It's 4 p.m., your little one has been chewing on their fist since lunch, there's drool on every bib you own, and nothing seems to settle them. If you're reaching for anything that might help, a rattle may be sitting right there in the toy basket. So, does it actually make a difference?
The honest answer: a rattle won't take teething pain away, but it can be a real comfort. It gives restless hands something to hold, a soft sound to focus on, and a familiar friend to hug while those first teeth make their slow way in. Here's how to think about it, plus the gentle, pediatrician-backed ways to ease sore gums.
When does teething start?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, usually one of the two bottom front teeth, though anywhere from about 3 to 12 months is normal. Teething usually continues on and off until all 20 baby teeth arrive, often around age 3.
Common signs include:
- Extra drooling
- Chewing on hands, toys and anything in reach
- Sore or swollen gums
- More fussiness than usual, especially around naps and bedtime
One thing worth knowing: around 3 months, lots of babies drool and put everything in their mouths simply because they're discovering their hands. That's a normal part of growing, and it doesn't always mean a tooth is on the way.
So, do rattles help a teething baby?
They can, in a few gentle ways.
1. A welcome distraction. Sometimes a fussy baby just needs their attention moved somewhere new. Play is one of the simplest ways to do that, and a soft shake of a rattle, a little game of peekaboo with a friendly face, or a song while they hold it can turn a hard moment into a sweet one.
2. Something to grip and explore. Teething babies want to hold, squeeze and bring things to their mouths. A lightweight rattle sized for tiny hands gives them a safe way to do just that while you're right there with them.
3. Comfort that feels familiar. A soft friend that goes everywhere, to the stroller, the car seat, the pediatrician's waiting room, becomes a source of reassurance on days when everything feels a bit off.
What a rattle isn't is a treatment for gum pain. For that, reach for the tried-and-true methods below, and think of the rattle as the comfort that goes alongside them.
Gentle ways to soothe sore gums
These are the approaches recommended by pediatric sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics and Mayo Clinic:
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Rub their gums. With clean hands, gently massage your baby's gums with a finger or a damp, clean washcloth for a couple of minutes. The light pressure can feel wonderful.
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Offer something cool, not frozen. A teething ring chilled in the refrigerator can soothe swollen gums. Skip anything frozen solid, which can be too hard on tender gums.
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Keep them close. Extra snuggles, rocking and skin-to-skin time go a long way on rough days.
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Wipe away drool. Gently patting their chin dry helps prevent the drool rash that often comes with teething.
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Ask your pediatrician about pain relief. If your baby is really uncomfortable, your pediatrician can tell you whether a baby pain reliever is right for them and how much to give.
What to avoid
Some popular teething remedies aren't safe for babies:
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Numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine. The FDA warns against these for children under 2 because they can cause a rare but serious, even life-threatening, condition that lowers oxygen in the blood.
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Homeopathic teething tablets. Research hasn't shown they help.
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Teething necklaces and bracelets (including amber, wood and silicone). The FDA has warned these can lead to choking or strangulation.
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Anything frozen solid, which can hurt delicate gums.
When to call your pediatrician
Teething doesn't cause a real fever or diarrhea. Call your baby's doctor if your little one:
- Has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Has diarrhea
- Seems very cranky or cries much more than usual
- Has trouble eating, drinking or sleeping
Choosing a rattle for your teething baby
If you're adding a rattle to your teething toolkit, look for:
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Soft, natural materials that feel gentle against delicate skin
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A size and weight made for tiny hands, so baby can hold it on their own
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No small parts that could come loose, like button or plastic eyes
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Simple care, so it's easy to keep clean between adventures
And always: supervise playtime, check toys often for wear, and set aside anything that's damaged.
A first friend for the tough days
Every Knitted Friends rattle is handmade with 100% organic cotton yarn and finished with a smooth beechwood ring that's easy for little hands to hold. Eyes are embroidered in yarn, so there are no plastic eyes to worry about. Each one has a sweet, friendly face, from our gentle Bunny Rattle and Elephant Rattle to our playful Dinosaur Rattle and Giraffe Rattle.
Caring for your rattle: Spot clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Please don't machine wash or soak your rattle, and don't place it in the freezer. If a rattle is ever left sitting in water for a long time, it should be replaced.
Teething is a season, and like every season with a little one, it passes faster than it feels in the moment. A familiar friend to hold can make the in-between a little softer.
Meet our handmade rattles →
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Small treasures. Lasting memories.
Frequently asked questions
Do rattles help with teething pain?
A rattle won't relieve gum pain on its own, but it can comfort and distract a fussy baby. Pair it with gum massage and a refrigerator-chilled teething ring for sore gums.
What age do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though anywhere from about 3 to 12 months is normal.
Are teething gels safe for babies?
The FDA advises against benzocaine and lidocaine teething products for children under 2. Ask your pediatrician about safe pain relief.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. The FDA warns that teething necklaces and bracelets can cause choking or strangulation.
Can I put a Knitted Friends rattle in the freezer or washing machine?
No. Spot clean with a damp cloth and air dry. Don't machine wash, soak or freeze it.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's health.
Sources: Mayo Clinic · U.S. FDA · HealthyChildren.org (AAP) · Nationwide Children's
