Teething is fun for no one – baby or parents!
In this article, I will share my top seven tips for tackling teething so that you can get your sweet baby feeling better.
My son began teething around two months. I know, I know, it may seem “too early,” but it is true!
His gums swelled up, he began gnawing on his hands, and drooling like crazy. There were times where you could just tell he was uncomfortable – definitely heartbreaking!
As a first time mom, I wasn’t exactly sure what to do, especially with such a young baby!
I knew that I wanted to take a more natural approach, instead of using acetaminophen right away.
(Though, acetaminophen can be very effective when used appropriately.)
So, I want to share a few of the things that I did and some of the products I tried in order for you to [hopefully] have an easier time than us when it comes to teething.
Links are included with the products I mention in the following post. I make a small commission when you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you – thank you for your support!
1. Teething Gels and Oils
This one may seem obvious; however, there are SO many options on the market and it can be hard to choose the right ones for you. My best advice for this? Always read the ingredients and aim to buy organic or limited ingredient options.
Here are my favorite gels: Hyland’s Naturals Organic Day/Night Soothing Gel and Mommy’s Bliss Organic Little Gums Soothing Massage Gel – Day/Night
Here are my favorite oils: Earthley Wellness Teeth Tamer and Punkin Butt Natural Teething Oil
2. Homeopathic Medicines
We have had the best results with these medicines when teething is at it’s absolute worst!
These medicines have worked even better than acetaminophen.
Here are the ones that we have tried and loved: Camilia Daytime/Nighttime Teething Drops and Hyland’s Baby Oral Relief Tablets
When it comes to teething, the simple the better. These two remedies are super quick and easy to use!
3. Various Teethers
There are SO many teethers on the market. Literally millions of options!
So, how do you choose the right one?
Well, the short answer for this is simple. Wait for your baby to show their preference!
Typically, by the time baby is around four months old, they will want to put EVERYTHING in their mouth, but you will be able to tell what type of teether they like chewing on best.
For instance, we have tried several different kinds of teethers, but my son prefers ones with cloth-like materials on them and ones that he can easily grip with his whole hand.
Here are our favorites: FridaBaby Get-A-Grip Teether, FridaBaby Not-Too-Cold-To-Hold Teether, CaaOcho Teether, and Itzy Ritzy Lovey Teether.
Always pay attention to the type of material that the teether is made from and try to stick with less toxic options – like natural rubber!
4. Cold or Frozen Fruits & Veggies
If your baby begins teething prior to 6 months old, it is not recommended to give them any solids.
So, this remedy is for older babies; however, for several babies, 6 months is when teething begins, or worsens. Always consult with your healthcare provider prior to starting solids.
Freezing large pieces of fruits or veggies for baby to chew on is a great option while allowing them to get some nutrition in too! Ideas for this include carrots, green onions, and mango slices.
5. Frozen Textured Washcloth
So simple, but works so well!
Dampen a clean washcloth (we use a burp cloth) and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for 15-30 minutes. Take it out and let baby have at it! It will soothe those tender gums and provide some entertainment. This is one of my son’s favorite remedies!
6. Teething Pop
This is technically a type of teether, just slightly different!
My son started teething early, around two months (seriously!), so it was very hard to use any type of teether with him as he was not developmentally there. He had some interest in the teething pop around this age, but it definitely worked better when he was older. He stayed very entertained when he could chew on it and get a little bit of food at the same time – sweet potatoes, strawberries, and even just plain breastmilk were his favorites!
I will warn you though, these tend to make a bit of a mess, so they are not a great “on-the-go” option like a normal teether would be. However, a fun distraction to help soothe those sore gums is a win in my book!
Here is the one we use: Haakaa Teether Pop
7. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is always an option and tends to work well for babies to relieve pain and discomfort.
We typically use this as a “last resort,” but, honestly, we have had better luck with the homeopathic remedies.
If you do decide to use acetaminophen, even occasionally, I recommend using Genexa as it does not have any artificial ingredients or fillers!
Final Thoughts
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, but with the right strategies, you can help soothe your little one and ease their discomfort. By incorporating these seven tips into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to manage teething symptoms and provide your baby with the comfort they need.
Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s important to stay patient and flexible as you find the best methods to soothe your teething baby. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s teething symptoms or if you’re unsure about which products or techniques are best for them.
Through a combination of gentle teething toys, soothing techniques, and proper care, you can make this phase a little easier for both you and your baby. Cherish these moments of bonding and support your baby through this developmental milestone with love and patience.
If you have any additional tips or personal experiences with teething, feel free to share them in the comments. We’d love to hear how you’ve navigated this stage with your little one!
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