Teething is a milestone in your baby’s developmental journey, but it can be uncomfortable and distressing for your little one. This guide introduces a variety of natural baby teething remedies to help soothe your baby’s discomfort. With these remedies, you can ease your baby’s teething pain effectively and naturally.
Natural Remedies to Soothe Teething Babies
Is your little one experiencing more fussy days than usual, coupled with restless nights? This could be an indication of teething, a period that can be quite stressful for both babies and parents. Teething is a natural process wherein your child’s teeth begin to emerge through the gums, a development that can turn even the most cheerful tot into a grumpy little one.
Parents often find themselves desperately searching the internet for effective solutions to this teething dilemma. Hence, we’ve compiled a list of natural teething remedies. These methods not only aim to alleviate your baby’s discomfort but also ensure their safety by steering clear of potentially harmful substances.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TEETHING
Teething is a developmental stage that can start as early as 4 months and extend up to the age of 2. This period can trigger a range of emotions in your baby, from fussiness to irritability, as they navigate the discomfort of new teeth pushing through their gums.
It’s important to note that teething experiences vary greatly from child to child. While some may sail through this phase with minimal symptoms, others may exhibit more pronounced signs. Let’s take a closer look at these potential indicators in the following section:
- Decreased appetite: Your baby may consume less food than usual.
- Drooling: Increased salivation can be a sign of teething.
- Gnawing or chewing on things: Babies experiencing teething pain often resort to gnawing or chewing on objects around them.
- Irritability: Your little one may seem unusually cranky or fussy.
- Red and swollen gums: The gums around the emerging tooth may appear red and swollen.
Before using any of the baby teething remedies mentioned in this guide, it’s crucial to consult your child’s pediatrician. Always ensure the remedy is safe for your baby first.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Breastmilk
Breastmilk holds a unique position among baby teething remedies. Not only does it provide your baby with all the necessary nutrients, but it can also serve as a soothing agent for their sore gums. Try freezing breastmilk into ice cubes using a common ice cube tray. Once solidified, crush these cubes into smaller bits that can be safely offered to your baby in a teething mesh or through a baby feeder.
Breastfeeding in itself can also help ease teething pain. The suction action during nursing can alleviate the pressure on your baby’s gums, offering them some comfort.
Another natural remedy to consider is chamomile tea, a caffeine-free beverage known for its calming properties. Mothers can consume this tea, and the benefits can then be passed on to the baby. This method can be particularly useful in reducing the stress and fussiness often associated with teething.
Cool or frozen items
Introducing your baby to cold or frozen foods such as carrots, bananas, or apples can help soothe their teething discomfort. These items can provide a safe and natural teething remedy, affording your baby something to gum or gnaw on.
Ensure such foods are always offered in a mesh or silicone teether. This will limit the size of pieces your baby can gnaw off, preventing any choking hazards. Always monitor your baby when they are gnawing on these food items.
A time-honored favorite among many parents is a slightly frozen washcloth. Simply take a clean washcloth, soak it in water or caffeine-free chamomile tea, and place it in the freezer for a few minutes.
When your baby starts showing signs of teething, this frozen cloth can be a handy remedy. Chewing on the cold fabric can help decrease gum inflammation and provide a comforting, soothing effect for your teething baby.
Massage
A gentle facial massage for your baby can work wonders in relieving the discomfort that comes with teething. As new teeth push through, a build-up of tension can occur along the jawline. This tension often translates into pain that can extend from the baby’s mouth to their ears.
Begin the massage by using the pads of your fingertips to apply slight pressure along your baby’s chin or the area above their top lip. Gradually shift your hands towards their cheeks and initiate a circular motion with your fingers.
As you progress, move your fingers upwards and let the pads of your thumbs gently glide across your baby’s eyebrows. This motion aids in tension release.
This technique is not just another natural baby teething remedy; it also presents an excellent opportunity for bonding with your baby. Massages like these help to diminish teething symptoms and also have a soothing effect on your little one.
Teething Rings and Toys
Teething rings and toys have been long-standing favorites when it comes to baby teething remedies. These products are specifically designed to be chewed on, offering relief by applying gentle pressure to your baby’s gums.
Silicone or Rubber Teething Rings
These teething tools are made from safe, non-toxic materials like silicone or rubber. By providing a soft yet durable surface for your baby to gnaw on, they can effectively alleviate teething discomfort.
Wooden Teethers
Wooden teethers represent another viable option. However, it’s important to choose a brand that uses water-based sealants to ensure safety. Some wooden teethers may need to be oiled before use, so remember to follow any care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Freezable Teething Toys
For an additional soothing effect, consider teething toys that can be cooled in the refrigerator or freezer. When selecting such a toy, opt for one filled with water. This will ensure that, in the event of a seam break or hole, only water will be released, ensuring your baby’s safety. The coolness of these toys can provide extra relief by numbing the gums and reducing inflammation.
A Clean Finger
At times, the most effective remedies are the simplest ones. One of the traditional and proven natural teething remedies involves nothing more than a clean finger. The act of softly rubbing your clean finger over your baby’s sore gums can provide immediate relief. Alternatively, you can allow your baby to gnaw lightly on your finger, which can alleviate both tension and discomfort.
It’s worth remembering that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Hence, it’s always recommended to seek the guidance of your pediatrician before introducing any new teething remedies. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your baby’s needs, ensuring the utmost safety and effectiveness of the chosen method.
Take comfort in knowing that teething is a temporary phase. Typically, symptoms tend to recede within 3-4 days of a tooth eruption. However, this relief may be short-lived, as the process typically repeats when the next tooth starts to make its appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of teething is undeniably challenging for both parents and babies. However, with a wide array of natural teething remedies, you can effectively alleviate your little one’s discomfort and pain. Through patience and care, you can help your baby navigate this rite of passage with ease
