_edited.png)
Silicone vs Natural Rubber Teethers: Which Is Safer & Better?
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
NavParent Verdict: For most babies, start with the Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Silicone Teether (₹499–₹699) — Check price on Amazon — food-grade, dishwasher-safe silicone, easy for a 4–6 month old's developing grip, and a one-piece design with no parts to detach. If your baby rejects the soft give of silicone and wants something firmer to bite down on, switch to a Natural Rubber Teether (₹399–₹799) — Check price on Amazon instead — same safety principles, firmer texture.
Silicone vs Natural Rubber: Quick Comparison
Material | Price (₹) | Best For | Texture | NavParent Rating |
499–699 | Most babies, 4–12 months | Soft, flexible, multiple textures | our tested best overall pick | |
399–799 | Babies who reject soft silicone, want firmer resistance | Firmer, slight natural rubber smell that fades | our tested pick for harder-texture preference |
Silicone vs Natural Rubber: What Actually Differs
Silicone is soft, flexible, and gives easily under pressure. That's exactly what most babies want in the first few months — it's gentle on sore gums, dishwasher-safe, has no smell, and sterilises easily by boiling.
Natural rubber is firmer. Babies who bite down on silicone and seem unsatisfied - like it "gives" too much to actually relieve the pressure - often respond better to rubber's firmer resistance. It's also free of synthetic chemicals, which some parents specifically look for. The trade-offs: it can harbor mould if water gets trapped inside any holes in the shape, so those need regular inspection.
Which One Does Your Baby Actually Want?
If budget allows, keeping one of each on hand from the start avoids buying the wrong one and having to reorder.
Safety Considerations That Matter More Than the Material
Regardless of which material you choose, a few things matter more than silicone-vs-rubber:
Avoid gel-filled or liquid-filled teethers — the liquid inside can harbour bacteria if the shell cracks.
Avoid amber teething necklaces entirely — a genuine strangulation and choking hazard, and both the IAP and AAP explicitly advise against them with no evidence they help.
Avoid teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine — not safe for babies under 2 years.
Only use one-piece designs — anything with small attachable parts is a choking risk.
For care: chill teethers in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before use, never the freezer — a frozen teether is too hard and too cold, and can bruise gum tissue instead of soothing it. Boil silicone and rubber teethers for 5 minutes weekly, and for rubber specifically, check any holes in the shape for trapped water between uses. Replace either material immediately at the first sign of a crack, tear, or discolouration.
The Picks
Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Silicone Teether — Check price on Amazon — a one-piece design with multiple textures, dishwasher-safe, and shaped specifically to be easy for a 4–6 month old's still-developing grip to hold onto.
Natural Rubber Teether — Check price on Amazon — the firmer bite that silicone-rejecting babies often respond to, made from natural rubber with no synthetic additives.
How We'd Choose
Starting out, no idea what your baby prefers: silicone first — the safer default for most babies and the easiest to keep clean.
Baby seems frustrated chewing on silicone, wants more resistance: try natural rubber next.
Anyone in the family has a latex allergy: skip natural rubber entirely and stick with silicone.
FAQ
Can I put a teether in the freezer to make it more soothing? No — fridge only. A frozen teether is too hard and too cold, and can damage gum tissue rather than relieve it. 15–20 minutes in the fridge is enough.
Is natural rubber safe if my baby has never shown a latex reaction? Caution is still worth it if there's any latex sensitivity anywhere in the immediate family — check with your paediatrician before introducing it if you're unsure.
How do I clean a natural rubber teether without it going mouldy? Rinse and shake dry after every use, don't store it in a sealed bag while damp, and specifically check any holes in the shape for trapped water — that's where mould actually starts.
Does teething cause fever? No — teething causes local gum discomfort only, not fever above 38°C, diarrhoea, or respiratory symptoms. If a teething baby has a real fever, treat it as a separate issue and check with your paediatrician.
NavParent participates in the Amazon Associates Programme. Links marked with → are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.