12 Easy Baby Teething Remedies

With all that drool and aching gums, teething can be a tough time for any baby. And that means it can be a tough time for you, too. Luckily, help is at hand. Here, we’re talking baby teething remedies to help you soothe the pain.

Teething symptoms: What to expect

Teething usually kicks in around the six-month mark. Usually is a big word, though, and teething can start later and even earlier.

The front two bottom teeth usually make an appearance first, then the top two. From then on, over the next 2-3 years, all those baby teeth will eventually come through.

Here’s what to look out for when it happens:

What are normal teething symptoms?

• Drooling. Expect loads of dribble. It can cause a rash on your baby’s cheeks, mouth, and even neck, so it’s best to wipe it up.
• Teething cough. All that drool can cause a cough. It happens when the liquid goes down the wrong way.
• Biting and gnawing. Teething babies want to chew on everything. It’s one of the original natural teething remedies. You can help by providing safe things that are chewy and cold (more on this below).
• Fussing and crankiness. Toothaches suck and your baby will want to tell you just how much it sucks. A moody baby is common during teething.
• Rubbing and pulling. Baby will likely rub their face and pull their ears.

Heads up, mama. A high fever (over 102ᵒF) and diarrhea are not typical symptoms of teething. If baby is experiencing either, talk to a doctor. They’ll be able to tell you what to do.

➡️ Further reading: Key Teething Symptoms to Look Out For

*Baby teething remedies

Teething isn’t usually the easiest time in your parenting journey.

If you need to talk anything through, call your healthcare provider or catch up with other mamas at the Peanut community. In the meantime, let’s talk baby teething remedies.

How do you soothe a teething baby?

To soothe a teething baby, start with some simple home remedies for teething. They can help to make your baby a little more comfortable.

• A teething ring. Teething toys are designed to be gnawed, so firm rubber rather than liquid-filled options are best. You can pop it in the fridge for extra soothing power.
• Cold things. Anything from a wet cloth to a spoon can soothe your baby’s gums.
• Rub their gums. With a clean finger, rub your baby’s gums. A bit of pressure can help ease the pain.
• Wipe away the drool. Part of baby fussiness during teething can be due to a drool rash. Gently wiping off drool with a clean cloth is an important teething remedy for babies.
• Play. One way to take their attention from the pain is to give them your full attention.

Note: It’s important that you avoid baby teething bracelets and necklaces. These can be choking hazards.

How do you soothe a teething baby at night?

Soothing a teething baby at night is much the same as during the day. It’s just happening in the dark, which means you’re probably just as cranky as your baby.

If you’ve already tried the steps outlined above, three extra things can make nighttime easier:

• Keep calm. Easier said than done. But teething is a phase and it will pass.
• Try white noise. This can help them get back to sleep by distracting them from the pain. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s worth a try.
• Try some medicine. There are some medications that can help soothe the pain.

What’s the best pain relief for a teething baby?

Pain relief can help. But before you give it to your teething baby, it’s best to check with your doctor to make sure it’s appropriate and that you stick to the right dose, especially if your baby’s birth weight was low.

Here are some options:

• Acetaminophen/paracetamol. This is the main ingredient in Tylenol, but you can also find generic versions. Make sure to check whether your bottle is for infants or older children — the concentrations can be different.
• Ibuprofen. There are children’s options, such as Children’s Motrin, that can be appropriate. You might want to give this to your baby with food or milk to avoid tummy troubles.
• Can I give Calpol for teething? Calpol is another brand of acetaminophen/paracetamol. It’s most commonly found in the UK. Yes, you can use this for teething in children as young as two months.

You should avoid baby teething remedies that include benzocaine or lidocaine. These can be really harmful for your baby.

Meanwhile, those “natural remedies for teething,” like homeopathic teething gels, are not always very reliable. They don’t always contain what’s advertised — and they may not work at all.

Good luck, mama!

💡 More from The 411: Tooth Fairy Letter Templates: What to Write When Do Babies Start Teething? Symptoms, Signs and Remedies How Long Does Teething Last? A Quick Guide to Teething Poop & Diarrhea What are the Best Teething Foods? Baby Ear Infection vs. Teething: How to Spot the Difference All You Need to Know about the Baby Toothbrush