What to Look for in a Safe Baby Teether: A Parent’s Guide to CPSC Compliance

When your little one starts teething, it can feel like a storm is brewing—drool, fussiness, sleepless nights and the urgent need to gnaw on everything in sight. That’s when a good baby teether becomes a parent and baby's best friend. But not all teethers are created with safety in mind. How do you know which ones are truly safe?

Enter: the CPSC.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the U.S. government agency responsible for protecting families from products that pose fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazards. When it comes to baby teethers, their regulations and guidelines can help you make an informed, safe choice.

Why CPSC Compliance Matters

A teether might look cute, but if it hasn't been tested for safety, it could contain harmful chemicals, break apart under pressure, or pose a choking hazard. Products that comply with CPSC regulations undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re free from toxic materials and meet essential durability and design standards.

Bottom line? CPSC compliance is your assurance that a product is safe enough for your baby to chew, toss, drool on, and love.

5 Key Things to Look For in a Safe Baby Teether

1. BPA-Free & Non-Toxic Materials

Check the label for “BPA-free,” “phthalate-free,” and “non-toxic.” Look for teethers made from 100% food-grade silicone, natural rubber, or untreated hardwood.

👉 Why it matters: Babies explore with their mouths, so the materials need to be free from harmful chemicals.

2. Meets ASTM F963 Toy Safety Standards

This standard is part of CPSC compliance for children’s products. It covers mechanical and physical properties, such as choking hazards, sharp points, and parts that can come loose.

👉 Tip: Look for a product description that mentions "ASTM F963 compliant" or “meets CPSC toy safety standards.”

3. No Small, Detachable Parts

That adorable teether with beads and cute charms? Make sure none of those parts can come loose. Every piece should be securely attached and withstand serious baby-strength pulling and chewing.

👉 Rule of thumb: If it can fit through a toilet paper roll, it’s a potential choking hazard.

4. Manufacturer Registration and Labeling

Legitimate products will have clear labeling with the manufacturer’s name, a batch number, and contact info. Bonus points if they’re part of the Small Batch Manufacturers Registry with the CPSC.

👉 Why it matters: If a product is ever recalled, proper labeling helps you stay informed and take action quickly.

5. Easy to Clean (and Sterilize!)

Choose a teether that’s dishwasher safe or can be boiled for sterilization. Avoid anything that traps water or moisture inside—think squeaky toys or hollow food grade silicone, it can lead to mold growth.

Watch for Recalls

Even the best products can run into issues. Stay in the loop by signing up for product recall alerts on the CPSC website. It’s a quick way to stay one step ahead and protect your little one.

Teething is tough—for babies and parents. But with the right teether, you can ease your child’s discomfort and have peace of mind knowing they’re safe. Always look beyond the cute packaging and check for CPSC compliance and other safety signals.