Before we delve into the essential home remedies for teething babies, let’s first understand the discomfort that accompanies this phase. Many new mothers dread teething. They’ve heard so much about teething woes – tender swollen gums, lots of drool – that can change the happiest kid on the planet into a cranky, irritable and grumpy little monster! The discomfort is because of baby teeth cutting the gums as they erupt. Parenting has its unpleasant parts, and teething probably tops the list! The child may refuse to feed, cries and stays irritable. Or she may keep asking for more feeds, in an effort to find some comfort.
Is there a way out of this? Of course there is! And not just one, here are 10 home remedies for teething blues, that are completely natural and guaranteed to soothe your little one and relax you as well!
10 Home Remedies for Teething Babies
1. HOMEOPATHY: This alternative science provides effective home remedies for teething babies. General remedies like CalcPhos 6x and Five Phos 6x offer relief when administered with 2 pellets thrice a day. Specific master remedies target common teething-related complaints such as cold, cough, diarrhea, and crankiness. Consulting a qualified homeopath is crucial as each child’s medicine may vary. Additionally, homeopathic Echinacea tincture can soothe and numb the teething area, providing comfort.
2. TEETHERS: When it comes to home remedies for teething babies, many parents prefer our traditional silver teethers over the plastic ones. Silver teethers not only provide relief but can also be sterilized, making them more hygienic than plastic teethers. However, there are several other varieties available, such as silicone teethers, wooden teethers, as well as teething toys filled with liquid or gel. One effective technique is to freeze the teether, as the cold temperature can further enhance its soothing properties for teething babies.
3. MASSAGE: A simple yet effective home remedy for teething babies is gentle gum massage. Using clean fingers, you can gently massage your baby’s gums to provide relief to the sore areas. The pressure from the massage can help soothe the discomfort and promote circulation in the gums. Ensure that your hands are clean before performing the massage. You can use a clean, damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums beforehand as well. The direct contact and gentle pressure from your fingers can offer natural relief without the need for any additional tools or remedies.
4. COLD FOODS: As home remedies for teething babies, offering chilled foods like carrot, cucumber, or plum can provide relief. The cool temperature eases teething discomfort, but supervision is essential to prevent choking. Cut the foods into appropriate sizes and closely monitor your baby while they chew. Another option is a cold cloth. Simply wet a clean cloth with cold water, wring it out, and let your baby chew on it. The cold cloth provides a soothing sensation and relieves teething discomfort. Remember to keep the cloth clean for hygiene purposes.
5. HONEY: While one of the popular home remedies for teething babies, honey should never be given to infants under 1 year of age. It can contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. It’s important to avoid using honey as a home remedy for teething babies. Consult your pediatrician for safe alternatives.
6. CLOVE OIL: Another effective home remedy for teething babies is clove oil. Clove oil has a numbing effect that helps to dull the pain associated with teething. You can apply a small amount of clove oil to a clean cotton ball or swab and gently rub it on your baby’s gums. The natural anesthetic properties of clove oil can provide temporary relief from teething discomfort. However, it’s important to use clove oil sparingly and with caution, as excessive use or ingestion can be harmful. It’s always recommended to consult with your pediatrician before using any essential oils on your baby.
7. VANILLA EXTRACT: One of the delightful home remedies for teething babies, vanilla extract has a calming and soothing effect on teething pain. Applying a small amount on a clean finger or cloth and gently rubbing it on your baby’s gums can provide relief. The pleasant scent and taste of vanilla act as a natural remedy, soothing your little one during teething. Remember to consult with your pediatrician before trying new remedies.
8. GINGER: Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for teething babies. When a small piece of ginger is rubbed gently on the gums, it can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and provide relief from teething discomfort. Ensure that the ginger is properly cleaned and peeled before use. It’s important to use a very small piece and apply gentle pressure while rubbing it on the gums. However, it’s always advisable to consult with your pediatrician before using any new remedies on your baby.
9. COOL SPOON: One of the effective home remedies for teething babies, recommended by the American Dental Association, is to use a clean steel spoon. This simple method involves chilling the spoon in the refrigerator and then giving it to the baby to chew on. The cool temperature of the spoon can provide soothing relief to their sore gums. It’s important to supervise your baby while they use the spoon to ensure their safety. This natural remedy is a convenient and accessible option for teething babies.
10. ALMOND EXTRACT: An effective home remedy for teething babies is the use of almond extract. To provide pain relief, you can mix a small amount of almond extract with water and gently rub it on your baby’s gums. The soothing properties of almond extract can help alleviate the discomfort associated with teething and provide natural relief for gum soreness. However, it’s important to use a very diluted solution and consult with your pediatrician before trying any new remedies on your teething baby.
In addition to these, you can try out some teething biscuits for your baby to munch on. Here are some recipes that don’t use refined flour or baking powder, making them absolutely safe for your little one.
- Homemade Teething Biscuits from Boys Ahoy
- Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits from Super Healthy Kids
- Homemade Sweet Potato Teething Biscuits from Priceless Product Reviews
- Homemade Teething Biscuits from Living On Grace
Teething is a common problem that every child has to undergo to get a healthy set of teeth. Unfortunately the saying ‘No gain without pain’ applies to babies as well! Teething doesn’t last forever and will stop as soon as the teeth have finished erupting. In the meanwhile, just follow our tips to keep both baby and Mommy smiling! Happy Teething!
Author
Dr Bhavi Mody is a postgraduate in Homeopathy with over 20 years of clinical experience. She specializes in providing not just Homeopathy to her clients but has evolved a structured program for providing a light and sweet solution to a heavy problem -obesity. Her core USP is Women and Child care with homeopathy and nutritional support.
You can contact Dr Bhavi through her website or through her Facebook page Vrudhi .
Hello doc
.. My LO is 5months old (completed 5months) for she is started clenching her fist and straighten her body is that a sign of teething??? Plz reply..
That could not be necessarily a sign of teething dear.
Dear Doctor Mom.. I was bewildered about introducing solids to my baby and used to follow every single post on FB Pregnancy group. I found this website there and am ecstatic. This has become my bible for all the food related questions. I mentioned only about food because I haven’t explored other topics yet. The way each post is compiled is really fabulous. It talks about the preparation as well as nutritional benefits. Great source of information for inquisitive parents. I really cannot stop myself in admiring you. Awesome job Mamma 🙂 🙂
Thanks a lot Shwetha, fills me with happiness to read your comments. 🙂
Well done HemaPriya. valuable information you shared…