parents of babies and new arrivals are the ones buying here, and they tend to go through these items quickly. Most babies are picky about the ones they like, so a small variety usually gets more use than one fancy piece. A teething pacifier or a set of different teethers covers the months when everything goes in the mouth. A pacifier with a plush animal attached is easier to grab and harder to lose, and it looks good in a gift box. Think about the baby's age, what the parents already use, and whether the gift is easy to wash. Small, practical and easy to swap out usually beats something decorative.

Kind 1 of 2

Teething pacifiers and teethers for the chewing months

This covers anything a baby is meant to chew or gnaw on: pacifiers with textured nipples, rings you can chill in the fridge, soft silicone massagers, wooden teethers and mesh feeders that hold fresh food. They suit babies from a few months old through the toddler stage. Before buying, check the age range on the package, whether the pieces are one solid piece or have parts that come apart, and how they're cleaned. Some parents only want dishwasher-safe silicone, and others prefer wood. A set with a few textures or a couple of styles works well when you don't know what the baby likes. A clip holder is an easy add-on for parents who are tired of picking pacifiers up off the floor.

  • Representative photo-style image of multi-textured teether set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Multi-textured teether set

    A collection of teethers with varied surfaces helps soothe different stages of teething discomfort for babies.

  • Representative photo-style image of silicone orthodontic pacifier set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Silicone orthodontic pacifier set

    A set of silicone pacifiers provides comfort and soothing for infants during their early months.

  • Representative photo-style image of soft gum massager teether — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Soft gum massager teether

    Designed to gently massage sore gums, this teether provides targeted relief for teething babies.

  • Representative photo-style image of water-filled cooling teething ring — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Water-filled cooling teething ring

    This teether offers gentle gum relief for babies experiencing discomfort from emerging teeth.

  • Representative photo-style image of natural wooden teether toy — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Natural wooden teether toy

    A durable and tactile teether made from natural wood provides a safe chewing surface for infants.

  • Representative photo-style image of fresh food feeder pacifier — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Fresh food feeder pacifier

    This innovative pacifier allows babies to safely enjoy small pieces of fruit or vegetables, aiding teething and introducing solids.

  • Representative photo-style image of universal pacifier clip holder — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Universal pacifier clip holder

    This essential accessory keeps pacifiers clean and within reach, preventing them from falling to the floor.

Kind 2 of 2

Pacifiers with a small plush animal

These pair a pacifier with a small stuffed animal, so a baby can hold it, find it in the crib and keep track of it. They make a good shower or first-Christmas gift because they look like a little toy but get used every day. Check whether the pacifier comes off the plush for cleaning or replacement, since babies often outgrow one nipple size. Look at how big and soft the animal is, and whether the whole thing can go in the wash. If the parents already use a certain pacifier shape, choose one that matches or that takes the kind they use.

  • Representative photo-style image of pacifier with plush animal — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Pacifier with plush animal

    This combination offers a comforting pacifier attached to a soft, easy-to-grasp plush friend for infants.

How to choose pacifiers & teethers as a gift

  • Check the age range on the package against the baby's age, not just the size of the gift.
  • Pick items that are easy to wash or that go in the dishwasher, because busy parents will thank you.
  • Choose a set with a few textures or shapes, since babies are fussy about which ones they'll take.
  • Ask what pacifier style the parents already use before buying more of a different kind.
  • Pair a teether with a clip holder or small pouch so the gift stays together and gets used.

Usually safe to skip

  • Single pacifiers in an unusual shape often go unused if the baby has already settled on another style.
  • Decorative teethers with lots of small parts or hard-to-clean crevices usually end up in a drawer.
  • Big bundles in one nipple size can be outgrown before most of them get opened.

Questions people ask about pacifiers & teethers

What age is a teething pacifier for?
Most are sold for babies from a few months old, around when chewing starts. The age range is printed on the package, so check that against the baby's age. If you don't know exactly when the gift will be used, a set with more than one size or texture gives the parents some room.
Is a pacifier with a stuffed animal a good baby shower gift?
Yes, it's a common pick because it looks like a small toy but gets used every day. Look for one where the pacifier comes off for cleaning or can be swapped for a bigger size. That way it keeps getting used after the baby outgrows the first nipple.
Silicone or wooden teether, which should I buy?
Silicone is soft, bendy and usually easy to clean, sometimes in the dishwasher. Wood is firmer and appeals to parents who want natural materials, but it's usually wiped clean rather than soaked. If you don't know what the parents like, a mixed set lets them try both.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All pacifiers & teethers picks

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