How to Choose the Right Teething Mittens for Your Baby
By Stylish Baby Products: Diaper Bags, Toys & More | Itzy Ritzy | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pick safe, effective teething mittens for your baby. This guide covers key features, sizing, and when to use a mitten over a teether toy.
Quick answer
Choose teething mittens based on your baby's age, grip ability, and chewing style. Look for food-grade silicone with textured surfaces, a secure fit, and easy-to-clean materials.
Why teething mittens beat handheld teethers for some babies
Not every baby can hold a teether toy. Newborns and younger infants often lack the hand strength and coordination to keep a teether in their mouth. Teething mittens solve this by staying on the hand, so baby can chew on the mitten directly without needing to grip anything. This makes them a practical first step for teething relief before your baby graduates to handheld options.
Silicone vs fabric: what matters most
Silicone teething mittens are the most common choice because the material is safe, easy to sanitize, and provides firm texture for gum massage. Fabric mittens can be softer but may absorb drool and require more frequent washing. The key trade-off is durability versus gentleness. Silicone lasts longer and is non-porous, while fabric may feel cozier for sensitive gums but wears out faster.
Fit and safety considerations
A good teething mitten should fit snugly around your baby's hand without being too tight. Look for an adjustable closure like Velcro or elastic that stays put but allows quick removal. Avoid mittens with small parts, loose threads, or decorations that could become choking hazards. Always check the manufacturer's age recommendation and inspect the mitten regularly for signs of wear.
How to choose the right teething mittens
- Check the material safety: Look for food-grade silicone or BPA-free fabric. Avoid PVC, phthalates, or unknown plastics. Silicone is easier to clean and more durable.
- Match the mitten to your baby's age and grip: For babies under 4 months or those who cannot hold objects, a full-hand mitten like the Itzy Mitt is ideal. For older babies who can grasp, a mitten with a separate thumb pocket may allow more control. If your baby is already reaching for toys, consider a mitten with a thumb slot for better dexterity.
- Prioritize easy cleaning: Silicone mittens can be washed with soap and water or run through the dishwasher. Fabric mittens need machine washing. Choose based on how often you're willing to clean.
- Test the fit before each use: The mitten should stay on during active chewing but not leave red marks. Adjust the closure so it's secure but not tight. Remove the mitten if your baby's hand looks irritated. Check the mitten daily for cracks or loose parts, especially if your baby has started teething aggressively.
Featured product
- Itzy Mitt® Teething Mittens: The Itzy Mitt® Teething Mittens are made of food-grade silicone with a textured surface designed to massage sore gums. They include a crinkle sound to engage baby and are safe for babies who can't yet hold a teether. This means you can offer teething relief even to a newborn who hasn't developed grip strength, and the crinkle feature adds sensory stimulation during use.
Itzy Mitt® Teething Mittens
Who should use teething mittens
Best for
- Newborns and young infants who cannot yet hold a teether
- Babies who chew on their hands or fingers constantly
- Parents who want a drool-absorbing option (if using fabric mittens)
Not ideal for
- Older babies who prefer the variety of textures from handheld teethers
- Babies who have already learned to remove mittens easily
