Grains Food Library
When can babies have teething crackers?
Can babies have teething crackers?
Most babies can try teething crackers or wafers around 8 months, once they handle soft finger foods well. Choose wafers that dissolve easily, since harder teething biscuits can break off into chunks. Many teething crackers contain wheat, so check the label for allergens.
How to serve teething crackers by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Teething crackers are not needed at 6 months, when your baby eats smooth purees and mashes from a spoon. For sore gums, offer a chilled teether or a clean, cold washcloth instead.
7–8 months
Teething crackers are still optional. If you try one near 8 months, once your baby handles soft finger foods, choose a wafer that melts with saliva, hand it whole so your baby can gnaw on it, and stay right next to them.
9–12 months
Offer a dissolvable teething wafer as an occasional snack while your baby sits in a high chair. Take it away if it turns into a soggy lump or large pieces break off.
12 months +
Toddlers can have teething crackers or rusks as a snack, but whole grain toast, fruit and other finger foods are more nourishing. Keep crackers low in added sugar.
Why it’s good
Teething crackers are mostly refined grain and starch, and some contain added sugar. Some are fortified with iron or vitamins, but they are not a meaningful source of nutrition. Their main use is something to gnaw on.
Safety notes
- Do the melt test before buying a new brand. A piece pressed with a wet finger should soften quickly. Hard teething biscuits that break into chunks are a choking risk.
- Always serve teething crackers with your baby seated upright and supervised. Never give them in a crib, car seat or stroller.
- Check the label for added sugar, honey and allergens such as wheat, milk or egg. Teething crackers made with honey should wait until after 12 months.
- For sore gums, a cold teether or a clean, cold washcloth works without adding snacks. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine and amber necklaces.
Introduce teething crackers on its own, then keep it in
Many teething crackers are made with wheat, a Top 9 allergen, and some contain milk or egg. Offer an allergen in a simpler form first, then watch for hives, vomiting or swelling when trying a new brand.
Teething crackers for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about teething crackers for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have teething crackers?
Babies can have teething crackers around 8 months, once they handle soft finger foods well. Teething crackers are optional, and many families skip them.
Can babies have teething crackers?
Yes, babies can eat teething crackers that dissolve easily with saliva. Hard teething biscuits that snap into pieces are better avoided for babies.
Are teething crackers a choking hazard for babies?
Teething crackers are a medium choking risk because some break into chunks or turn into a soggy lump. Choose melt-away wafers, supervise closely and remove any large pieces.
Are teething crackers a common allergen?
Many teething crackers contain wheat, a common allergen, and some also contain milk or egg. Check the label, and introduce these allergens in simpler foods first.
How do I serve teething crackers to a 6 month old?
Teething crackers are not needed for a 6 month old, who does best with smooth purees and mashes on a spoon. For sore gums at 6 months, offer a chilled teether or a cold washcloth.
Do teething crackers help with teething?
Teething crackers can give babies something to gnaw on, but they do not treat teething pain. Cold teethers, a clean cold washcloth or gentle gum rubbing often soothe gums better.
Are teething crackers bad for teeth?
Teething crackers can stick to teeth and some have added sugar, which can raise the risk of tooth decay. Offer teething crackers at snack time, not all day, and wipe or brush teeth twice a day.
What can I give my baby instead of teething crackers?
Instead of teething crackers, try a cold teether, a chilled washcloth, or soft finger foods like banana, avocado or soft bread strips that squash easily. For older babies, a frozen fruit in a mesh feeder can also soothe gums.
Are teething crackers good for babies?
Teething crackers are okay for babies around 8 months as an occasional snack, but they are not very nourishing and do not treat teething pain. Choose wafers that dissolve quickly with saliva and are low in added sugar. Soft finger foods like banana, avocado or toast strips give more nutrition.
The takeaway
- Most babies can try teething crackers or wafers around 8 months, once they handle soft finger foods well.
- Teething crackers are still optional.
- Choking risk is medium. Wheat is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.