When my firstborn, Ella, began teething at just three months old, I was completely unprepared. One morning, she woke up cranky and running a slight fever, and I mistakenly thought she was coming down with a cold. Then came the drooling, followed by her gnawing on her bottle nipple more than actually drinking from it. A quick peek into her mouth revealed swollen gums and her very first tooth pushing through. Ouch! I stumbled through the process of helping her, and later used those lessons with my twins when they started teething as well. Double ouch!
Teething can turn your little one’s world upside down, and that can make life pretty tough for parents too. While I tried to empathize with my kids’ discomfort, staying calm during these moments required a bit of effort. Luckily, I discovered some handy tips to soothe the pain for both my babies and myself.
1. Finger Fun
Let your baby gnaw on clean fingers—yours or theirs. For a cool treat, run your finger under cold water and offer them a chilly option to chew on.
2. Sophie The Giraffe
I was surprised to see how much this beloved teething toy costs, but thankfully it was a gift for my partner and me. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, check out the Lil’ Llama Teething Toy instead!
3. Frozen Food
I’ve heard from fellow parents who gave their little ones frozen waffles or pretzels to chew on during teething. Just keep a close eye on them, as thawing food can pose a choking hazard.
4. Teething Biscuits
Once they hit six months, my pediatrician suggested teething biscuits. These dissolve easily as babies chew on them, providing both relief and a tasty treat.
5. Mesh or Silicone Feeders
I would pop my kids in their highchairs and give them frozen bits of fruit in a mesh feeder. They loved the icy, sweet distraction! For a less messy option, consider a silicone feeder from Haakaa, which also functions as a teether.
6. Frozen Washcloth
Grab a clean washcloth (no loose strings!) and soak it in water before freezing it for about 30-60 minutes. One mom even swore by soaking hers in breast milk before freezing!
7. Anti-Drop Wrist Teether
These nifty silicone teethers slip onto your baby’s wrist, making it easier for them to hold on while they chew. They look a bit like baby brass knuckles, but if they do the trick, who cares?
8. Gum Massage
Gently massaging your baby’s gums with clean fingers can provide some temporary relief while you search for other solutions.
9. Bibs
Bibs can help keep your little one dry while they chew. I found that my oldest soaked through her onesies without one, and they also help prevent skin irritation.
10. Medication
If all else fails, over-the-counter medication might be the answer, especially for helping your baby sleep. Children’s Tylenol was a staple for us, and some parents have found success with homeopathic options. Just be sure to consult your pediatrician first!
Finding what works for your teething baby may involve some trial and error, but hang in there! Teething bites, and it can be tough but you’re not alone in this journey.
Looking for more support? Join the Make a Mom Facebook group where you can connect with other parents, or check out Make a Mom for at-home insemination options. If you’re curious about how it works, take a look at this handy guide on at-home insemination. And for those seeking an at-home insemination kit, consider the Cryobaby kit, a trusted choice in the field.
For more information on fertility, the CDC’s resource is an excellent place to start.
Summary: Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. This article provides ten helpful tips to alleviate discomfort for babies, from chewing on clean fingers to using frozen washcloths and teething toys. Resources and support are available for parents, including community groups and informative guides.
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