Teething is one of those inevitable challenges that come with parenting a growing baby. While it’s exciting to see your baby hit this developmental milestone, it can also be tough watching them go through the discomfort that comes with it. The process of teeth breaking through the gums can lead to fussiness, disrupted sleep, drooling, and lots of chewing on anything within reach. As a new parent, you’re likely searching for ways to ease your baby’s discomfort and help them get through this tough time. Luckily, there are several simple, safe, and effective remedies that can bring relief.
Five tried-and-true teething remedies that have worked for countless parents, as well as some tips on what to avoid to keep your baby safe during this phase.
Cold Teething Rings
Cold teething rings are a classic remedy for a reason—they work! Teething rings are designed for babies to chew on, which helps alleviate the pressure and discomfort in their gums. When chilled, the coolness provides extra relief, soothing the soreness and swelling.
When choosing a teething ring, make sure to pick one that is BPA-free and made from non-toxic materials. Some teething rings can be filled with water or gel and refrigerated. However, avoid putting the ring in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea to make it extra cold, a frozen teething ring can become too hard and could potentially harm your baby’s gums.
Some teething rings have textured surfaces, which can provide additional comfort as your baby chews on them. Others come with easy-to-grip handles, perfect for little hands. Keep a couple in rotation so that you always have a chilled one ready when your baby needs it!
Gum Massage
One of the simplest remedies for teething pain is a gentle gum massage. Sometimes, all your baby needs is a little pressure applied directly to their gums to help ease the discomfort. You can use a clean finger to gently rub their gums, focusing on the areas where teeth are coming in.
Babies often find the sensation of their gums being massaged soothing, and it can also distract them from the pain. The pressure helps to counteract the tension they’re feeling as the tooth pushes through. This can be especially useful during feeding times when sucking might aggravate their gums.
If you want to give your baby extra relief, consider cooling your finger by dipping it in cold water before massaging their gums. Just make sure your hands are clean to avoid introducing any bacteria.
Frozen Washcloth
A frozen or chilled washcloth is another simple yet effective remedy for teething pain. Wet a clean, soft washcloth, twist it into a rope-like shape, and pop it in the fridge or freezer for a short time. Once it’s cool (but not frozen solid), give it to your baby to chew on.
The cold temperature will numb their sore gums, while the texture of the washcloth provides a satisfying surface to gnaw on. Some parents find that their baby prefers different levels of firmness, so you can experiment with chilling versus freezing to see what your baby responds to best.
Make sure to supervise your baby while they’re chewing on the washcloth, and avoid letting them gnaw on it for too long, as it can become soggy. Having a few washcloths on hand will allow you to rotate them as needed throughout the day.
Breastfeeding for Comfort
If your baby is still nursing, breastfeeding can be a wonderful source of comfort during the teething process. The familiar act of breastfeeding can soothe them emotionally, and the act of sucking can help ease the discomfort in their gums. Many babies who are teething will want to nurse more frequently, not necessarily because they’re hungry but because it feels good.
However, teething can sometimes make nursing uncomfortable for both the baby and the parent. If your baby’s gums are particularly sore, they might bite down while breastfeeding. To prevent this, you can gently remove them from the breast when they start to bite and offer a teething toy or cold washcloth instead. Once they’ve soothed their gums, they may return to nursing without discomfort.
For bottle-fed babies, the comfort of sucking on a bottle can also provide relief. You might try giving them a cold bottle to drink from (with cold breast milk or formula) if they’re open to it.
Teething Biscuits
As your baby begins to eat solids, teething biscuits or crackers can be a great option to satisfy their urge to chew. These biscuits are hard enough to offer relief but designed to break down into small pieces as your baby chews, reducing the risk of choking.
Teething biscuits come in a variety of flavors and ingredients, so you can choose a healthy option that suits your baby’s dietary needs. You can even try making your own teething biscuits at home with simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and mashed banana or sweet potato.
Make sure your baby is seated upright and supervised while chewing on teething biscuits. This way, you can ensure they’re chewing safely and prevent any large pieces from breaking off.
Avoid Numbing Gels with Benzocaine
While it may be tempting to reach for over-the-counter teething gels, it’s important to avoid those that contain benzocaine. Benzocaine is a numbing agent that can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the oxygen levels in the blood. The FDA has issued warnings against using these products for teething babies, as the risks outweigh the benefits.
Instead of numbing gels, stick with the safe, natural remedies mentioned above. If your baby is experiencing significant discomfort and other methods aren’t helping, talk to your pediatrician about using baby-safe pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), but only as a last resort.
Patient and Gentle Remedies Work Best
Teething can be a tough phase for both you and your baby, but finding the right remedy can make all the difference. Cold teething rings, gum massages, frozen washcloths, and the comfort of breastfeeding or teething biscuits can offer much-needed relief. Remember to stay away from harmful products like benzocaine gels, and always consult your pediatrician before using any medication.
By providing your baby with a variety of soothing options and plenty of comfort, you’ll help them get through teething with as little discomfort as possible. Every baby is different, so be patient as you discover what works best for yours—before you know it, you’ll be seeing that first toothy smile!