12 Safe and Soothing Home Remedies for Baby Teething Relief. Ah, teething. It’s one of those phases that can make any new parent break a sweat, and trust me, I’ve been there. That sweet, gummy smile suddenly becomes a little less sweet when your baby is drooling, chewing on everything in sight, and crying from discomfort. It’s a tough time, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some simple, safe, and soothing home remedies that can bring a bit of relief to both you and your little one.
So, let’s dive in, and I’ll walk you through a few tricks that don’t involve a trip to the pharmacy (or hours of Googling)!
What Are the Common Signs of Teething in Babies?
Before we get into the remedies, let’s quickly cover the signs of teething. If you’re a first-time parent, you might wonder if your baby’s fussiness is just part of the normal gig or if it’s teething-related. Here are some telltale signs that those tiny teeth are making their way through:
Excessive drooling (hello, constant bibs)
Chewing on hands, toys, or anything they can grab
Fussiness and irritability (poor thing just can’t catch a break)
Slight fever (usually under 100.4°F)
Swollen or tender gums (you might see them wincing while you brush their gums)
The good news is, teething is temporary—just a phase. But while you’re in the thick of it, here are some safe and natural remedies that can help ease your baby’s discomfort.
Safety First: What to Avoid When Soothing a Teething Baby
Before we jump into the remedies, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what NOT to do. There are a lot of teething “remedies” floating around, but not all of them are safe. Here are a few to steer clear of:
Teething necklaces: These are a no-go for safety reasons. They pose a choking hazard.
Benzocaine: While it might numb the pain, it’s not recommended by the FDA due to the risk of a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia.
Clove oil: It may seem like a natural solution, but it can be harmful if ingested by babies.
Alright, with that in mind, let’s get to the good stuff.
12 Home Remedies for Baby Teething Relief
1. Cold Washcloth Chew
A cold, wet washcloth can work wonders! Just soak a clean washcloth in water, ring it out, and toss it in the fridge for a bit. The coolness helps numb the pain, while the texture gives your baby something to gnaw on. Be sure to supervise, of course, so they don’t bite off any little pieces.
2. Chilled Spoons or Teething Toys
Another quick fix: grab a metal spoon and pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. The cool surface will soothe your baby’s gums when they gnaw on it. If you don’t have a spoon handy, a teething toy that you’ve chilled in the fridge works just as well.
3. Frozen Fruit in a Mesh Feeder
This one’s a big hit in our house! Place small pieces of fruit, like banana or peach, into a mesh feeder. Pop it in the freezer, and once it’s nice and cold, hand it over to your baby. The cold fruit helps numb the gums while also offering a healthy, tasty distraction.
4. Breast Milk Popsicles
If you’re breastfeeding, this one’s a game changer! Pour some of your milk into ice cube trays, freeze them, and then put the frozen cubes into a mesh feeder. It’s like a popsicle, but with the comforting taste of mom’s milk.
5. Chamomile Tea Rubs
Chamomile is known for its calming properties, and it can be a real lifesaver during teething. Brew some chamomile tea, let it cool, and then dip a clean finger into the tea to gently rub your baby’s gums. It might help soothe both their pain and their overall crankiness.
6. Coconut Oil Gum Massage
Coconut oil isn’t just great for moisturizing—it also has natural antibacterial properties that can help soothe sore gums. Just rub a small amount on your clean finger and gently massage your baby’s gums. Your little one might even enjoy the relief enough to stop crying!
7. Homemade Teething Biscuits
If your baby is old enough for solids, try making homemade teething biscuits. These simple, crunchy treats are easy to hold and fun to gnaw on. They can provide a little distraction while helping to ease gum pain.
8. Gentle Gum Massage
Sometimes, all your baby needs is a little bit of TLC. Gently massaging their gums with a clean finger can provide some relief, especially if they’re feeling particularly sore. Keep it gentle, and they’ll appreciate the soothing pressure.
9. Distraction Techniques (Songs, Skin-to-Skin, Baths)
When your baby is overwhelmed by teething pain, sometimes the best remedy is a little distraction. Singing a lullaby, taking a warm bath, or simply holding your baby close with some skin-to-skin contact can help them calm down. It’s a bonding moment for both of you.
10. Lavender Diffuser Calm
Lavender is a go-to for relaxation, and it can work wonders for your teething baby. A few drops in a diffuser can help create a calming environment for both you and your little one. Just be sure to keep the diffuser out of reach!
11. Teething Rings (Silicone, BPA-Free)
Teething rings are a classic for a reason. Look for one made of silicone (make sure it’s BPA-free) and pop it in the fridge for extra cooling relief. Your baby can chew away to their heart’s content without putting you on edge.
12. Soothing Vanilla Dab
This one’s a bit of a secret tip: Vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation) can be a natural way to soothe your baby’s gums. A tiny dab on a clean finger can help ease the pain and add a sweet, calming scent to the mix. But go easy—just a little is all you need!
When to See a Doctor for Teething Issues
Now, while most teething symptoms are totally manageable at home, there are times when you should call your pediatrician. If your baby experiences anything like:
A high fever (above 100.4°F)
Diarrhea
A rash that won’t go away
Persistent crying or discomfort that doesn’t improve
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts: This Too Shall Pass
Teething is a phase, and while it might feel like it’ll never end (I’ve been there), I promise, it does. Until then, these home remedies should help soothe your little one’s sore gums and give both of you a bit of relief. Hang in there, mama (or papa). You’ve got this!
