FOR ALL AGES
Keeping on top of oral health is really important.
A baby will usually begin teething around six months old, and it's important for parents to know how best to look after tiny teeth. According to the NHS, you should start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they start coming through.
Just sit your baby on your knee and rest its head against your chest. Put a tiny amount of specialist fluoride toothpaste on a baby toothbrush and gently brush the teeth in small circular motions. Be sure to cover all surfaces, and don't worry about getting babies to spit; water will only wash away the fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay. As children get older, you can stand behind them at the sink and lean their head back to reach all their teeth.
A good baby toothbrush will be nice and small so it's able to fit into little mouths, and have soft bristles perfect for brushing delicate teeth. A good toddler toothbrush will have the same properties, but will ideally feature some kind of fun design or gimmick. For some reason, we tend to find that young kids are oddly averse to this self-care necessity and choosing a fun toothbrush can help turn teeth-brushing into a light-hearted activity rather than an unbearable battle.
We've gathered together a range of toothbrushes for babies and toddlers that are fun, practical and safe so you can find the best baby toothbrush for your child. Take a look and find your favourite. While you're here, why not take a look at our pick of the top kids' electric toothbrushes or the best baby baths for more baby essentials?
MAM offers a range of brushes that are great for teaching toddlers to brush their teeth for the first time. This one features a handy safety shield to stop young children pushing the brush too far into their mouth. It's the perfect size for tiny teeth but has a handle long enough that a parent can still lend a hand. BPA and BPS free, widely available on the high street, the bristles are nice and soft and the red dot in the middle indicates how much toothpaste is needed. Smart.
Featuring the standard small head and soft bristles required of a baby toothbrush this Colgate brush is suitable from first tooth right through to three years old; a great, affordable brush that does the job. Available at most high street retailers, this one features a cute baby pink design.
If you're looking to make an eco-conscious purchase, this biodegradable brush from Jack N' Jill is a great bet. Featuring a wide, easy-to-hold handle that's great for adult and little hands, the brush and packaging are completely plastic, BPA and PVC-free. The brush head is made up of tons of super-soft bristles and it features a sweet little bunny design. Suitable for use on your child's very first tooth, this brush remains affordable, despite its eco-friendly materials.
This is an excellent first toothbrush for newly-emerging teeth. Created by a dentist, it can be used as both a brush and a teether: it's 100% silicone and designed to fit perfectly in a baby's mouth. The BPA, Lead and Phthalate Free silicone bristles that run along the curved mouthpiece gently massage and clean your baby's teeth and gums as they chew. The little handle lets babies hold onto it as they chew. A great, innovative solution for parent's looking to stay on top of their baby's oral hygiene.
This fun, banana-shaped toothbrush has to be the best baby toothbrush for teething tots. Made from 100% medical grade silicone, every part of this little brush can be chewed and gnawed on; put it in the freezer first to give it extra soothing powers. The banana peel handles make it easy for a baby to hold on to and, bonus points, it's even dishwasher-safe.
It is widely thought that electric toothbrushes are the best at removing plaque from teeth and gums, and this Brush-Baby BabySonic toothbrush is the best electric toothbrush for kids. The chunky handle makes it really easy for little hands to hold (they can use both!), though it's suitable for kids 0-36 months old. It features a super handy two-minute timer which pulses every 30 seconds to remind your child to move to the next part of their mouth. It also comes with a replacement head; a good investment.
These baby toothbrushes have an ergonomic circular handle that makes them really easy for tiny hands to hold on to. They're also something of a 2-in-1: the heads are great for brushing teeth, whilst the handle can also be used as a teething ring. The short neck prevents children pushing the brush too far and this six-pack comes in a range of funky colours. A well-designed versatile brush perfect for kids two and under.
The Radius Totz brush makes a great toddler toothbrush, and this three-pack is a great option if you want to stock up. An ideal toothbrush for kids aged 18 months to three years, they won't grow out of them in a hurry and the cute, multi-coloured, glittery designs are sure to appeal. The brush is all-natural (the bristles are even vegetable-based!) and the small round brush head is great for reaching into all hard-to-reach crevices.
Tired of throwing away plastic toothbrushes every few months? A bamboo brush is a great alternative. Humble's kids' brushes are super lightweight and have lovely soft bristles, which come in a range of colours. The packaging is recyclable, the toothbrush is biodegradable (and sustainably grown, naturally) and for every toothbrush sold Humble pledges to donate one to a child in need. A very worthy purchase!
It's no secret that most young children don't love the feeling of a parent poking a toothbrush around their mouths. If your little one is proving reluctant, try a finger brush. Made from 100% food grade silicone these little brushes can be placed on the fingers so you can gently massage your baby's teeth and gums in, hopefully, a softer and less invasive way. There's a brush side for cleaning teeth and a dimpled side to massage gums. Be warned, though, they're not as hardwearing as a regular toothbrush and won't survive chewing.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top products for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for the best baby toothbrush then take a look at our pick of the best dummies and soothers, or this list of the best teething toys.
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