The top 7 teething remedies for babies
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Babies start teething when their teeth begin pushing through their gums, which can be uncomfortable, painful, and make them fussy and irritable. Let’s explore some expert-approved remedies to soothe your baby’s gums.
Teething symptoms
- Increased biting/chewing
- Fussiness
- Increased salivation/drooling
- Gum-rubbing
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite
7 teething remedies for babies
Always supervise your baby while using these methods:
- Massage gums: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger to provide relief.
- Offer cold objects: A cold teething ring, chilled (not frozen) washcloth, or cold spoon can help soothe their sore gums and ease irritation.
- Offer teething toys: BPA-free teething toys give babies a safe way to chew and ease discomfort.
- Try breastfeeding: Nursing can offer comfort and relief during teething
- Provide distraction: Engaging activities or toys can help take your baby’s focus off the pain.
- Offer chilled solid foods: If your baby (6+ months) has started solids, cold purees or yogurt can be soothing.
- Administer medication: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies 6+ months) as needed for pain relief.
Teething remedies to avoid
Some teething remedies can be unsafe for babies. Here are a few to avoid:
- Topical anesthetics: Numbing creams or teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine can cause serious side effects, including methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening blood condition.
- Teething tablets and gels: Teething tablets and teething gels can have unsafe ingredients, like belladonna or alcohol, and can also pose a choking risk.
- Teething necklaces or bracelets: These pose a choking and strangulation hazard and are not recommended.
- Homeopathic remedies: Their safety and effectiveness are not well-established, and they may contain harmful ingredients.
- Unapproved pain relievers: Avoid medications not approved by your pediatrician, such as aspirin, which can be dangerous for infants.
- Sugary substances: Products containing sucrose can contribute to tooth decay and should be avoided.
How to soothe a teething baby at night
If your baby is struggling with teething pain at night, try these soothing methods:
- Offer a chilled teething ring to help numb sore gums.
- Gently massage their gums with a clean finger.
- Breastfeed or offer a bottle to provide comfort and help the baby settle down for the night.
- If your baby is in significant discomfort, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
When to consult your pediatrician
Contact your local or Summer Health pediatrician if your baby experiences:
- A high fever
- Extreme irritability that cannot be soothed
- Difficulty feeding
- Signs of dehydration (chapped lips, no tears, poor feeding)
- Symptoms that persist or worsen
If you have questions about teething, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support.Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.
