If you've ever had a teething baby, you know that teething sucks. Babies are crabby and fussy, their sleep gets disrupted, they may refuse to eat, and they may even have a slight fever.
While teething can be uncomfortable or downright painful for some babies, there are ways to help ease your baby's teething pain. However, since babies can be teething for quite a long time - well into toddlerhood - we like to focus on natural remedies for teething rather than always relying on medication.
What is Teething?
Teething is a process whereby an infant's first teeth erupt through the gums. Babies usually begin teething around six months but timing can vary from child to child. Babies may experience discomfort and pain during teething as their gums are stretched and new teeth break through. But babies can't tell us what's bothering them with words, so keep an eye out for these common teething symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of teething
1. Red and swollen gums
Sensitive red gums are a telltale sign of teething. Baby may have inflamed gums for weeks before a tooth actually breaks through.
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2. Drooling
Drooling (more than usual) is common in teething babies. Get some cloth bibs so that you aren't changing outfits multiple times a day.
3. Facial rash from drooling
Excessive drooling can cause baby's chin and neck to become chapped, and a rash may develop from the irritation. Keeping baby's chin as dry as possible can help. We like Pipette Baby Balm to keep the chin dry and moisturized and Boiron Calendula cream to help if a rash or irritation does develop.
4. Decreased appetite
When babies are having teething pain they may not want to eat as they normally would. A decreased appetite is totally normal, and they may also seek comfort and want to breastfeed more frequently.
5. Chewing on solid objects around them, and fingers
Some babies find relief from teething pain by biting down on hard objects or on their own fingers (more than usual). You might notice your baby picking up random objects from around the house to bite on (remote controls seem to be a favorite!), or they might start to gnaw on their own crib or your shoulder when you carry them. Breastfeeding moms may also get a bite when nursing. If this happens, gently break your baby's latch and say "ouch" so that they get the message.
6. Crankiness and irritability
Teething can be painful, and so most babies do experience some crankiness and irritability as they try to manage their discomfort. Practice patience and try to empathize with your little one while trying some of the natural teething remedies listed below.
27 Home Remedies for Teething Babies
There are a number of ways to help your baby relieve teething pain, from special teething products to certain foods. We've grouped them into five groups: natural remedies, oils, and extracts; teething jewelry; food for teething babies; toys and items for teething; medicines for teething.
You'll find that one teething remedy might soothe a baby one day and not the next, so keep this list handy and cycle through it as needed!
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Cold foods/liquids
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Ice cubes
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Serenity Kids Pouches frozen in a mesh feeding strainer or popsicle mold
Serenity Kids pouches provide great nutrition alongside teething relief when they are frozen. This is especially helpful if your baby is refusing to eat due to teething pain.
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Chilled spoon
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Frozen cubes of chamomile tea
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Frozen washcloth
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Popsicle
Make sure that these are made from Serenity Kids baby food, breastmilk, bone broth, electrolytes (our fav is LMNT) or water, NOT juice or anything sweetened. It's super easy to make your own popsicles! This is our favorite mess-free popsicle mold.
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Frozen cubes of breast milk
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Frozen bone broth
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Raw frozen liver
May sound gross, but liver is really great for babies! The Weston Price Foundation recommends freezing liver for 14 days to reduce the risk of pathogens and parasites, and of course making sure that you know and trust the source. Grass-fed beef liver or organic chicken liver will have the highest nutrition.
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Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the best natural remedies for teething as it provides baby with physical comfort and also nutrition. This is particularly helpful for babies who are refusing solid foods due to their teeth and gums hurting.
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Licorice root
Licorice root is one of the herbal remedies for teething. Licorice root sticks are great since baby can get relief from chewing on the stick while also benefiting from licorice root’s cooling and numbing properties.
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Catnip tea
Catnip tea doesn't have much scientific evidence behind it, but has quite a bit of anecdotal support. Catnip is said to calm irritable babies and help them rest.
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Massage gums with your finger
Massaging baby's gums can help ease the discomfort and relieve built up tension where a tooth is coming in. Massage gently, in small circular motions, and watch for any reactions to painful or sensitive areas in their mouths. You can also gently clean your baby’s mouth and gums during this time. You can use clean, moistened gauze and gently massage your baby’s gums while wiping them down and making sure they’re clean after feedings or before bed.
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Rosehip
Rosehip has been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties¹, which can help a baby who is teething. As a bonus, it is also a source of vitamin C and antioxidants which can support immunity.
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Cloves essential oil
Clove oil acts as a natural anesthetic and has been shown² to work as well as benzocaine at relieving pain. It naturally numbs baby's gums. Earthley Teeth Tamer is a great way to give baby clove oil.
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Chamomile products
Chamomile is one of the more popular natural teething remedies. It helps relax and soothe irritability. We particularly liked this one and this one.
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Amber jewelry
Amber teething necklaces are typically made from baltic amber and many parents report that they work to help alleviate teething symptoms. They can be a choking hazard when around the neck, so use one that easily comes unclasped, or wrap them around baby's ankle when they are sleeping.
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Silicone teething jewelry
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Allspice necklace
Make sure the clasp comes apart easily so it isn't a choking hazard or safety risk.
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Frozen waffles
You can make your own waffles with healthy ingredients like eggs, almond flour, and cassava flour, adding our pouches for extra flavor and nutrition. We also like Birch Benders Paleo waffles as a good store-bought option.
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Teething biscuits
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Beef jerky
We recommend jerky made with grass-fed beef and has no sugar added. We like Paleovalley and Chomps.
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Wearable teething gloves
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Teething spoon
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Teething toothbrush
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Frozen teething toys
Frozen teething toys such as teething rings can provide a cold numbing sensation that babies can chew on for additional relief. This one was Della’s favorite! Very similar to a teething ring.
Medicines for teething babies
Teething gels and drops can provide some pain relief by offering a numbing sensation. Boiron Camilia drops are easy to drop into the mouth, while gels need to be rubbed on in a circular motion for immediate (but temporary) relief.
How to help a teething baby sleep at Night-time?
Teething can make it difficult for babies to fall asleep, especially when their infant teething symptoms peak at night. If your baby is acting cranky or experiencing mouth pain, try these methods to promote comfort and rest.
1. Use Cold Teething Aids
Chilling a wet washcloth or offering a teething ring made of firm rubber can help reduce pain and provide relief. These methods work well for safely soothing teething pain without exposing your baby to harmful substances often found in some teething gels.
2. Gently Massage the Gums
If your baby is struggling with painful gums, try gently rubbing their child's gums with a clean finger. This simple technique can ease discomfort and help them settle before bed. Since some teething gels contain harmful substances, always check labels before giving your baby any topical remedies.
3. Offer Soft, Cooling Foods
When babies start teething, chewing on soft fruit like chilled banana slices or cold cucumber pieces can relieve pressure on their baby teeth while helping with trouble eating. Be cautious with hard foods, as they can be tough on new teeth and sensitive gums.
4. Maintain a Comforting Bedtime Routine
A warm bath, gentle rocking, or soft music can help your baby relax. If they are struggling to fall asleep due to teething discomfort, extra cuddles can provide reassurance. Keeping them comfortable can also help prevent disruptions caused by a low-grade fever associated with the teething process.
5. Ensure Proper Hydration & Oral Care
If your baby has a low-grade fever, make sure they stay hydrated to keep them comfortable. Once the first tooth emerges—often the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors—start using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush and prevent tooth decay. Tracking eruption charts can help you anticipate the arrival of primary teeth and adjust your baby's care routine accordingly.
6. Explore Homeopathic & Medical Options
Some parents find homeopathic teething tablets useful for calming infant teething discomfort. If your baby is experiencing significant pain, consult a pediatrician before using over-the-counter medications. A dental visit around their first birthday is also recommended to establish good pediatric dentistry habits and ensure children’s health as their baby teeth continue to develop.
By following these steps, you can support your baby through the teething process while promoting restful sleep.
When to Consult a Doctor?
There are some symptoms that are often attributed to teething that are actually not associated with teething. The following symptoms are not caused by teething and may require medical attention:
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Fever
A slightly elevated temperature is normal, but a fever above 100.4 is likely not due to teething. -
Persistent diarrhea
Teething can cause slightly runnier stools, but not persistent diarrhea. -
Loss of appetite
A decreased appetite is normal, but if your baby is completely refusing all breastmilk, formula, and solids, there is likely something else bothering them. -
Inconsolable crying
Fussiness is normal, but a baby that cannot be consoled is not just from teething.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging phase for both babies and parents, often leading to sleepless nights and fussiness. However, the good news is that there are many natural remedies to help ease teething pain and sore gums. Gentle gum massages, chilled teething rings, and natural anti-inflammatory solutions like chamomile or clove oil can provide much-needed relief. Ensuring your baby gets plenty of cuddles and distraction can also help them navigate this stage with ease. Every child’s teething experience is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best. With patience and the right remedies, this phase will pass, bringing brighter, happier smiles ahead.
