Teething can be a very hectic time for babies and the family. Not only does your sweet baby become very irritable during teething but they can also become sick. Some babies can develop rashes around the mouth due to excessive saliva created due to teething. Teething commonly begins when your child is about 6 months old and persists for a few months. Babies with multiple teeth coming through tend to be more irritable and cry more during this time. They may also refuse to eat or drink due to the sensitivity of the gums. While teething is a developmental milestone, it is not uncommon for parents to become concerned. Luckily, there are a few natural remedies to help bring comfort to your baby and bring you peace of mind.
Pediatricians generally recommend alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen to assist in teething pain relief. Many parents favor avoiding administering medications to their babies for teething, preferring a more natural approach. The following natural home remedies are very effective in relieving teething pain.
- With a clean finger, massage your baby’s gums. Make sure to massage the gums slowly in a circular motion.
- Offer your baby a BPA-free teething ring to chew on. Chill it in the refrigerator to facilitate the best outcome. Do not freeze teething rings as the extreme cold can cause more pain to the baby’s sensitive gums.
- Wet a clean washcloth with water or all-natural fruit juice and freeze for an hour so it is cold but still pliable. This is a suitable alternative to a teething toy. The coolness from the washcloth gives relief to inflamed and sore gums.
- Avoid feeding your baby solid foods, which can irritate already sore gums. Pureed and soft foods are the easiest for a teething baby to eat. Feed your baby tiny bits of frozen pureed food. In an ice tray, freeze small portions of pureed apples, bananas, plums or pumpkin. Once frozen, crush up a pureed food cube and offer to baby to suck on. This will not only ease teething pain but also provide much needed nutrition.
- Offer your baby a teething biscuit. These cracker-like biscuits are firm, dissoluble, and flavored with natural flavors. They are excellent for baby to chew on to soften gums and make way for teeth. Here is a great homemade teething biscuit recipe.
Remember teething is a temporary phase, but applying the above methods will help baby and parents get some relief from teething. If vomiting, diarrhea, fever occur; or if discomfort is not being relieved with the above steps, contact your child’s doctor for guidance.
Post updated May 7, 2020
