If you have a teething baby, you know how hard it can be to see them in pain and discomfort. Teething is the process of baby teeth erupting through the baby's gums, and it usually starts around 6 months of age.
Teething is a natural and normal part of your baby's development, but it can also be very challenging for both you and your baby. Fortunately, there are many home remedies for teething babies that can help soothe your baby's sore gums and relieve teething pain.
In this blog post, we will share some of the best natural teething remedies besides teething toys you can try at home to help your teething baby.
Teething Symptoms
Teething symptoms can vary from baby to baby, but some of the most common ones are:
Drooling
Your baby may drool more than usual when they are teething, as saliva helps to lubricate and protect the baby's gums. You may notice wet spots on your baby's clothes or bedding, or a rash around the baby's mouth from the excess saliva.
Fussiness
Your baby may be more cranky and irritable than usual when they are teething, as they may feel uncomfortable and sore from the pressure of the teeth pushing through the gums. Your baby may cry more often, have trouble sleeping, or want to be held more.
Biting
Your baby may bite on anything they can get their hands on when they are teething, such as their fingers, toys, pacifiers, or your breast or bottle. Biting helps to relieve some of the pressure and pain in the baby's gums.
Chewing
Your baby may also chew on anything they can find when they are teething, such as soft foods, cold or frozen foods, or teething toys. Chewing helps to massage and stimulate the baby's gums and ease the discomfort.
Rubbing
Your baby may rub their face or ears when they are teething, as the pain from the teeth can radiate to other parts of the head. Your baby may also rub their gums with their tongue or fingers to soothe them.
Fever
Your baby may have a low-grade fever (less than 101°F) when they are teething, as their immune system may be slightly weakened by the inflammation in the gums. However, if your baby has a high fever (more than 101°F) or other signs of infection, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your doctor right away.
Baby Teething Remedies
Here are some of the most effective and safe ways to soothe your baby's sore gums and relieve teething pain:
Teething Toys
Teething toys or baby teethers are specially designed for your baby to chew on, as they are made of soft and flexible materials that are gentle on your baby's gums. You can find a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures of teething toys in stores or online. The best baby teething toy is one that provides comfort and relief.
Some of them even make sounds or have different features to keep your baby entertained. You can also refrigerate or freeze some teething toys to provide extra cooling relief for your baby's gums. Just make sure to wash them before and after each use and check them for any signs of damage or wear.
Teething Necklaces
A teething necklace is a necklace that you wear around your neck that has beads or pendants that your baby can bite on. They are usually made of silicone or wood that is safe for your baby to chew on or play with. Some parents swear by amber teething necklaces, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Teething necklaces can pose a risk of strangulation or are a choking hazard if they break or get caught on something. Therefore, you should never leave your baby alone with a teething necklace and always supervise them when they use it.
Teething Gels
Teething gels are topical products that you can apply to your baby's gums to numb the pain. They may contain natural or synthetic ingredients, such as clove oil, chamomile, benzocaine, or lidocaine. However, you should be careful when using teething gels, as some of them may have side effects or interactions with other medications.
For example, benzocaine and lidocaine can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before using any teething gels and follow the instructions carefully.
Natural Teething Remedies
If you prefer natural teething remedies over commercial products, there are some things that you can find in your kitchen or pantry that can help your teething baby. Here are some examples:
Cold or Frozen Foods
Cold or frozen foods can provide soothing relief to your baby's sore gums. You can offer your baby a cold spoon, a chilled washcloth, a frozen banana, a frozen bagel, or a frozen breast milk popsicle. Monitor your baby closely when they eat cold or frozen foods and avoid anything that can break off into small pieces and cause choking.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is not only nutritious and beneficial for your baby's health, but it can also help with teething pain. Breastfeeding can comfort your baby and provide them with antibodies that can fight infections and inflammation. You can also freeze breast milk into ice cubes or popsicles and let your baby suck on them.
Massage
Massaging your baby's gums with your clean finger or a soft bristled baby toothbrush can help ease the pressure and pain as your baby's teeth emerge. You can also use a gentle circular motion to massage your baby's cheeks and jawline.
Pressure
Applying gentle pressure to your baby's gums can also help with teething pain. You can use your finger, a spoon, a pacifier, or a clean cloth to press on your baby's gums.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat a range of ailments, including teething pain. Here are three herbs that are safe for babies and can help soothe their tender gums.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a calming herb that can help reduce inflammation and soothe pain. To use chamomile for teething, brew a strong cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into the tea and gently rub it along the baby's gums.
Clove
Clove has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help relieve teething pain. It can help numb the pain and prevent infection in the gums. You can make a clove oil by mixing a few drops of clove essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil. Then, rub a small amount of the oil on your baby's gums with your finger or a cotton swab.
Be careful not to use too much oil as it can cause irritation or burning sensation in the mouth.
Ginger
Ginger is a root that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help reduce swelling and infection in the gums. You can peel and slice a small piece of fresh ginger and rub it gently on your baby's gums for a few minutes. You can also grate some ginger and squeeze out the juice. Then, apply the juice on your baby's gums with your finger or a cotton swab.
Lower Inflammation
Teething can cause inflammation in the baby's gums, leading to swelling and pain. Here are two natural methods to help reduce inflammation and relieve teething symptoms.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can help numb the baby's gums and reduce inflammation. Wrap a clean cloth around a small ice pack or a bag of frozen peas and hold it against the baby's cheek for a few minutes at a time. Be sure to wrap the compress in a cloth to protect the baby's skin from getting too cold.
Salt Water Rinse
Salt water has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and lower inflammation. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into the solution and gently rub it along the baby's gums.
Boost the Immune System
Teething can put a strain on the baby's immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Here are two natural methods to help boost the immune system and keep the baby healthy during this challenging time.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone growth and can boost overall immune function. While breast milk and formula provide some vitamin D, it may be necessary to supplement with drops or to expose the baby to sunlight for short periods.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that can help support the baby's immune system and prevent infections. Infants can receive probiotics through breast milk or formula, or through a natural probiotic supplement.
Conclusion
Teething is a normal part of your baby's development that can cause some discomfort and pain. There are, however, many natural home remedies for teething babies available to help ease your baby's pain and discomfort.
From comforting herbs like chamomile to reducing inflammation with cold compresses. And by boosting the baby's immune system, you can help prevent illness and keep your baby healthy during this important milestone.
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