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10 Best Baby and Toddler Toothbrushes of 2024

Updated
Most dentists recommend brushing as early as the first tooth, around six months old.

Brushing your baby’s teeth doesn’t have to be an epic battle you’re destined to lose. You can make a brushing session seem like a big reward if you buy a toothbrush that keeps them engaged and entertained.

We’ve spent hours researching the best toothbrushes for toddlers, getting recommendations from dentists and parents alike. We tested the most recommended toothbrushes on our own toddlers, and we’ve come up with this list of ten winners.

Tooth-cleaning time will be easier with one of these great picks.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Radius Totz
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Radius Totz
  • Assorted colors
  • Vegetable-based bristles
  • Soft and gentle on gums
Product Image of the Jordan Step 1
Best First Toothbrush
Jordan Step 1
  • Economical four-pack
  • BPA- and phthalate-free
  • Super soft bristles
Product Image of the Brush Baby BabySonic
Best Electric Toothbrush
Brush Baby BabySonic
  • Replaceable AAA battery
  • Replaceable brush heads
  • Comes with a timer
Product Image of the Brusheez Electric
Best for Busy Toddlers
Brusheez Electric
  • Lots of accessories in this set
  • Comes with a brushing chart
  • Replaceable batteries
Product Image of the Oral-B Frozen Kids
Best with a Timer
Oral-B Frozen Kids
  • 60-day risk-free trial
  • Rechargeable
  • Compatible with Oral-B refills
Product Image of the BabyBaus Finger
Best Finger Toothbrush
BabyBaus Finger
  • Affordable
  • Comes with 3 colors of cases
  • Can be used on pets
Product Image of the Colgate My Toothbrush
Best for Sore Gums
Colgate My Toothbrush
  • Affordable option
  • Extra soft bristles
  • Non-slip handle
Product Image of the Dr. Fresh Toothbrushes
Colorful Toothbrush
Dr. Fresh Toothbrushes
  • Inexpensive
  • Great value for money
  • Fun and appealing
Product Image of the Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care Set
Best Massaging Toothbrush
Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care Set
  • Four different heads
  • Massages gums and cleans teeth
  • Suitable for newborns
Product Image of the Dr. Brown's Baby Toothbrush
Best Toothbrush With Soft Bristles
Dr. Brown's Baby Toothbrush
  • Cute giraffe design
  • Soft bristles are gentle
  • Easy for babies to hold


The Best Baby Toothbrushes of 2024

Here are the top baby toothbrushes on the market.

Radius Totz Toothbrush for 18 Months

Best Baby Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth

These toothbrushes have extra-soft bristles, which is good news for kids with sensitive teeth. The bristles are vegetable-based, and the handles are BPA-free and don’t contain latex, lead, or phthalates.

The rounded corners on the brush’s head make it harder for your child to hurt their teeth or gums while brushing.

You’ll get three with this set, so you’ll have a backup waiting in the wings when you need a replacement.

These work well for kids who are at least 18 months of age.

Pros

  • The three-pack includes an assortment of colors.
  • Made with vegetable-based bristles rather than nylon.
  • Soft and gentle on gums.

Cons

  • The handle gets really slippery when wet, which makes it hard to hold.
  • The wide handle doesn’t fit into a normal-sized toothbrush holder.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
5 / 5
Handle Design
3 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

My experience with these toothbrushes has been mostly positive, as they are durable and made of safe materials, making them ideal for my son who tends to chew while brushing. The easy-to-hold design and variety of colors are appreciated, but I have noticed that mildew can develop on the bristles rather quickly, requiring more frequent replacements. Despite this minor issue, these toothbrushes have significantly improved my child's oral health, particularly for his sensitive gums, providing peace of mind for the entire family.

Jordan Step 1 Baby Toothbrush

Best First Toothbrush for Baby

This toothbrush is designed for children who have sprouted their first tooth, and they can use it until they are two years old. The handles are so wide they won’t be able to accidentally trigger their gag reflex by sticking the brush too far in their mouth. They have a hole in the center for easy gripping.

A nice touch is that your baby can also use the handle as a teething ring.

While most of the bristles are white, some colored ones in the center help you and your child use the right amount of toothpaste.

Pros

  • These come in an economical four-pack.
  • They are BPA-free and phthalate-free.
  • The bristles are super soft.

Cons

  • Some parents complained the bristles came out easily when their baby chewed on them.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
5 / 5
Handle Design
4 / 5
Size
5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

Great toothbrushes for little ones, with soft bristles and easy grip. My 10-month-old daughter loves using them herself, and the added bonus of being chewable makes them perfect for teething toddlers. These brushes encourage daily tooth brushing while providing a sense of independence for kids. The small brush size ensures gentle care for their tiny teeth, making this product a fantastic choice for young children.

Brush Baby BabySonic Electric Toothbrush

Best Electric Toothbrush for Toddlers

This electric toothbrush isn’t quite as vigorous as some of the adult electric versions are. Instead, it uses gentle vibrations to clean teeth.

The brush head is small enough that it won’t feel too large in your child’s mouth.

We love that it’ll help your child brush for the right amount of time because it has a two-minute light time. It also has a 30-second pulse reminder that goes off when it’s time for your child to brush another section of their mouth, ensuring they don’t miss any spots.

Pros

  • The AAA battery is replaceable.
  • You can also buy replaceable brush heads.
  • The timer helps teach good brushing habits.

Cons

  • More expensive than a manual brush.
  • It doesn’t spin when brushing.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
4.5 / 5
Handle Design
4 / 5
Size
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Excellent! This electric toothbrush has made my toddler actually enjoy brushing their teeth. They love the vibrating sensation and the light-up feature, making the once challenging task much more enjoyable for both of us. Plus, the interchangeable brush heads ensure it stays clean and effective.

Brusheez Children’s Electric Toothbrush

Best Toothbrush for a Busy Toddler

There’s so much to look at with this set that your toddler will soon forget they hate brushing their teeth.

It comes with a two-minute sand timer your child can watch to figure out when it’s time to stop brushing. It also comes with a cute rinse cup that your child will love to use, a stand to hold everything, and a replacement head.

Plus, it includes a cover to keep everything clean between uses.

You can choose from four animal designs, so you’ll be able to find one your child likes.

Pros

  • You get a lot of accessories in this set.
  • It comes with a brushing chart to help your child stay on track.
  • The batteries are replaceable.

Cons

  • The button is a little hard to push for a toddler.
  • It’s a bit loud.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
4 / 5
Handle Design
3.5 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Great electric toothbrush for kids of various ages, as it makes brushing teeth enjoyable and effective. I personally found that the strong motor and soft bristles provide a thorough clean without being overwhelming for children. The attached timer encourages proper brushing duration, and maintaining the cleanliness of the removable brush head is essential for its longevity.

Oral-B Disney Kids Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush

Best Baby Toothbrush with a Timer

When you purchase this, you get a free download of the Disney Magic timer app. In addition to the two-minute timer, the app includes a calendar for your child to view their progress. They can get rewards for brushing frequently and long enough.

This combines a child’s love of rewards with their love of technology.

It’s rechargeable and is compatible with a variety of Oral-B brush head refills.

Pros

  • 60-day money-back guarantee.
  • The charging station doesn’t take up much room.
  • Choose between Disney’s Frozen or Raya characters.

Cons

  • The button is a little hard to push.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
4 / 5
Handle Design
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

For the past five months, my family and I have been thrilled with our Oral-B toothbrushes. The toothbrush head is perfectly sized, making it easier for my children to brush their teeth effectively, and the smaller rotating piece sets it apart from other kids' electric brushes. The 30-second and 2-minute vibrations help my kids brush all areas of their mouth thoroughly. Just be mindful of the battery life, as it may require frequent charging, but overall, it's a great toothbrush for kids.

BabyBaus Finger Baby Toothbrush

Best Finger Baby Toothbrush

You can use these finger toothbrushes on both babies and toddlers. They come in a three-pack in a carrying case, so they’ll stay clean when not in use. The cases make them great for travel as well.

BabyBaus brushes have been approved by the FDA and are made of 100 percent food-grade material.

They slide right over your finger, which is nice for moms who are worried about their child jamming a traditional toothbrush too far into their mouth. The bristles are soft on gums and teeth.

Pros

  • These are affordable.
  • They come in three different colors of cases, so you can tell the brushes apart if you’re using them for more than one child.
  • These will also work well for your pet’s teeth.

Cons

  • People with larger fingers may not be able to slip the brush on.
  • Because they’re clear, they can be hard to spot when you set them down for a minute.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
4.5 / 5
Handle Design
2 / 5
Size
5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm impressed with the quality and effectiveness of these finger toothbrushes for my baby. They have soft, closely-packed bristles that provide a firm touch for oral cleaning, and my baby seems to enjoy it more than the wooden sticks the pediatrician used. However, they may not fit everyone's fingers comfortably and might be better suited for older babies around 6-8 months.

Colgate My First Baby and Toddler Toothbrush

Best Baby Toothbrush for Sore Gums

There’s nothing fancy about these toothbrushes, but they’re excellent for babies with sore gums because the bristles are extra soft. They shouldn’t irritate inflamed gums at all.

These come in a six-pack, and they’re perfect for babies to two-year-olds.

The non-slip handle will help you and your baby keep a firm grip, even if things get a bit wet and your child gets a little wild.

Pros

  • These are affordable.
  • The bristles stay put even if they’re chewed on.
  • It’s easy to hold.

Cons

  • They’re so soft that they don’t last very long — you might not get a full three months out of them.
  • The angle between the handle and the head makes it a little awkward for parents doing the brushing.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
5 / 5
Handle Design
3.5 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm impressed with these toothbrushes as they work well for both toddlers and small pets. The small size and rounded head make it ideal for brushing my dog's teeth as well as my baby's, who started teething at 10 months. However, I noticed that the bristles can be a bit hard for my baby's sensitive gums, causing some discomfort. On the plus side, these toothbrushes are not only great for teeth but also for cleaning small, hard-to-reach areas like parts of an espresso machine. Though they may not be as soft as some other brands like Oral-B, they are more affordable and still get the job done.

Dr. Fresh Extra Soft Toothbrushes

Colorful Kid's Toothbrush

Colors are enticing for boys and girls. They’ll be excited when they see these colorful new toothbrushes, and hopefully, it will inspire a little more enthusiasm for brushing.

These sweet toothbrushes come in a pack of five and are made using bright, eye-catching colors.

The wavy texture of the handle helps your toddler get a firm grip.

Pros

  • An inexpensive option.
  • Great value for money.
  • They’re fun and appealing.

Cons

  • The bristles tend to fall out with chewing.
  • The bristles aren’t as soft as some other brands.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
3 / 5
Handle Design
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

From my personal experience, these toothbrushes have been fantastic for my kids and even my two German Shepherds, as they come in a multipack with super soft bristles and a comfortable handle. I've also found them helpful for my own crowded teeth, allowing me to reach small spaces more accurately than an adult toothbrush. The gender neutral colors and affordable price make it easy to always have new toothbrushes on hand, making both my pocket and my family happy.

Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care Set System

Best Massaging Baby Toothbrush

The Nuby 4 Stage Oral Care Set System is excellent if you want a toothbrush that massages and cleans gums.

A massaging toothbrush is a great investment to protect your child’s delicate gums. This set comes with four different heads.

First, the soft silicone massager and gum cleaner are great for newborns. Keep in mind this section goes over your finger. Keep it tight and secure and sit your baby upright, leaning slightly forward, to prevent any choking hazards if the head pops off.

Second, the soft gum massager is ideal for babies with incoming teeth.

The third head is great for cleaning new teeth during teething.

The fourth brush is made with soft nylon bristles for gently cleaning fully developed teeth.

We love that you can use this product from the first day of your baby’s life until they are six years old.

Pros

  • Four heads for different stages.
  • Massages gums and cleans teeth.
  • Suitable for newborns.

Cons

  • If your child chews on the bristles, they don’t last long.
  • You don’t get to choose the color.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
4 / 5
Handle Design
4 / 5
Size
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

As a parent of two children, I found these toothbrushes to be quite helpful for both teething and brushing. My older son with ASD enjoyed using them, while my younger one found relief during teething and had an easy time transitioning between the different stages. The toothbrushes come in fun colors and have a good grip, but some of the silicone brushes may be too hard for certain children.

Dr. Brown's Baby Toothbrush

Best Toothbrush With Soft Bristles

This incredibly adorable giraffe toothbrush is sure to be a hit with your little one! Suitable for children from zero to three years old, this is our top recommendation if you want something with soft bristles. Soft bristles are gentle on your baby’s gums, especially if they have sensitive mouths.

The toothbrush itself is comfortable and easy to hold. So your baby will have a fun time learning how to hold the brush and clean their own teeth.

It’s also a hygienic option since the toothbrush can stand up on its own using its four stable legs. You don’t need to lay it flat on the countertop where it can pick up extra germs and bacteria.

Top Tip

To keep it clean, wash with warm water after every use. Don’t sterilize this toothbrush with boiling water as this can bend and break the toothbrush.

Pros

  • Cute giraffe design.
  • Suitable for children from newborn to three years.
  • Soft bristles are gentle on sensitive mouths.
  • Easy for babies to hold.

Cons

  • It’s not very durable. Some parents stated that it started to wear down after one week.

Our Ratings

Bristle Softness
5 / 5
Handle Design
4.5 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

For a parent like me, these baby spoons have been a fantastic addition to our feeding routine. Not only is the spoon tip flexible enough to reach every bit of food from the container, but my 7-month-old also enjoys chewing on the built-in brush, which helps soothe his teething gums. The innovative design includes a temperature gauge, ensuring the food is safe for my baby, and the spoons are top-shelf dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. My only minor issue is the lightweight front tip, which makes the spoon tilt backward in smaller bowls, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Types of Toothbrushes for Babies and Toddlers

There are several different kinds of toothbrushes you can purchase for your baby or toddler. Most are inexpensive, so if your baby decides they hate one type, you can move on to another without any significant loss.

Here are the standard types of baby and toddler toothbrushes:

Finger Toothbrushes

Every kid loves finger puppets — they enjoy anything they can stick on the end of their finger. It feels like a toy they get to play with, but with finger toothbrushes, you’re tricking them into working during their playing session. Finger toothbrushes are extra soft and work best for children with only a few teeth. If you go with this type, you should ensure they don’t bite down too hard and hurt their fingers. You should be the one to begin brushing their teeth with this type of brush, and then you can let them take over when they become comfortable.

Electric Toothbrushes

Children love gadgets, and electric toothbrushes are no exception. All they have to do is turn it on, and it does most of the work. Some even come with timers to help your child brush for the recommended two minutes each session. Or you can sing or play a song for them for two minutes.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming your children will automatically love the first toothbrush you pick out for them.

I figured my first child would love an electric toothbrush, but after I bought her one, I realized she wanted nothing to do with it. I held onto it, though, and she began to like it months later as she became more comfortable with brushing her teeth.

Both my kids didn’t like how aggressive the electric toothbrushes felt, and they didn’t like the noise they made either. The whole experience intimidated them. I thought they would love not having to do all the work themselves, especially since they were so into electronics, but the only way I could get them to brush their teeth was with a regular brush that featured some of their favorite superheroes and Disney characters.

Manual Toothbrushes

A manual toothbrush has a larger head and more bristles than most finger toothbrushes. This helps your child reach their back teeth — the molars that show up around age two. Unlike with the electric versions, you or your child will have to make the brushing motions — there are no shortcuts with these.

How to Choose a Toothbrush for Baby

Babies are pretty easy to please. They like anything that looks cool. But even more than that, you need to pay attention to how the bristles feel because if they’re painful in any way, you’ll have a fight on your hands.

Here are some things you should pay attention to when toothbrush shopping for your child.

Soft Bristles

You don’t want toothbrushing to seem like a torture session that leaves your child’s gums shredded and bleeding. You’re trying to get them to clean their teeth — not scrub off the enamel. And because their gums are already inflamed from teething, their toothbrushes should always have soft bristles.

Great Colors or Characters

Your child’s love for cartoon characters is one of the best things you can exploit when convincing them to try new things. Toothbrushes come in a wide range of characters, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a favorite for your child.

Easy-grip

When you’re picking out a toothbrush, remember how little a baby’s hands are. Some toothbrushes, especially electronic ones, have oversized handles. Those can prove too much for a child to hold. You want a thinner handle that’ll fit comfortably in their hands.

The Size

Make sure that you pick a toothbrush that’s recommended for your child’s current age. If you have a two-year-old and you buy something better suited for an older child, it won’t fit comfortably. You don’t want an overly large toothbrush to gag your child.


FAQs

How Often Should I Brush My 2-Year-Old Teeth?

Always make sure to brush your 2-year-old’s teeth twice a day. You’ll want to brush their teeth in the morning first when they wake up and then at night before they go to bed.

Don’t forget to brush thoroughly but gently. Each tooth brushing should last for two minutes.

How Do I Brush My Toddler’s Teeth Without a Fight?

Our best advice is to make teeth brushing time into a game. There are apps for kids that make brushing teeth fun, like Pokemon Smile.

You can also bring out a special stuffed animal at teeth brushing time and tell your little one the stuffed toy is their teeth brushing friend.

When Should I Change My Toddler’s Toothbrush?

According to the American Dental Association, the answer is three months. We recommend you change out your toddler’s toothbrush every time they get sick, too. Doing this keeps germs from sticking around after they’ve recovered from a cold.

Are U Shaped Toothbrushes Better for Toddlers?

It’s difficult to say whether U-shaped toothbrushes are better for toddlers. Not enough research has been conducted to prove whether U-shaped toothbrushes or normal toothbrushes clean little teeth better. Still, U-shaped toothbrushes are considered safe for toddlers.

Are Rotating or Sonic Toothbrushes Better for a Toddler?

The sad truth is, it’s the same story as the question above. Not enough research has been done to say for sure whether rotating or sonic toothbrushes clean toddlers’ teeth better.

The good news is that both kinds of toothbrushes have been proven to be effective at removing plaque and cleaning properly.

What Is the Best Toothbrush for a Toddler?

The thing is, there are lots of great toothbrushes for toddlers out there that cater to different toddlers’ needs.

For example, the Radius Totz is the best choice for toddlers with sensitive teeth, but if your toddler has sore gums, they will find better relief with the soft-bristled Colgate My Toothbrush.

Looking for a toothbrush with a fun design and a timer? You might want the Oral-B Frozen Kids Toothbrush instead.

The Bottom Line

While all of the above have their charms, we think the best baby toothbrush is the Radius Totz toothbrush.

For affordability, we’ve always been a fan of manual toothbrushes, especially for babies and toddlers who are sometimes turned off by loud and scary-looking electric toothbrushes.

We like that these are affordable and the bristles are so soft that kids with sensitive teeth or gums will still be fine using them. The round corners of the brush head add to the comfort.

It can be frustrating trying to find a small toothbrush your baby will like, but remember to keep trying. Never let a tantrum stop you from fighting the good fight! Your baby’s teeth are important, so don’t give up — no matter what.

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Headshot of Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Reviewed by

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN

Mary Sweeney, BSN, RN, CEN is an oncology nurse navigator and freelance medical writer. Mary has 4 years of experience as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. including emergency/trauma, post-anesthesia, and deployment medicine.