How many calories are in teethers? Unpacking the difference between edible and non-edible options

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Most traditional silicone or wooden teething toys contain zero calories, as they are not meant for consumption. However, edible teethers, such as teething wafers, are a different story, with popular brands like Gerber offering options containing around 30 calories per serving.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of teethers, distinguishing between zero-calorie non-food items like silicone rings and low-calorie edible wafers. It provides essential safety guidelines for both types, helping parents make informed decisions for their baby's relief.

Key Points

Zero Calories in Non-Food Teethers: Silicone, wood, and rubber teethers contain no calories because they are not meant for consumption.
Low Calories in Edible Teethers: Edible options like teething wafers are food and contain a small number of calories, such as 30 kcal per serving for some popular brands.
Purpose vs. Nutrition: The main purpose of both teether types is to provide gum relief and promote oral motor skills, not to serve as a meal replacement.
Prioritize Safety First: Constant supervision is required for edible teethers to prevent choking, while non-edible teethers should be one-piece and free of harmful chemicals.
Check Ingredients for Edible Teethers: Always read labels on edible teethers to check for added sugars and potential allergens.

Teethers 101: Understanding the Two Main Categories

When parents search for teething solutions, they will encounter two very different product types: traditional, non-food teethers and edible, food-based teethers. The question of how many calories are in teethers depends entirely on which category the product falls into. Traditional teethers, made from materials like silicone, natural rubber, or wood, are not intended to be ingested and therefore contain zero calories. Their purpose is to provide safe, durable chewing surfaces to soothe sore gums. Edible teethers, on the other hand, are hard, dissolvable crackers or biscuits specifically made for babies to chew on, and as a food product, they do contain calories.

The Caloric Content of Edible Teethers

Edible teething wafers and biscuits typically contain a small number of calories, derived from the carbohydrates in their simple ingredients. For instance, a serving of a popular brand like Gerber's gentle teething wafers contains approximately 30 calories. Similarly, Happy Baby Organic Teethers provide 30 calories per serving of four wafers. These products are not designed to be a significant source of nutrition but rather a sensory tool for oral development and gum relief, with added flavor. The total calorie count is minimal and will vary slightly depending on the brand and flavor, but it is important to remember their primary function is for chewing, not eating a full meal.

Non-Edible Teethers and Their Materials

In contrast, non-edible teethers are completely non-caloric and come in a wide variety of materials, each with unique properties. Parents should always look for products made from non-toxic, safe materials that meet safety standards, such as those certified by the FDA or CPSC.

Silicone teethers: These are a very popular choice, often made from 100% food-grade silicone. The material is soft, flexible, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic, making it gentle on a baby's gums while being durable enough for prolonged chewing. They are typically dishwasher-safe and can be sterilized by boiling.
Wooden teethers: Crafted from organic, unfinished wood like maple or beechwood, these teethers offer a hard, durable chewing surface with natural antimicrobial properties. They are eco-friendly but require hand-washing to avoid wood damage.
Natural rubber teethers: Made from the sap of rubber trees, these teethers are soft, hygienic, and biodegradable. They are a good alternative for babies with sensitivities to other materials.

List of Key Teething Tools and Their Caloric Profile

Edible Teething Wafers: Contain a small number of calories (e.g., ~30 kcal) from carbohydrates. Supervise use due to choking risks.
Silicone Teething Rings: Zero calories. Made from safe, food-grade materials for gum massage.
Wooden Teething Toys: Zero calories. Offers a hard, natural chewing surface.
Chilled Washcloths: Zero calories. A cool, safe item to chew on for gum relief.
Frozen Fruit in Mesh Teethers: Provides some calories from the fruit juice. Use is for babies over 1 year; use soft fruits and supervise closely.
Solid Food Teethers (e.g., mango pit): Variable, minimal caloric content. Used under strict supervision for practicing chewing skills.

Comparison Table: Edible vs. Non-Edible Teethers


Feature	Edible Teethers (Wafers, Biscuits)	Non-Edible Teethers (Silicone, Wood)
Caloric Content	Low, typically around 30 calories per serving.	Zero calories.
Material	Rice flour, oat flour, fruit powders, etc..	Food-grade silicone, natural rubber, organic wood.
Primary Purpose	Provide a textured, flavorful experience for gumming, with minimal nutritional input.	Offer a durable, non-consumable surface for sensory exploration and gum relief.
Choking Hazard	Yes, though designed to dissolve, supervision is critical to prevent large pieces from breaking off.	Possible, if poorly designed with small, detachable parts or if the material degrades. Look for one-piece designs.
Cleaning	Not applicable; single-use items.	Easy to clean and sterilize (e.g., dishwasher-safe, boilable).
Sensory Experience	Flavor, taste, and texture stimulate oral senses.	Variety of textures, shapes, and temperatures for sensory exploration.

Prioritizing Safety with All Teethers

Whether you choose an edible or non-edible teether, safety should always be the top priority. For edible options, constant supervision is necessary to monitor for any potential choking hazards. It is also important to read the ingredients list to avoid added sugars and potential allergens. For non-edible teethers, parents should choose one-piece designs made from high-quality, non-toxic materials, avoiding liquid or gel-filled options that could rupture. Regular inspection for damage is also crucial. For both types, never attach a teether to a string or cord around a baby's neck, as this is a serious strangulation risk. Reputable resources like the Mayo Clinic provide excellent guidance on soothing teething pain safely.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in teethers depends on their type. Non-edible teething toys made from materials like silicone or wood contain zero calories, as they are not food. Their value lies in providing safe, non-consumable chewing surfaces for gum relief and oral development. Edible teething wafers are low-calorie food products, designed for gumming and flavor exploration rather than significant nourishment. For both options, prioritizing safety, including constant supervision for edible teethers and inspecting non-edible ones for damage, is paramount to ensuring a safe and comfortable teething experience for your baby. Always consult with a pediatrician before introducing new products or foods into your baby's routine.

Mayo Clinic: Teething tips for soothing sore gums

Frequently Asked Questions

No, silicone teethers have zero calories. They are not a food product and are not meant to be ingested. Their purpose is to provide a safe, non-toxic surface for a baby to chew on for gum relief.

Edible teething crackers, like wafers from brands such as Gerber or Happy Baby, contain a small amount of calories, typically around 30 calories per serving. The exact amount depends on the specific brand and flavor.

Yes, edible teething wafers are safe for babies who are ready for solids, typically around 6 months or older, but must be given under constant supervision. While they are designed to dissolve easily, supervision is crucial to manage any potential choking risk.

For most babies, the small number of calories in teething wafers is not a concern, as they are not a primary food source. They contribute to sensory exploration and oral motor development more than nutrition.

An edible teether is a food item, like a biscuit, that can be consumed, while a non-edible teether is a toy made of materials like silicone or wood that is not for consumption. The edible one contains calories, while the non-edible one does not.

You should not freeze teething toys, as they can become too hard and potentially damage a baby's gums. Instead, you can chill a teether or a damp washcloth in the refrigerator to provide soothing, cool pressure.

Non-edible teethers help babies strengthen their jaw muscles and practice important hand-to-mouth coordination. Chewing on different textures also aids in desensitizing the gag reflex and maps the mouth for better oral awareness.