A crochet baby teething ring is one of the quickest and most satisfying projects you can make for a little one. These simple teethers combine the natural soothing properties of wood with soft crocheted cotton yarn, giving teething babies something safe and comforting to chew on. Best of all, you can crochet one in about 30 minutes.
Choosing the right materials is critical for any baby item that will go in a mouth. Read our guide on best yarn for baby crochet to understand why 100 percent cotton is the only appropriate choice for teething toys.
Safety First: Materials That Are Safe for Baby
When making a teething ring, every material must be baby safe and non-toxic. Here is what to use and what to avoid:
- Rings: Use untreated, unfinished natural wood rings (maple or beech are best). These should be smooth with no splinters and free of any coatings, paints, or varnishes. Look for rings that are 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
- Yarn: Use only 100 percent cotton yarn in sport or DK weight. Never use acrylic, wool, or novelty yarns for teethers. Cotton is food-safe and can be sanitized easily.
- Stuffing: If adding any stuffed elements, use only polyester fiberfill that meets toy safety standards.
- Avoid: Buttons, beads, plastic eyes, ribbons, or any small parts that could detach and become choking hazards.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that all handmade baby toys be free of small parts and made from non-toxic materials.
Materials List
- One natural wood ring, 2.75 inches (70mm) diameter
- Sport weight 100 percent cotton yarn, approximately 15 to 20 yards
- 3.5mm (E/4) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle and scissors
Basic Teething Ring Pattern
Wrapping the Ring
The simplest approach is to single crochet directly around the wooden ring. Hold the ring in your non-dominant hand and work single crochet stitches over the ring, covering it completely. Work approximately 40 to 50 single crochet stitches around the ring until the entire surface is covered. Slip stitch to the first stitch to join, fasten off, and weave in the tail securely.
Make sure your stitches are tight and close together so no wood is visible and the yarn cannot shift around on the ring. A baby will chew on this vigorously, so the yarn covering needs to stay firmly in place.
Adding Bunny Ears
For an adorable bunny ear variation, chain 25 after completing the ring covering. Turn and single crochet in each chain back to the ring. Slip stitch to the ring, then repeat for the second ear. Tie both ears in a loose knot around the ring. The fabric ears give baby extra texture to chew on and make the teether easier to grip.
Adding a Stuffed Animal Head
For a more elaborate teether, you can attach a small crocheted animal head to the ring. Work a small ball using single crochet in the round (similar to amigurumi technique), stuff it lightly with fiberfill, and sew it securely to the wrapped ring. Popular designs include bears, elephants, bunnies, and cats. If you enjoy this style, check out our easy crochet baby toys for more ideas on safe baby toys.
Multiple Design Ideas
Once you master the basic ring covering technique, try these variations:
- Rainbow Ring: Change yarn colors every 8 to 10 stitches as you cover the ring for a colorful effect
- Leaf Teether: Crochet a flat leaf shape and attach it to the ring for a nature-inspired design
- Star Teether: Make a small crocheted star and sew it to the wrapped ring
- Flower Teether: Attach a crocheted flower to the ring for a sweet feminine touch
You can also pair a teething ring with our crochet baby rattle pattern to create a complete sensory gift set for baby.
How to Clean Crochet Teething Rings
Teethers need regular cleaning since they go directly in baby mouths. Hand wash the crocheted teether in warm water with a mild baby-safe soap. Squeeze out excess water gently and lay flat to dry completely before giving it back to baby. Do not put wooden ring teethers in the dishwasher or washing machine as the wood can crack and splinter.
Inspect the teether regularly for signs of wear. If the yarn becomes frayed, loose, or if the wood shows any cracks or rough spots, discard the teether immediately and make a new one.
Making Teething Rings to Sell
Crochet teething rings are popular sellers at craft fairs and on Etsy. They are quick to make, use minimal materials, and have high perceived value. A set of two teething rings typically sells for 12 to 18 dollars. Make sure to include a care instruction card and a note about the materials used. If you are interested in selling baby items, these teethers are an excellent addition to your product line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wooden teething rings safe for babies?
Yes, untreated natural wood teething rings are considered safe for babies when made from hardwoods like maple or beech. Make sure the wood is smooth, unfinished, and free of any coatings. The wood should be thick enough that baby cannot bite through it, and the ring diameter should be large enough that it cannot fit entirely in the mouth.
What age can babies use crochet teething rings?
Babies can start using teething rings around 3 to 4 months of age, when they begin mouthing objects and showing early signs of teething. Always supervise baby during use and inspect the teether before each use for any damage or loose parts.
How tight should the crochet stitches be on a teething ring?
The stitches should be very tight with no gaps between them. A baby will chew, pull, and tug on the teether aggressively, so the yarn must be securely anchored to the ring. Use a hook one size smaller than recommended for your yarn weight to achieve a tighter fabric. The yarn should not be able to slide or rotate around the ring when pulled.
