Toothbrush with a safety stopper
A stopper on the handle keeps the brush from going too far into the mouth. Handy when little ones want to hold it themselves.
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Best toothbrush for toddlers: how to choose one (ages 1 to 3)
Toddlers want to hold the toothbrush themselves, but their hands are still learning, and grown-ups still need to do a proper brush afterwards. That makes choosing a toddler toothbrush a little different from choosing one for an older kid.
This guide walks through what to look for, how we handled it at our house, and why many families keep two brushes: one for the toddler and one for the grown-up.
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Quick answer: what to look for in a toddler toothbrush
If you are not sure where to start, pick a brush labeled for your child’s age with a small head and soft bristles, and add a safety shield while your toddler is still walking around with the brush.
- An age range on the package that matches your child
- A small head that fits easily in a small mouth
- Soft bristles that feel gentle on the gums
- A thick, easy-to-grip handle for little hands
- A safety shield or stopper that keeps the brush from going too far into the mouth
Kids toothbrush (favorite character or color)
Picking it themselves makes brushing “their own thing”. Choose a head size that suits their age.
Why a safety shield helps at this age
Toddlers often put the brush in their mouth and then walk, run or push it in too far. A brush with a stopper or shield on the handle helps keep it from going too deep.
At our house, we used a toddler toothbrush with a stopper like this when our child was small. It made it easier to let them hold the brush on their own.
A shield does not remove every risk. Brush sitting down or standing still, and keep a grown-up nearby whenever a toddler is holding a toothbrush.
Keep a separate brush for the grown-up
A toddler brush is designed for small hands, so the handle is short and thick. That is great for your child, but awkward for an adult trying to reach the back teeth.
A finishing toothbrush made for grown-ups has a longer, slimmer handle and a small head, so you can see inside your child’s mouth and move the brush gently. Many families let the toddler brush first, then finish with the grown-up brush.
Finishing toothbrush for parents
Long handle and small head make it easy for a grown-up to reach the back teeth.
Finishing toothbrush with a light
Lights up the mouth so it’s easier to spot missed spots on the back teeth.
Should toddlers use an electric toothbrush?
Some electric toothbrushes are made for young kids, and the music or lights can make brushing more fun. Check the age range on the package, as many are for slightly older children.
For toddlers, a manual brush plus a grown-up finishing brush is a simple place to start. If you want to try an electric one, ask your dentist which type suits your child’s age.
Kids electric toothbrush
Some kids look forward to the fun sound and buzz. Check the age range, and keep doing finishing brushing.
Tips to make brushing easier for toddlers
- Let your toddler choose the color or character on their brush, since a favorite brush can make brushing time more fun
- Use a sand timer or an app so your child can see when brushing will end
- Keep the brush and cup in the same spot every day so the routine is easy to start
- Praise what they did, then finish brushing quickly and calmly
Toothbrushing sand timer
A 2–3 minute sand timer for days without the phone or when traveling. It can sit by the sink.
Kids cup & toothbrush stand
A fixed spot for their own things means they can get ready without reminders.
When to replace a toddler toothbrush
Replace the brush when the bristles start to splay out. Toddlers often chew on their brush, so this can happen sooner than you expect. Checking about once a month is an easy habit.
If you have questions about brushing, toothpaste amounts or your child’s teeth, your dentist or pediatrician is the best person to ask.
Turn brushing into an island adventure
Hamigaki Island is a kids app: during a two-minute brushing adventure, a boat sails around six islands, and lost baby teeth open new places to explore.
See brushing goods by worry →