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How to Disinfect and Sanitize Baby’s Teething Toys

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How to Disinfect and Sanitize Baby’s Teething Toys

Teething toys are lifesavers when your baby is cranky and gnawing on literally everything—but they’re also magnets for grime, germs, and all kinds of mystery messes.

Whether it’s after a floor drop, a playdate, or a discovery of mystery gunk, giving teething toys a proper clean ensures your baby’s favorite chewables stay germ-free and ready for those sore little gums. Teething is tough enough without adding questionable bacteria to the mix.

Here’s everything you need to know about disinfecting baby toys effectively and safely.

Do You Need to Sterilize Teething Toys?

You should sterilize baby’s teething toys, but not after every chew or drop. While regular cleaning keeps the grime at bay, sterilizing toys every now and then ensures you’re tackling those stubborn germs that soap and water might miss.

Whether it’s a quick boil, a steam clean, or a wipe-down with safe, baby-friendly disinfectants, sterilizing teething toys helps keep things clean without driving you crazy.

How Often Should You Disinfect Teething Toys?

You should disinfect teething toys for babies at least once a week, or more often if they hit the floor, go outside, or end up somewhere questionable (like the dog's water bowl).

A quick clean with soap and water after everyday use keeps things fresh, but a proper disinfecting session ensures stubborn germs don’t overstay their welcome. For younger babies or during flu season, take it up a notch and sanitize more frequently.

Remember the golden rule: if you wouldn’t want the teether toy near your mouth, it definitely doesn’t belong near theirs.

How To Sanitize Infant Toys and Teethers

Keeping your baby’s toys clean doesn’t have to be a full-time job—but when it comes to teethers, it’s worth doing right. If you’ve been wondering how to clean teething toys properly, we’ve got you covered. From natural solutions to quick, deep cleans, we’ll explore all the best methods to keep those toys germ-free, baby-safe, and ready for their next chew session.

And for keeping those freshly cleaned teethers or pacifiers protected and within reach, check out The Pod by Tushbaby. This sleek, easy-to-clean case clips onto your bag, carrier, or stroller, so you’ll never have to dig around for a clean teething toy again. Less mess, less stress, and one less thing to worry about.

Using Boiling Water to Sterilize Baby’s Teething Toys

Using boiling water to sterilize your baby’s teething toys is as old-school as it gets—and it works. For heat-safe options like silicone teething toys, just drop them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes, then let them air dry completely. It’s quick, easy, and zaps those germs without any fuss. Just double-check the toy’s care instructions first—no one wants a melted teether.

Using a Microwave to Disinfect Baby Toys

For microwave-safe teethers, pop them into a sterilization bag or a microwave-safe container with a bit of water and follow the instructions for time and settings. After a few minutes of steam, those germs are toast. Just make sure the toys have cooled down before handing them back.

Cleaning Teething Toys in a Dishwasher

For dishwasher-safe toys, pop them on the top rack, hit the sanitize cycle, and let the magic happen. It’s hands-off, high-heat cleaning that gets those teethers sparkling without you lifting a finger. Cleaning in the dishwasher works well for silicone teething toys, but skip this method for anything soft, wooden, or likely to turn into a chewable puddle.

Electric Steam Sterilization

Electric steam sterilizers are like the set-it-and-forget-it of baby toy cleaning—quick, efficient, and hassle-free. Just toss in your silicone teething toys or other heat-safe items, add water, and let the steam do its thing. In a matter of minutes, those teethers are squeaky clean and germ-free.

How to Disinfect Baby Toys Naturally

Learning how to disinfect baby toys naturally is all about using safe, simple methods that actually work—think pantry staples like vinegar, baking soda, and a little elbow grease.

Whether it’s a quick wipe-down or a deep clean, we’ll walk you through easy ways to tackle germs while keeping things baby-safe and parent-approved. No harsh stuff, no stress—just clean toys ready for their next round of drool.

Cleaning with Vinegar and Water

Cleaning baby’s teething toys with vinegar and water is as simple as it gets—no chemicals, no fuss, just clean. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak the toys for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.

Vinegar’s natural acidity kicks germs to the curb while keeping things baby-safe. It’s a go-to for plastic and silicone teething toys, but skip it for anything wooden or porous—no one likes that lingering vinegar smell.

Cleaning with Baking Soda and Water

If you’re wondering how to sanitize baby toys naturally, baking soda is your best friend. Just mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to create a mild scrub, perfect for tackling grime and sticky spots on hard toys. Wipe the toys down with the mixture, rinse well, and let them air dry. It’s gentle, effective, and won’t leave any harsh chemical residue.

Disinfecting Silicone Teethers vs Wooden Teething Toys

When it comes to disinfecting teethers, silicone baby toys and wooden toys have different rules. Silicone teething toys, like The Teether by Tushbaby, are the easygoing MVPs—they can handle boiling water, steam sterilizers, and even the dishwasher. They’re tough on germs and soft on little gums, making them a great low-maintenance option.

Wooden teethers, on the other hand, need a little extra TLC. Skip the soaking and stick to wiping them down with a damp cloth and a mix of water and baby-safe vinegar. Over-saturating wood can cause warping or cracks, and no one wants a teether that looks like it’s been through the wringer.

FAQs

How Do You Sterilize a Teething Mitt?

To sterilize a teething mitt, check the care label first. Most can handle a spin in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with baby-safe detergent. Let it air dry completely to keep it in top shape for those tiny chompers.

If you’re wondering how to sterilize baby toys quickly, a wipe-down with warm, soapy water works too—just make sure the toy is fully dry before your baby starts gnawing again.

Do You Have to Sterilize Dummies After Every Use?

No, you don’t have to sterilize dummies after every use. For newborns, it’s best to sterilize daily, but a thorough clean with warm, soapy water after regular use is enough as your baby gets older. Save the complete sterilizing routine for when dummies hit the floor, go outside, or get extra grimy—just like you would with baby teething toys.

Can You Use Your Finger as a Pacifier for Newborns?

Yes, you can use your finger as a pacifier for a newborn—as long as it’s clean. It’s one of those quick teething hacks for babies when nothing else is on hand, and your little one needs soothing.

Gently place your clean finger (nail-side down) in their mouth, and let them suckle for comfort. Just remember, this trick is great in a pinch, but having a proper pacifier on standby can save your finger from long-term nibbling.

This is where The Teether comes in as the ultimate soother for little gums. Crafted with a soft, flexible design, it’s easy for tiny hands to hold and features a letter of the alphabet to personalize teething time. The Teether attaches to the Tushbaby or Snug to keep your baby busy and doubles as a sneaky way to encourage early learning with letters.

Keeping your baby’s teething toys clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming—simple methods like boiling, steaming, or natural solutions can keep germs under control and toys ready for action.

Want to make parenting simpler and cleaner? Shop Tushbaby for smart, stylish solutions that help you tackle teething and beyond!