Teething Troubles: 10 Effective Ways to Soothe Your Baby's Discomfort (And Yours!)

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When my first child began teething at just three months old, I was completely unprepared. She woke up cranky and seemed to have a slight fever, leading me to think she had caught a cold. Soon after, the drooling started, and she began chewing on her bottle nipple more than actually drinking from it. A quick peek inside her mouth revealed swollen gums with her first tooth on the verge of breaking through. Ouch! I navigated this challenging phase and later applied what I’d learned when my twins started teething. It was a double dose of “ouch.” Teething is tough on babies, which in turn makes it tough on their caregivers. While I did my best to empathize with my kids’ discomfort, it took real patience and some clever strategies to ease their pain—and my own frustration.

1. Fingers

Allow your baby to chew on clean fingers—yours or theirs. If you’re feeling adventurous, run your finger under cold water for a chilly chew toy.

2. Sophie The Giraffe

When I found out the price tag on this toy, I was grateful it was a gift. But parents with teething tots are willing to splurge on Sophie. My kids loved gnawing on her antlers and legs. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Lil’ Llama Teething Toy.

3. Frozen Food

Some parents suggest giving frozen waffles or pretzels to chew on. Just keep a close eye on your little one while they munch to avoid choking hazards as the food thaws.

4. Teething Biscuits

Pediatricians often recommend teething biscuits for babies over six months. They dissolve easily and provide soothing relief as babies chew.

5. Mesh or Silicone Feeders and Teethers

I used fresh food feeders to give my kids frozen chunks of mango or strawberry. These mesh gadgets are great for allowing babies to enjoy flavors while keeping choking risks at bay. A silicone feeder, like those from Haakaa, can also be a less messy option.

6. Frozen Washcloth

Soak a clean washcloth in water, freeze it for 30-60 minutes, and offer it to your baby. One mom even froze a washcloth soaked in breast milk for added appeal.

7. Anti-Drop Wrist Teether

Wrist teethers are a game-changer for busy parents. These silicone options allow babies to hold onto the teether while chewing, reducing the hassle of picking up dropped items.

8. Massage Their Gums

Gently massaging your baby’s gums with clean fingers can provide temporary relief while you prepare other soothing methods.

9. Bibs

While your baby chews on their bib, it also keeps their chin and neck dry, reducing irritation from drool. Investing in water-based lotions can help keep their skin comfortable too.

10. Medicine

If other remedies fail, over-the-counter medicine might be necessary—especially for sleep. Children’s Tylenol is a common choice, but consult your pediatrician for guidance on the best options for your child.

Finding effective solutions for your teething baby may take some trial and error, and sometimes a little patience is all you need. Regardless of the methods you try, remember that teething can be a challenging phase for both babies and parents.

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Summary

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. However, there are numerous effective strategies to alleviate discomfort, from cold fingers to specialized teething toys. While some methods may require patience and experimentation, finding the right solution can ease the pain for everyone involved.

Keyphrase: teething remedies for babies

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Teething Troubles: 10 Effective Ways to Soothe Your Baby’s Discomfort (And Yours!)