Dr Brown's Soother vs Teether: Which Soothes Better?
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare Dr Brown's silicone soother and giraffe toothbrush to decide which product truly relieves your baby's discomfort during teething.
Quick answer
For immediate soothing during teething, the Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soother is the better choice, while the Dr Brown's Infant Toothbrush Giraffe is best for building healthy oral habits once teeth appear.
When a soother helps with teething pain
A soother provides comfort by giving your baby something familiar to suck on, which can distract from gum soreness. The Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soother is designed with a soft, lightweight 100% silicone teat that babies can gnaw on safely, offering gentle pressure on sore gums. However, a soother is not a teether—it lacks textured surfaces or ridges specifically meant for massaging gums.
Why a toothbrush can also soothe
The Dr Brown's Infant Toothbrush Giraffe is made from durable yet soft material that babies can chew on, providing relief similar to a teether. Its playful giraffe shape encourages little hands to hold it, turning gumming into a fun activity. But its primary purpose is to introduce brushing habits, not to provide sustained teething relief—so it may not satisfy a baby who needs prolonged gnawing.
Soother vs toothbrush: key trade-offs
- Immediate teething relief: The silicone soother provides familiar sucking comfort and gentle gum pressure. The toothbrush offers a chewable surface but is not designed for sustained gnawing. Choose the soother for quick, familiar soothing.
- Oral hygiene habit building: The toothbrush introduces brushing routines early, while the soother does not promote tooth cleaning. Use the toothbrush once teeth emerge to start healthy habits.
- Material and safety: Both are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. The soother's one-piece silicone design has no crevices for bacteria, while the toothbrush's bristles require regular cleaning. Both are safe, but the soother is easier to keep clean.
Product facts at a glance
- Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soother 2 Pack - Pink & Green 0-6 Months: 100% silicone is lightweight and soft, with a contoured butterfly-shaped shield that curves away from the nose and cheeks. The soft silicone allows gentle gum massage while the shield design keeps the soother comfortable during extended use.
Dr Brown's One Piece Silicone Soother 2 Pack - Pink & Green 0-6 Months - Dr Brown's Infant Toothbrush Giraffe: Made of a durable yet soft material, perfectly sized for small mouths and little hands. The soft material offers a chewable surface for teething relief, and the small size makes it easy for babies to grasp and self-soothe.
Dr Brown's Infant Toothbrush Giraffe
Which one fits your baby?
Best for
- Babies under 6 months needing immediate teething comfort
- Parents who want a familiar soothing method that also protects the nose and cheeks
Not for
- Babies who have already cut teeth and need brushing practice
- Parents looking for a dedicated teether with textured gum massagers
