Top 10 Teething Remedies for Babies: Soothe Your Little One’s Discomfort Naturally

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Teething is a milestone every baby reaches, but it’s often accompanied by sleepless nights, drooling, and a fair share of fussiness. As those tiny teeth begin to make their debut, your baby might experience discomfort that leaves you searching for answers—and relief. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective teething remedies for babies that can soothe their sore gums and bring comfort to your little one.

As a parent, navigating the teething phase can feel overwhelming, especially when your baby is extra cranky or struggling to settle. The good news? With a combination of natural remedies and practical techniques, you can help ease their pain and keep your household running a bit more smoothly during this challenging time.

In this post, we’ll dive into the most trusted remedies for teething, from soothing gum massages to age-appropriate teething toys, all while prioritizing your baby’s safety and well-being. Plus, we’ll share tips for knowing when it’s time to call the pediatrician and how to stay calm and confident as a parent during this developmental phase. Let’s get started and find the relief your baby (and you!) deserve.

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Understanding Teething

Teething is a natural part of your baby’s development, but it can also be a challenging phase for both you and your little one. Understanding what teething is and recognizing its common symptoms can help you navigate this milestone with confidence and compassion.

What Is Teething?

Teething refers to the process of your baby’s teeth making those final break throughs past the gum, typically starting around 4 to 7 months of age. However, every baby is different, and some may begin teething a little earlier or much later. The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front teeth (central incisors), followed by the top front teeth.

As the teeth push through, your baby’s gums may become swollen and tender, which can lead to discomfort and fussiness. Teething is a gradual process, with new teeth appearing every few weeks or months until your baby’s full set of primary teeth is in place around age three. But the symptoms of “teething” realistically only lasts for a few days per tooth.

It might be a relief to know that “teething” symptoms shouldn’t last for weeks at a time as a single tooth fights it’s way through the gum. Instead, if two teeth are coming in at the same time, those two teeth should cause some uncomfortable symptoms for 3 -4 days as they erupt and then the symptoms should subside (unless there is another tooth making it’s way through that will cause another 3-4 days of discomfort).

Common Symptoms of Teething

While every baby reacts differently to teething, there are several telltale signs to watch for:

• Drooling: Excessive drooling is a common sign of teething and may lead to a rash around the mouth or chin.
• Chewing: Your baby may try to chew on anything they can get their hands on to relieve gum pressure.
• Irritability: Sore gums can make your baby cranky, leading to more frequent crying or clinginess.
• Swollen Gums: You might notice redness or swelling where the tooth is about to emerge.
• Disrupted Sleep: Discomfort from teething can interfere with your baby’s sleep patterns.

It’s important to note that while mild symptoms like these are normal, teething does not cause high fever, diarrhea, or severe illness. If your baby experiences these symptoms, consult a pediatrician to rule out other issues.

It’s also important to note that having these symptoms alone does not necessarily always point to “teething”. Babies drool. Just because your baby is soaking through their shirt with drool does not necessarily mean that a tooth is coming through. But, if the amount of drool has increased, their sleep is disrupted, and their gums are swollen, those are clear signs that you might have a few tough days of teething symptoms.

By understanding what teething involves and recognizing the symptoms, you can better support your baby during this time. In the next section, we’ll explore the top teething remedies for babies to help ease their discomfort and bring some much-needed relief to your household.

Top 10 Natural Teething Remedies for Babies

When your baby is teething, finding ways to ease their discomfort becomes a top priority. Natural remedies are a safe and effective way to soothe sore gums and calm your little one. Here are ten tried-and-true teething remedies for babies to help both you and your baby through this challenging phase.

1. Cold Washcloth

A clean, soaked, and chilled washcloth can work wonders for a teething baby.

• How It Helps: The cold provides numbing relief to swollen gums, while the texture offers something satisfying to chew on.
• How to Use: Wet a washcloth with clean water or breastmilk, wring it out, and freeze it in the freezer. Once cold and crunchy, let your baby gnaw on it under supervision.

This simple remedy is a favorite among parents for its ease and effectiveness.

2. Teething Toys

Safe, BPA-free teething toys are a lifesaver when it comes to soothing a teething baby.

• How It Helps: Teething toys provide a firm surface for babies to chew on, helping to relieve gum pressure and discomfort.
• How to Use: Look for teething rings, or natural rubber toys that are easy for your baby to hold. For extra relief, chill the toy in the refrigerator before use.

Ensure all teething toys are cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene.

3. Massage

A gentle gum massage can provide immediate relief to your baby’s sore gums.

• How It Helps: The pressure from your finger helps soothe tender areas and encourages blood flow to reduce swelling.
• How to Use: Wash your hands thoroughly and use a clean finger to gently rub your baby’s gums in circular motions.

This direct approach is simple, effective, and allows for bonding during the process.

4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is well-known for its calming properties and can be a gentle way to ease teething discomfort.

• How It Helps: Chamomile can reduce inflammation and help calm your baby’s nerves, making it ideal for fussy teething moments.
• How to Use: Brew a weak cup of chamomile tea, let it cool, and offer it in small amounts on a washcloth or as an ice cube (if your baby is old enough to handle solids).

Always consult your pediatrician before introducing anything new to your baby’s routine.

5. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be both soothing and comforting for a teething baby.

• How It Helps: The sucking motion and close contact can calm your baby while providing a natural way to relieve gum pain.
• How to Use: Offer extra nursing sessions if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, using the opportunity to bond and soothe.

Breastfeeding is not just nourishment—it’s also a powerful comfort tool during teething.

6. Cold Foods

For babies who have started solids, cold foods can provide relief while adding a fun sensory experience.

• How It Helps: Chilled foods soothe the gums while giving your baby something to focus on.
• How to Use: Offer cold purees, yogurt, or a chilled banana in a mesh feeder to prevent choking.

Always supervise your baby while eating to ensure safety.

7. Amber Teething Necklaces

Amber teething necklaces are often touted as a natural remedy, though their effectiveness remains debated.

• How It Helps: It’s believed that amber releases oils containing succinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties, when warmed by the skin.
• Safety Note: If you choose to use an amber teething necklace, always supervise your baby and remove it during sleep or unsupervised times to prevent choking hazards.

Consult your pediatrician for advice on using these products safely.

By combining these natural remedies with patience and care, you can help your baby navigate the teething phase more comfortably. In the next section, we’ll discuss when it’s time to call the pediatrician and how to differentiate teething symptoms from other potential concerns.

Conclusion

Teething is a challenging but natural part of your baby’s development, and while it may feel overwhelming at times, you now have a variety of strategies and remedies to help ease the discomfort for both your little one and yourself. By understanding the process, recognizing the symptoms, and incorporating teething remedies for babies, you can make this phase more manageable and less stressful.

From cold washcloths and teething toys to gum massages and soothing chamomile tea, these natural remedies provide safe and effective ways to comfort your baby. Pairing these solutions with supportive lifestyle adjustments, like proper feeding techniques and creating a calming environment, can further reduce teething-related fussiness.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents have navigated the teething phase and come out the other side with happy, healthy babies and some great toothy grins to show for it. And for even more support and guidance on teething and other newborn challenges, my course, Momming Like You Mean It – Mastering The Newborn Stage, is designed to help you feel empowered and equipped every step of the way.

Keep going, mama—you’re doing an amazing job. Teething is a temporary phase, and brighter days (and teeth!) are just around the corner. 💕

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