The 5 Best Natural Teething Remedies

Who can resist that delighted, gummy grin from a content infant?

Those bare gums won’t stay empty forever. When your drooling, irritable little one signals that teeth are on their way, everyone will want to help ease the fuss.

If you’re searching for gentle approaches to comfort your baby’s tender mouth, continue reading for natural strategies to restore that grin. Dentists don’t always endorse every technique listed here, and some studies question their effectiveness, but experienced parents offer plenty of tips that may provide your baby with welcome relief.

Ice, Ice Baby

Cold therapy is a commonly used and straightforward fix for teething discomfort. You can chill several baby-safe items for your infant to gum on. Keep in mind that anything you hand to your baby to chew should not be a choking risk, and it’s best to offer such items only when you can supervise closely.

A frozen washcloth is a go-to for many caregivers. Dampen one of the soft baby washcloths you likely have, then place it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Once it’s cool and a bit rigid, press it gently against your baby’s gums, or let the infant hold it while chewing. The size should prevent swallowing and it will remain cold for several minutes.

Some parents suggest frozen bagels, fruit pops, or a firm vegetable like a carrot. Again, these need supervision because of choking risk. For added safety, consider a mesh teether such as the Munchkin fresh food feeder. It functions like a popsicle but blocks larger food bits from entering your baby’s mouth.

“What many parents think of as teething is just a baby’s increased drooling and constant desire to suck and bite that occurs as a normal developmental stage starting around 3 to 4 months. While teeth can erupt this early, the most common age is 6 to 9 months. Pain from teething likely only comes when the teeth are breaking through the gums and can be seen or felt.” Karen Gill, San Francisco pediatrician

Teething rings such as the green sprouts fruit cool soothing teether can be chilled in the refrigerator to ease discomfort. There are many choices available, so pick one that’s filled only with water in case a seam fails or a leak appears. Pediatricians advise not to freeze these solidly, since they can become too hard for a baby’s mouth.

Under Pressure

A clean adult finger, gently pressed or massaged on a baby’s gum, can be sufficient to relieve discomfort. If a drool-covered finger isn’t appealing, a wooden spoon or wooden teething rings offer natural pressure on the emerging tooth.

If you’re out and about, want to stay stylish, and also want something safe for baby to grab and chew, try Chewbeads or similar wearable options. The soft, non-toxic beads let moms accessorize without worrying about beaded necklaces coming apart and becoming a choking danger when baby seeks relief.

It’s All About You, Mom

If you nurse, breastfeeding often provides dependable comfort for a teething infant.

For some babies, the soothing action of sucking is what helps, but don’t feel obliged to keep nursing if it isn’t helping. Move on to other methods if pain persists. Also, some infants may attempt to bite Mom’s breast; many parents suggest rubbing the baby’s gums with a clean finger if biting becomes an issue.

Tea for Teeth

Several natural parenting resources recommend chamomile tea to help with teething, and it appears in some natural teething remedies. Chamomile has a long history as an herbal treatment across many cultures. Ensure any tea given to your baby is free of caffeine. Also, never use tea brewed from garden plants because of botulism risks.

You can freeze chamomile tea inside mesh teethers, offer a few cool spoonfuls, or rub a chamomile-dipped finger gently on your baby’s gums.

Amber, with Caution

Baltic amber jewelry — worn as necklaces, bracelets, or anklets — is a longstanding teething tradition and remains popular according to some researchers.

Supporters claim Baltic amber contains succinic acid which, when warmed against the skin, is released and eases teething pain. However, several news outlets report there’s no proof that amber jewelry actually reduces pain.

More importantly, major health groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn that the danger of bead-related choking is significant and advise against using the necklaces.

Read More: What Are Amber Teething Necklaces and Are They Safe?

Keep in mind any teething approach you pick should be safe and non-toxic. Consult your pediatrician or dentist if you’re uncertain or want to try a remedy you learned about online or from other caregivers. Many “natural” methods have been used for generations, but not all are sensible or safe.

Symptoms to Watch

Finally, researchers state that teething does not cause diarrhea, appetite loss, or other more serious symptoms some attribute to it. Those signs are more likely due to other causes and should be evaluated separately. Clinicians say that in most cases, mild discomfort, some pain, and a low-grade fever are the primary concerns with teething. If you notice other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.