When your baby starts teething, they’ll chew on anything they can reach. That’s why choosing a teether isn’t just about soothing sore gums, it’s about selecting materials that are genuinely safe for daily chewing.
If you’ve ever wondered what BPA, PVC or phthalates actually mean, you’re not alone. Baby product labels can be confusing, and it’s not always clear which materials are safe.
This guide breaks down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose a teether that’s safe, durable and easy to clean.
What Makes a Teether Safe?
A safe teether is made from a non‑toxic material that won’t leach harmful chemicals, especially during long periods of chewing. It should be durable, with no small parts and a size that prevents choking. The surface needs to be smooth, free from sharp seams or rough edges. Designs made as a single solid piece reduce the risk of breaks and make the teether safer for everyday use.
Why The Material Of Your Baby's Teether Matters More Than You'd Think
A teether goes in your baby's mouth for hours at a time, often every day for months. It gets chewed, sucked and covered in saliva, so if a material contains chemicals that can leach out, your baby is exposed to them again and again.
Research shows that repeated chewing and releasing saliva on certain plastics can release substances such as phthalates, PVC and BPA. Cheaper plastics may also degrade over time, shedding microplastics as they wear. Choosing safer materials from the start helps reduce unnecessary exposure.
Are Silicone Teethers Safe?
Food-grade silicone is one of the safest and most reliable materials for baby teethers. Made from silica, a naturally occurring component found in sand, silicone is durable, flexible and non-toxic.
Key benefits include:
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- Free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates and PVC
- Non-porous and hypoallergenic, meaning it resists bacteria and doesn’t absorb odours
- Soft yet durable, offering gentle pressure on sore gums without tearing
- Easy to grip, thanks to its natural elasticity
- Latex-free, making it suitable for families managing latex allergies
Not all silicone is created equal, so always look for 100% food-grade silicone and check that the product has been independently tested.
Are Wooden Teethers Safe?
Some parents also choose wooden teethers, but the type of wood and the finish used both matter.
Look for products made from solid FSC-certified wood with child-safe, non-toxic finishes. Some lower-quality wooden toys are made using plywood or particleboard bonded with glues containing formaldehyde, or painted with coatings that may contain lead.
If you're choosing a wooden teether, always check how it's made and that it meets recognised safety standards.
Wooden teethers also need a little extra care. Applying a food-safe oil, such as olive oil or rice bran oil, every so often can help prevent the wood from drying out over time.
Understanding Common Chemical Terms
Baby product labels often highlight what’s not included. Here’s what those terms mean:
BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that is used in. Research has linked BPA exposure to health concerns, particularly in children, which is why many baby products are now labelled BPA-free.
If a plastic product isn't labelled BPA-free, bear in mind that some plastics marked with recycling codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is a type of plastic often referred to as vinyl. It is made using chlorine and can contain additives that have raised environmental and health concerns.
Phthalates
Phthalates are added to plastics to make them soft and flexible, which is why they appear in many teethers. They can interfere with hormones and have been linked to respiratory and developmental concerns. They’re rarely listed directly, so look out for vague terms like “fragrance” or “parfum”, which can indicate phthalate-containing additives.
Non-Toxic Baby Teether Checklist
When comparing teethers, the safest baby teethers are generally:
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- BPA-free
- PVC-free
- Lead-free
- Phthalate-free
- Food-grade silicone
- Natural materials, like beech wood
Safety Comes First at Loulou Lollipop
Every Loulou Lollipop teether is made from 100% food-grade silicone, independently tested by a third-party laboratory and free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead and cadmium. The colour comes from water-based, food-safe inks injected directly into the silicone rather than coated on top, so nothing sits on the surface for your baby to chew through.
As with any baby toy, adult supervision is always recommended during use.
Want to learn more? Discover how we choose our materials and the safety standards behind every Loulou Lollipop product.
FAQs
What should my baby's teether be made from?
Food-grade silicone is one of the safest and most popular materials because it's durable, easy to clean and free from BPA and phthalates.
Is a silicone teether safe for babies?
Food-grade silicone is widely used in baby products because it does not contain BPA or phthalates. It's also durable, non-porous and easy to clean. Always choose teethers that have been independently safety tested.
What Is Food-Grade Silicone?
A high-quality silicone designed to meet strict safety standards for food contact. It’s free from BPA and phthalates and commonly used in teethers and feeding accessories.
Are wooden teethers safe?
Wooden teethers can be a safe choice if they're made from solid wood with child-safe, non-toxic finishes. Always check that they meet recognised safety standards and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.