In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Brush sugar bugs away with one of the 8 best baby toothbrushes available today. We researched the market before purchasing, testing, and ranking the competition. We assessed factors such as ease of use, bristles material, and more to determine the best. We are confident that there is a product in our lineup that will meet your needs and budget, plus keep your little one's teeth sparkling clean.
The Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush is a top-place winner in our books. Its giraffe shape is attractive to kids, its four legs provide enough surface contact for the giraffe to stand upright, and the base is broad enough for little hands to hold and control, yet easy for an adult to grip. The bristles are soft, and the toothbrush head is little-mouth-sized. We appreciate that the toothbrush is similar to a traditional toothbrush as we think it will set your little one up for dental hygiene success as they understand the concept and sensation of brushing. Plus, we think babies will want something like their parent's toothbrush.
Honestly, we cannot find any significant drawbacks to this product. So, if you seek a pearly-white cleaner, especially one similar to a traditional toothbrush, we think this toothbrush is excellent. If you want a slimmer model that's more likely to fit in a toothbrush holder, check out the Radius Totz Brush.
The Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush tops the list as a top-notch product as it is easy to use for adults and children, stands upright, and features nylon bristles to brush all sides, plus nooks and crannies of your baby's teeth.
With extra-soft, vegetable-derived bristles, the Radius Totz Brush is designed for children 18 months and older, and as a colorful and sparkly toothbrush, it is aesthetically appealing for tots. I mean, what kid doesn't love glitter? The packaging and toothbrush handle (#5 plastic) are recyclable. Clip off the head and recycle the product. Considering how frequently dentists suggest replacing toothbrushes, we consider this a big perk. Plus, you can rest easy knowing your child's smile is extra clean and chemical-free, as the manufacturer claims the brush is created free of BPA, latex, and phthalate. If you like this product and need one for younger babies (6 months of age and up), consider the Radius Pure Brush as it offers ultra-soft bristles for babies.
The toothbrush's oval-shaped head is more generous in size, making it less ideal for small mouths but fine for toddlers. Also, some users report that the bristles shed; however, we didn't experience this issue during our hands-on testing. We think this product is stellar, but if you're dissatisfied, you are not out more than the cost of your morning cup of coffee. Therefore, we believe the Totz Brush is worth consideration if it meets your needs and budget. Another option we like is the Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush. The compact toothbrush head is better for little mouths.
Besides being sparkly and available in multiple colors, the Radius Totz Brush is environmentally friendly, which is a perk we appreciate.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly product, consider the Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush. The quantity (4-pack) vs. price is appealing, plus the toothbrush ranks high. The toothbrush is short and sports a wide, ergonomic handle with some silicone for added grip that is easy for little hands to hold for our testers yet works for adults. The toothbrush head is ideal for little mouths, and the bristles are soft. Once your tot is ready for toothpaste, the bristles present a toothpaste indicator (different in bristle color, the size of short-grain rice) to show the correct amount of toothpaste to use with your child. We appreciate that the toothbrush is similar to a traditional toothbrush because we believe it is more likely to set your little one up for oral hygiene success.
Unfortunately, the toothbrush doesn't stand upright. Although we don't consider this a deal-breaker, we appreciate a toothbrush that stands upright to air dry and avoid sitting on a germy surface. However, if you can overlook this shortcoming, we think this toothbrush is great, especially for its price. For a model that stands on its own, it doesn't get any better than the Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush.
Not only is the Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush budget-friendly, but it features a wide ergonomic handle, which is excellent for a little one to grasp and maneuver.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
4
Best for Electric Toothbrush
Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush
The Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush stands out among the competition as the only electric toothbrush. This battery-powered toothbrush (includes 1 AAA battery) comes with two brush heads, one for babies (0-18 months) and one for toddlers (18-36 months). Push the power button, and brush away. It has a two-minute timer and pulses every 30 seconds to remind the user to move the brush to different parts of the baby's mouth. The handle uses silicone for better grip, and other features include a light and suction base to keep the toothbrush upright after brushing.
The initial price of this toothbrush is a factor to consider. Also, the instructions suggest replacing brush heads every three months or sooner if the brush head becomes worn. So be aware that this product involves additional expenses. The vibrations and light may be overstimulating for some children or distract them from the job of getting their teeth clean. We recommend this toothbrush to an older tot ready to take brushing to the next level or one that has become bored with the routine and is looking for something more. If you prefer a regular, manual toothbrush, the Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush is our favorite.
The Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush is the only battery-operated electric toothbrush in our lineup. It features an easy-to-hold handle with silicone for extra grip and a suction base to keep it standing upright.
Performance aside, The Brushies Extra Toothbrush makes us smile, and it may do the same for you and your little one. This finger puppet toothbrush doubles as a gum massager and pearly-white cleaner. It is made in the USA, one-piece silicone, and feels durable. The bristles are super soft and great for babies' gums after nursing, using a favorite baby bottle, or a teething child with sensitive gums. We appreciate that the Brushies bring a fun and playful spin to the toothbrush world with some adorable characters: Momo monkey, Chomps dino, Pinkey pig, and Willa whale. Sometimes children are not fans of teeth brushing, and we think Brushies may change a tot's mind.
The packaging says you can use this toothbrush for up to 4 years, but we suggest switching to a traditional toothbrush once your baby sprouts multiple teeth to brush nooks and crannies. Also, the cost is a factor to consider, as it is somewhat higher than competing products. But, we think that Brushie's silicone construction is durable and thick, less prone to stretching and rips, making it worth the price. If you seek a finger toothbrush for your little one, check out Brushies. Those who want a less expensive baby toothbrush should take a look at the Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush.
The Brushies Extra Toothbrush features an adorable character, Chomp the dino, and is great for brushing babies' delicate gums and teeth.
The Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care System is a four-stage oral care system intended to grow with your baby by providing brushes to clean your baby's gums and primary teeth once they pop through. The set includes one silicone gum massager (for babies under three months of age) with noticeable durability and three brushes (two silicone and one like a traditional toothbrush with nylon bristles) for the following stages of oral development. We appreciate the stand to hold all brushes, and the cost of the set is appealing if your budget is tighter.
We recognize that this oral care system's selling point is it provides the necessary tools from infancy to big kid brushing. Of course, the concept is attractive, but the reality is that it is setting yourself up for future purchasing. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing a toothbrush every couple of months, and even Nuby's instructions suggest this in the product's instructions. Therefore, the product's longevity is questionable, so you will continue to purchase toothbrushes despite this set. However, if you don't mind the additional purchases, this set may be fitting for kick-starting your brushing toolkit. Another option you may want to consider is the Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush. It includes two toothbrush heads, transitioning from baby to toddler without a separate purchase.
The Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care System provides all of the brushing tools to kick off your brushing adventure. However, the manufacturer suggests replacing toothbrushes every few months, so you will need to purchase additional toothbrushes along the way.
The SmileFrida Finger Toothbrush is great for brushing your baby's gums after nursing, bottle-feeding, or for the first couple of teeth. It is food-grade silicone (BPA-free) and comes with a cover to keep things clean, which we appreciate. The finger toothbrush is two-sided (forget about twisting your wrist to reach different areas), and the brush areas are concave and offer multiple angles.
Once your little one sprouts multiple teeth, we think this finger toothbrush doesn't effectively brush between teeth, and we suggest moving to a traditional toothbrush style like Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush. However, we think this product may work if your baby requires gum care and massage.
The SmileFrida Finger Toothbrush is two-sided and comes with a stand and cover to keep it protected when not in use.
The Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush is a toothbrush-style teether. This product is made in the USA, constructed of 100% food-grade silicone, plus free of BPA, latex, and phthalate. The material makes it dishwasher and freezer safe. The "peel" handles are comfortable for little hands to hold, and the banana is moderately flexible and bendable. The bristles are thicker and more nub-like, ready for your little one to brush or chew. We appreciate that the product introduces the concept of brushing.
The bristles may scrub off milk scum and sugar bugs on your baby's gums, but we don't view this product as your child's primary toothbrush. We suggest switching to a toothbrush with nylon bristles to clean multiple teeth effectively. Also, the silicone material attracts fibers, so we suggest inspecting and rinsing it off before giving it to your baby. We recommend this product to a teething tot in training despite these flaws. For a nylon bristle alternative, check out what the Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush offers.
The Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush is a teether style toothbrush. However, it may not be your primary toothbrush, but it works as a tool for teaching children the brushing concept and sensation.
We purchased each product, completed hands-on testing, and side by side comparisons before ranking.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
We purchased and hands-on tested all baby toothbrushes in our review to analyze and evaluate performance before ranking the competition. We researched various toothbrush styles and designs with babies and toddlers in mind, as their needs are different from older children and adults. We chose products based on popularity, online reviews, and dentist recommendations. We considered metrics like the ease of use, bristle material, and how babies responded to the brushes before scoring and ranking the competition.
The BabyGearLab team has been testing baby products over the past decade, developing thorough testing methods and data, and acquiring knowledge of baby products. As for a baby's oral care, we understand success and protection start early. It is important to us to provide the necessary information for parents to make informed decisions about baby toothbrushes. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor, professional Nanny, and Newborn Care Specialist with over 14 years of experience. Molly's expertise and knowledge of all things baby make her a pro at identifying top-notch products and offering recommendations.
The Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush is battery-powered and includes 1 AAA battery with purchase.
The Green Sprouts Silicone Toothbrush features an anti-choking shield that is not removable.
Analysis and Test Results
After extensively testing and ranking the competition, we have insider details regarding ease of use and bristles so that you can select the right option for you and your baby.
Disclaimer
While our review is a good place to learn about the various baby toothbrush options, we are not medical professionals. Our review is not medical advice. You should always discuss periodontal health with a pediatric dentist. We encourage you to start dental healthcare early, even before teeth emerge. Discussing oral healthcare with your pediatrician is a good place to start your journey.
If a toothbrush is more comfortable for you and your little one to use, you both will be more likely to look forward to brushing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Parents and caregivers will be brushing a child's gums and teeth for a while before a child takes over. However, we believe allowing children to explore and learn how to brush is essential. Therefore, we value products that are easy for adults and children.
A finger toothbrush made of silicone and designed for an adult to wear, featuring soft bristles to brush babies' gums and teeth. We rank those with more noticeable durability higher than those that feel unequal. For instance, The Brushies Extra Toothbrush and the first stage Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care System offer thicker silicone, which we believe is less prone to stretching and ripping than the SmileFrida Finger Toothbrush with thinner silicone.
An ergonomic handle, like the Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush, is more manageable for toddlers to grip and maneuver. Following behind in regards to width is the Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush, Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush, and the Radius Totz Brush. These handles are not as pronounced but feel comfortable in the hands of adults and children.
On the flip side, the Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care System has thin, slim handles, which may feel familiar in an adult's hand but might not work as well in a toddler's hand that lacks impressive dexterity.
We believe the brushing/drying process is more manageable if a product can stand upright on its own. Products with a suction bottom, larger base, or included stand rank higher than those without such features.
Each brush in our lineup uses a different type of bristle material. Depending on your baby's age and oral development stage, you may seek a particular style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Bristle Material
Our lineup includes various bristles, all of which are soft for a baby's delicate gums and teeth. Traditionally, toothbrushes have nylon bristles; silicone is relatively new to the game. From our research, silicone toothbrushes are so new that there is not enough information and evidence to demonstrate their efficacy. Therefore, we prefer to stick with what we know has been proven to work. For tots with one or more teeth, we suggest nylon or bioplastic bristles for reaching all sides of a tooth effectively and along the gum line to help prevent plaque and bacteria build-up. Products in our lineup that include nylon bristles include Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant to Toddler Toothbrush, Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush, Brush Baby BabySonic Infant and Toddler Toothbrush, and one of the Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care System toothbrushes. Alternatively, the Radius Totz brush uses vegetable-derived bioplastic bristles, which seemed to work well during testing.
Silicone toothbrushes might be suitable for babies with sensitive or delicate gums or erupting teeth, like The Brushies Extra Toothbrush, SmileFrida Finger Toothbrush, and the first stage of the Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care System.
Tips to Reach 2-Minutes of Brushing
A good way to ensure you reach two minutes of brushing with toddlers is to sing a song or set a timer. Watching a fun sand timer can make the time pass by quickly. There are also several free apps you can get for your phone to help the time pass by faster.
Although our lineup will kick start your brushing journey and recognize that every child is unique. Therefore, we highly encourage parents to review the ADA's recommendations and discuss their child's oral development and routine with a medical professional.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Babies and Oral Healthcare
When should you begin caring for your little one's gums and teeth, and why is it important? The American Dental Association (ADA) is an excellent resource for learning more about your baby's oral healthcare, and they encourage establishing a routine early. Whether you use formula or breastfeed, they both contain sugar, and it is essential to begin wiping your baby's gums. Plus, it introduces the concept and sensation of brushing and can prevent future dental caries (cavities). Once your baby's first pearly whites erupt, or by their first birthday, the ADA suggests setting up your baby's first dentist appointment. Good oral care can help protect your baby's teeth and set them up for future teeth-brushing success.
Other Oral Hygiene Products
Oral hygiene is essential to childhood, and good dental habits are important. For older children, consider one of the best electric toothbrushes for kids, and don't forget our favorite kids' flossers to clean between teeth.
Developing an oral hygiene routine starts early, and it may set your child up for success and cavity protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
It is never too early to consider and address proper oral hygiene for your baby. Even before you can visibly see teeth sprouting, it is a great idea to start good gum care, which can help prevent early dental caries (cavities). Early cleaning and setting up a routine can also acclimate your baby to the brushing experience and help them learn about the brushing concept and sensations involved in brushing teeth and gums. Our lineup includes a variety of popular choices. We are confident there is a baby toothbrush here that will meet your needs and budget.
