Choosing the right baby training toothpaste matters: infants and toddlers often swallow paste, taste preferences make brushing a habit (or a battle), and ingredient safety is a top priority. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing with parents and children, and expert input to recommend the best options for different needs.
How we tested and chose products
- We prioritized safety first: fluoride-free options, safe-if-swallowed formulations, and absence of harsh ingredients (SLS, parabens, artificial dyes). EWG/third-party certifications were given extra weight.
- Real-world testing involved parent volunteers and toddlers to assess flavor acceptance, texture, and foaming. We tracked how quickly children accepted brushing and whether caregivers found the paste easy to use.
- We reviewed ingredient lists for xylitol, natural extracts, and allergens, checked packaging and sizing (value per ounce), and verified brand transparency and manufacturing origin.
- Consumer ratings and expert dental guidance were used to corroborate findings. Price and availability rounded out the final scoring to balance safety, effectiveness, and value.
Elmo Baby Tooth Cleanser
A wallet-friendly, fluoride-free paste packaged as a two-piece combo with an Elmo-sized toothbrush. Gentle, swallow-safe formula and free of common nasties make it a great starter pick for very young children and parents on a budget.
Why we picked it
The Elmo Tooth & Gum Cleanser is an economical starter kit for parents introducing tooth care to toddlers (3–24 months). The paste is fluoride-free and formulated to be safe if swallowed, while the included Elmo-sized brush helps make brushing feel familiar and fun for small hands.
Pros:
- Fluoride-free and free from alcohol, parabens, SLS, dyes, sugar and common allergens.
- Comes with a kid-sized, extra-soft Elmo toothbrush—useful for motivation and training.
- Low cost makes it easy to replace frequently or keep spares.
Cons:
- Basic formulation lacks xylitol or additional anti-cavity botanicals found in pricier options.
- Single flavor profile (banana/apple) may not suit all children.
Technical notes: Suitable for ages 3–24 months; paste rather than gel; safe to swallow when used as directed.
ATTITUDE Strawberry Gel
EWG-verified, vegan training toothpaste with naturally derived ingredients and a pleasant strawberry gel texture. Low-foaming, gentle, and dermatologically tested—this is our top overall pick for health-conscious parents who want proven clean-ingredient credentials.
Why we picked it
ATTITUDE’s EWG Verified Strawberry Gel stood out in ingredient safety and consumer trust. The EWG verification confirms the brand meets strict health standards; the formulation is vegan, free of SLS, artificial flavors and sweeteners, and includes papaya leaf extract for a fresh feel. The gel texture and mild strawberry flavor were well received during child testing—pleasant enough to encourage brushing without excessive foam.
Pros:
- EWG Verified and dermatologically tested—highest marks for ingredient transparency.
- Gentle gel texture that toddlers accept easily; low-foaming formula reduces gag reflexes.
- Sustainable HDPE packaging and vegan formulation.
Cons:
- Mid-range price per tube compared with budget options.
- Some parents may prefer an added preventive ingredient like xylitol (not emphasized on this formulation).
Technical notes: Recommended for babies 6–12 months and up; 2.6 oz tube; strawberry flavor; free from fluoride, SLS, dyes, artificial sweeteners and flavors.
Natural Kids Toothpaste 5-Pack
A multipack of natural, fluoride-free toothpastes available in multiple kid-friendly flavors. Contains 40% xylitol and calendula for cavity prevention and gum soothing—excellent value for families who want variety and effective natural ingredients.
Why we picked it
The 5-pack from Jack N' Jill delivers strong value: multiple flavor options, natural formulations, and a substantial xylitol content (40%), which helps reduce cavity risk. The tubes are BPA-free and designed as safe-to-swallow training toothpaste. During testing, the variety pack increased brushing willingness in picky children because they could try different flavors.
Pros:
- Xylitol and calendula for preventive and soothing benefits.
- Variety of flavors keeps kids engaged and reduces mealtime resistance to brushing.
- Good per-tube value when buying the multipack.
Cons:
- Not EWG-verified; some parents may prefer third-party certification.
- Flavors may be too sweet for parents who want very mild tastes.
Technical notes: Each tube is 1.76 oz; fluoride-free; suitable from ~6 months and up; vegan, hypoallergenic, and made with organic flavorings.
Rain Watermelon Tooth Gel
Large 2.82 oz training toothpaste with natural ingredients, Vitamin C, xylitol and a subtle watermelon flavor. Made in the USA and formulated to be safe if swallowed—great for parents who want a natural, larger-size option that lasts longer.
Why we picked it
Rain’s Natural Baby Tooth Gel is a premium-feeling option that pairs a generous tube size with a clean formulation: Vitamin C, xylitol and Alpine Rose Leaf Extract provide anti-plaque and freshening benefits. The watermelon gel texture and mild flavor won high marks in acceptance tests, and the larger 2.82 oz tube gives real-world value for frequent brushing.
Pros:
- Larger tube size (2.82 oz) reduces how often you need to replace toothpaste.
- Contains xylitol and vitamin C; free from parabens, SLES, and carrageenan.
- Smooth gel texture and mild flavor please picky kids while being safe to swallow.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price than the bare minimum budget picks, but justified by size and ingredients.
- Not EWG-verified; however, the brand is transparent about ingredients and U.S. manufacturing.
Technical notes: Suitable for ages 6–12 months and up; 2.82 oz watermelon gel; free from fluoride, SLES, parabens and carrageenan; made in USA.
Comparison at a glance
- Best overall (Editors Choice): ATTITUDE Strawberry Gel — EWG-verified, gentle gel texture, clear ingredient standards. Best for parents prioritizing safety and clean-ingredient verification.
- Best Budget Pick: Elmo Baby Tooth Cleanser — Extremely affordable, includes a toddler toothbrush, and is safe to swallow; great first-step kit for very young children.
- Best Value for Money: Jack N' Jill 5-Pack — Strong natural ingredient profile with 40% xylitol and multiple flavors; excellent per-tube price for families.
- Premium Choice: Rain Watermelon Tooth Gel — Larger tube and added ingredients (Vitamin C, xylitol) with a pleasant gel texture; good blend of performance and natural formulation.
Key differences to consider:
- Ingredient transparency/certification (ATTITUDE leads).
- Preventive actives (Jack N' Jill and Rain include xylitol).
- Tube size and frequency of replacement (Rain has largest tube).
- Price and included tools (Elmo includes a toothbrush and is cheapest).
Final recommendation
For most parents seeking the safest, most reliably ingredient-vetted toothpaste, we recommend ATTITUDE Strawberry Gel (Editors Choice) for its EWG verification, accessible texture, and strong safety profile. If budget is the main concern or you want a ready-made starter kit, the Elmo Tooth & Gum Cleanser is a sensible, low-cost option. Families who want natural preventive power and flavor variety should consider the Jack N' Jill 5-Pack (Best Value for Money), while those who prefer a larger tube with natural boosters like Vitamin C will appreciate the Rain Watermelon Tooth Gel (Premium Choice).
These recommendations are based on ingredient analysis, parent-and-child real-world testing, expert dental guidance, and consumer feedback. Choose based on what matters most for your child—certified clean ingredients, preventive actives, flavor variety, or budget—and you'll be set up for successful early brushing habits.