As your little one’s adorable little teeth start poking through the gums, you might be wondering, “Do I really need to brush them already?”
The answer is yes! Brushing your baby’s teeth, even those tiny first ones, is an important step in setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. It might seem strange at first, but think of it like laying the foundation for good oral hygiene habits. Plus, brushing helps remove plaque buildup that can form even on baby teeth, preventing cavities down the line.
Now, before you envision wrestling a tiny toothbrush into your baby’s mouth, there are different types of brushes designed specifically for little ones. Let’s dive in and explore the options!
Types of Baby Toothbrushes
There’s a whole world of baby toothbrushes out there, each with its own strengths! Here’s a breakdown of the most common types you’ll find in the shops.
Finger Toothbrush • These silicone lifesavers slip onto your finger, transforming you into a gentle gum massager and plaque patrol. Perfect for early teething when your baby’s mouth is a sensitive zone and you need more control.
Baby Toothbrush • Soft, rounded bristles on these brushes are gentle on delicate gums, while the chunky, easy-grip handles are ideal for those chubby fists as your baby develops hand-eye coordination.
Tooth Wipes • These handy wipes are a lifesaver for on-the-go cleaning. Pre-moistened with a gentle solution, they remove food particles and plaque buildup. Remember, tooth wipes are for quick cleanups, not a replacement for regular brushing.
Toddler Toothbrushes • As your little one transitions into toddlerhood, these brushes offer slightly firmer bristles to tackle tougher messes, alongside fun and colourful designs that encourage them to take charge of brushing time.
My little one is a master copycat, so brushing time became playtime! We grab our toothbrushes and make silly faces in the mirror. It turns brushing into a fun bonding experience, and who knows, maybe they’ll pick up some good habits along the way!
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
19 Best Baby Toothbrushes Mums Recommend
With over 16 years of experience and a community of over 100,000 Australian mums, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect bath towel for your baby.
Below, you’ll find 19 of the best baby toothbrushes recommended by the mums from the Mum’s Grapevine community, listed in no particular order.
Soft & Safe
Cherub Baby Silicone Finger Toothbrush ($6.99)
This silicone finger brush by Cherub Baby is perfect for the earliest stages. It slips onto your finger for gentle gum massages and cleaning, ideal for sensitive teething mouths. Plus, the included case keeps it hygienically clean on the go.
One customer left the review “This is something I started doing with my son shortly after he was born. He is so used to it now that at 11 months, he opens his mouth and we are thrilled it’s so easy. I wash them in the dishwasher and have sterilised them several times with no problems”
Material: Food-grade silicone
Age Range: All ages
Washability: Dishwasher safe, sterilise for under 6 month olds.
3-in-1 Stages
Mininor Baby Toothbrush Set ($14.95)
The Mininor baby toothbrush set offers a clever system that grows with your baby! It includes a finger brush for gum massage, a soft bristle brush for first teeth, and a toddler brush for later stages, all in one handy set.
Material: Polypropylene, TPE & nylon
Age Range: All ages
Washability: Brushes 1 & 2 can be sterilised, brush 3 wash with warm water
Flower Power
Mushie Toddler Training Toothbrush ($24.95)
Ever looked at a toothbrush and thought “What stops them from sticking it down their throat?”, enter the silicone training toothbrush from Mushie, with a fun-shaped and removable safety guard, your little ones can safely learn to brush their gums and teeth without worry.
“My toddler loves this toothbrush. It’s so soft, durable and so cute!” said one customer online.
Material: Food-grade silicone
Age Range: All ages
Washability: Dishwasher safe, air dry.
Koala Kare
Ali & Oli Training Toothbrush Oral Care Koala ($24)
The Ali & Oli training toothbrush is another great choice for toddlers. Made with super soft bristles, it gently cleans and stimulates little gums and teeth. The easy-to-grip handle, shaped like a friendly koala, encourages toddlers to take charge of brushing and makes it a fun and engaging experience.
Material: 100% Food-grade silicone without fillers
Age Range: 3+ months
Washability: 100% dishwasher safe
Early Stages
Jack N Jill Silicone Finger Brush ($7.95)
Made from super soft, medical-grade silicone, it gently massages gums and cleans tiny teeth. The double-sided design allows you to use the textured side for gum stimulation and the brush side for cleaning. Plus, it comes in a handy travel case for on-the-go care.
“This first teeth cleaning brush is also fantastic to stimulate gums especially if your baby is teething. Must have one!” wrote one reviewer.
Material: 100% medical/food grade silicone
Age Range: 6-12 months
Washability: Wash with warm soapy water and safe to sterilise.
Curved Comfort
Haakaa Contoured Silicone Toothbrush ($17.49)
Haakaa’s contoured silicone toothbrush boasts a unique curved design with soft bristles. This allows it to reach all angles of your baby’s mouth, gently cleaning teeth and massaging gums during those tender teething months.
One mum commented, “It’s been perfect for my little girl who has been stubborn with brushing her teeth.”
Material: Food-grade silicone
Age Range: 6-24 months
Washability: Dishwasher safe, sterilise for under 6 month olds.
Powered Playtime
Little Gnashies Kids Electric Toothbrush ($39.90)
This electric toothbrush by Little Gnashies takes brushing to a whole new level of fun! With a soft, U-shaped brush head it gently conforms to little mouths. The brush offers multiple brushing modes and a built-in timer to encourage a fun brushing routine, all powered by a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
One reviewer said, “Our son loves his and it has made him excited about something he used to dread every night. They are adorably cute and so well presented, so well suited to little ones.”
Material: Food-grade antibacterial silicone
Age Range: 2+ years
Washability: Soak it in hot water
Sonic Clean
Jack N Jill Sonic Toothbrush ($24.95)
The Sonic Toothbrush is a fun option for toddlers transitioning to electric brushing. Ultra-soft bristles clean gently, while the sonic technology provides a thorough clean. This brush includes a fun light-up feature and a 30-second pulse timer to guide toddlers through brushing and make it an interactive experience.
One happy Mum left the review, “If you’re having trouble with your toddler’s teeth time brushing this is the solution for you! My 2-year-old loves this toothbrush and looks forward to brushing teeth time now. The light and 2-minute timer are brilliant features, will continue using and recommend them!”
Material: PVC & BPA-free brush head & handle
Age Range: Baby brush head – 0-18 months, Toddler brush head 18-36 months
Washability: Soak it in hot water
Cuddly Cactus
Pickle & Olive Infant Training Toothbrush (from $16)
This adorable option by Pickle and Olive is a 2-in-1 winner! Made from soft silicone, the playful cactus design features massaging bumps for soothing teething woes and gentle bristles to clean those first pearly whites. The easy-to-grip handle is perfect for little hands.
“My girl LOVES it. She was using it nonstop the moment I got it. She’s almost 6 months so the teething has begun. It’s easy for her to use and put in her mouth. Eventually, we’ll use it as a toothbrush once the teeth come in.” said one reviewer.
Material: Food-grade silicone
Age Range: 3-12 months
Washability: Wash with warm water, sterilise or place in dishwasher
Triple Threat
Fridababy Triple-Angle Toothhugger ($11.99)
The Fridababy Triple-Angle Toothhugger boasts a unique design with a brush head that features three angles. This innovative approach allows it to clean all sides of your little one’s teeth at once, making brushing time faster and more efficient. A great pick for toddlers who are developing their brushing skills.
One happy Mumma wrote, “Very happy. Makes tooth brushing quicker and I feel more confident I’m getting more areas as my toddler doesn’t like having his teeth brushed”
Material: Plastic
Age Range: 2+ years
Washability: Rinse with warm water
All-Arounder
Haakaa 360 Silicone Toddler Toothbrush ($15.99)
Haakaa’s 360° toothbrush is designed for a thorough clean. Made from soft silicone, it features bristles that cover the entire brush head, reaching all around teeth for effective plaque removal. This is a great option for toddlers who are starting to brush more independently.
“I’ve been practising brushing every now and then with my baby as she’s teething. The bristles are lovely and soft and I love the 360 design. Baby enjoys using this too, must soothe her gums” said one happy customer.
Material: Food grade silicone
Age Range: 6+ months
Washability: Dishwasher safe, sterilise for under 6 month olds.
Stage-by-Stage
Pigeon Baby Toothbrush Training Set ($12.76)
This Pigeon baby toothbrush training set is a value pack that grows with your baby! The first stage features a soft silicone head for gentle gum massage, the second transitions to a brush with fine bristles for cleaning new teeth, and the final stage offers a toddler brush with slightly firmer bristles for independent brushing.
A reviewer wrote, “Love love love the toothbrushes! 3 in 1 so I didn’t have to go and buy more when he got older and more teeth. Easy to hold and no stressing about him choking!”
Material: Plastic handle, elastomer rubber head and soft bristles
Age Range: 6-18 months
Washability: Wash in warm soapy water
Double Duty
Grabease Double-Sided Toddler Toothbrush ($26.90)
This double-sided toddler toothbrush is a clever time-saver! Featuring soft bristles on both sides, it allows you to clean both the top and bottom teeth simultaneously. The short, chunky handle is easy for little hands to grip, encouraging them to take charge of their oral hygiene routine.
One customer was very happy with their purchase and posted the comment, “Great item when you have a biter can quickly get in there and do too and bottom at once”
Material: BPA, phthalate-free plastic
Age Range: 6+ months
Washability: Soak bristles in diluted hydrogen peroxide
Plaque Patrol
The Brushies Baby Toothbrush and Book ($44.95)
This silicone finger brush set comes with a fun storybook! Featuring finger puppets that transform you and your little one into a brushing team. The soft silicone bristles are gentle on gums while the playful characters help make brushing time a fun and interactive experience.
“I don’t think I’d be able to clean my toddler’s teeth at all if it weren’t for Brushies. He used to cry every time I tried to brush his teeth, but now he does it himself. He loves the book too!” Said one happy customer.
Material: Food-grade silicone
Age Range: 4 weeks – 4 years
Washability: Dishwasher safe
Hug-Shaped
My Sensory Space U-Shaped Sensory Toothbrush (from $29.95)
Made from soft silicone, the U-shaped head gently hugs your little one’s teeth, cleaning multiple surfaces at once. This design can be especially helpful for toddlers who are still developing their brushing skills. The soft bristles ensure a gentle clean, and the fun, sensory design make brushing time more enjoyable.
A satisfied parent shared their experience “My son is only 20 months old so cannot adequately brush his teeth on his own, but he has very strong boundaries and often refuses to let us help him with brushing, this toothbrush makes the whole process much easier!”
Material: Food-grade antibacterial silicone
Age Range: 2-7 years
Washability: Soak in warm water
On-the-Go
Jack N’ Jill Natural Baby Gum & Tooth Wipes ($14.99)
Perfect for travel or when brushing isn’t an option, they’re pre-moistened with a gentle solution to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Remember, wipes shouldn’t replace regular brushing, but they’re a great option for a quick clean-up in between.
A happy customer wrote, “These are handy to have for bubs to get used to teeth and gums being wiped. We use these in between introducing toothbrushes. Makes it easy as a mum of twins!”
Material: 100% cotton
Age Range: From birth
Washability: Dispose after use
Growing Smiles
Dr Browns Infant to Toddler Toothbrush ($3.95)
Dr Brown’s Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush transitions with your baby. Super-soft bristles ensure gentle cleaning on those first teeth, while the flexible body is comfortable on sensitive gums. The chunky handle is easy for little hands to grip as they develop hand-eye coordination, and the playful elephant design makes brushing more fun!
Sharing their thoughts, this Mum left the review “It is easy to use and my 8-month-old doesn’t mind learning to use it. I like that they are actual brushes, not the silicone brushes. She seems to like it more!”
Material: Rubber & BPA-free plastic
Age Range: 0-3 years
Washability: Wash with warm water
Grip & Go
Babyhood Infant Toothbrush (from $14.95)
This infant toothbrush from Babyhood is designed for easy handling by little hands. It features a chunky, easy-to-grip handle that’s perfect for developing hand-eye coordination. Super soft bristles ensure gentle cleaning of those first teeth, making it a comfortable choice for your little one’s smile journey.
Care Pack
Grins Complete Oral Care Starter Pack ($12.99)
For those toddlers looking for a little more independence, or just getting tired or brushing their teeth, this oral care pack is the perfect thing. Featuring biodegradable flossers, an extra soft toothbrush and natural strawberry toothpaste gel, we love the sticker chart to easily motivate our little ones.
A delighted customer commented, “Brought a pack each for my boys and they love having their own matching toothbrush and toothpaste. Floss sticks were a great way to get them to start flossing themselves. Definitely recommend”
Material: Nylon bristles and cornstarch handle
Age Range: 3+ years
Washability: Wash in warm water & air dry
FAQs Your Questions Answered
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
You can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tiny tooth appears, even if it’s just a speck! Plaque buildup can form on those little teeth too, so gentle brushing helps remove it and prevent cavities.
How often should I brush my baby’s teeth?
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft, damp cloth or a finger brush with water to clean your baby’s gums and teeth twice a day until they turn 18 months old.
Do I need to use toothpaste when brushing my baby’s teeth?
Up until 18 months old, water is all you need when brushing your baby’s teeth. After 18 months, the ADA recommends using a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste specifically designed for children. Swallowing too much fluoride can be harmful to young children. Look for a toothpaste with around 1000ppm fluoride.
By following these tips and consulting your child’s dentist, you can ensure your little one gets a healthy start to their oral hygiene journey!
Know an oral care solution to add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been curating Australia’s best baby products into helpful lists for over 16 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
Read next…
- Book List: 17 Books to Prepare Kids for Dentist Visits
- Baby teeth grinding: what you need to know
- 27 of the Best Baby Teething Toys
- Coming through: The low down on teething
Ask other mums
Looking for brush to keep your baby’s chompers clean and still not sure if any of these are right for you? Join the huge Grapeviner community in one of our private Facebook Due Date Groups and ask thousands of other mums with babies the same age as yours which ones they recommend. Get answers today!
We want you to know
At Mum’s Grapevine, we’re a team of passionate mums (with 19 kids!) and over 15 years of experience researching and writing about all things baby and parenting. Our reviews of recommended products, like the ones in this post, may include paid inclusions, but we promise to only feature products that we truly believe in and have used or seen ourselves. We want to ensure that you, our readers have access to the latest and greatest products in the parenting world, and we’re committed to maintaining our high standards of quality and honesty. See our Disclosure Policy.
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