Teething Troubles: How to soothe your baby’s gums naturally?

As those tiny teeth begin to push through the gums, babies often become irritable, clingy, and difficult to comfort. While teething is completely natural, it can leave babies (and sleep deprived parents) feeling frustrated. Many parents prefer to ease discomfort using gentle, natural remedies instead of relying on medications.

If you want to soothe your baby’s gums in a natural and safe way, there are plenty of effective options to try. From chilled teething toys to herbal teas, this guide explores proven techniques that can make teething a little easier for everyone.

Understanding Teething Symptoms

Before diving into remedies, it’s helpful to recognise the signs of teething. Babies usually start teething between four and seven months, but some may start earlier or later. Typical teething symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on fingers, toys, or anything they can grab
• Swollen, red gums
• Fussiness and irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Mild temperature

By understanding these symptoms, parents can confidently identify when teething begins and respond quickly with natural relief methods.

Natural Remedies to Soothe Teething Pain

Cold Comfort

Cold helps numb sore gums and reduce inflammation. Offer your baby chilled teething toys like the Ergobaby Teething Pad or a clean, damp flannel that’s been cooled in the fridge. For babies already eating solids, cold cucumber sticks or chilled carrot batons provide safe and soothing relief while they chew.

You can also try chilling a dummy if your baby uses one. The cool sensation can comfort tender gums while offering the familiar reassurance of sucking.

Gentle Gum Massage

A gentle gum massage can work wonders. With clean hands, gently rub your baby’s gums using a clean finger. The pressure helps relieve some of the discomfort caused by teeth breaking through the surface.

If you want to enhance the massage, dip your finger in cool chamomile tea before massaging. This adds both the calming benefits of chamomile and the soothing coolness.

Natural Teething Toys

Natural rubber or wooden teething toys give babies something safe to chew, easing pressure on their gums. Look for toys free from BPA, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. Many natural teething rings contain textures that gently massage the gums while babies chew.

Some parents also swear by amber teething necklaces, though these are controversial. If you do choose amber, never let babies sleep or nap while wearing them to reduce choking risks.

Herbal Teas for Teething

Certain herbal teas offer natural soothing properties that can help calm inflamed gums and relax fussy babies. Chamomile and fennel are popular choices. Brew a mild tea, let it cool completely, then either rub it directly on the gums or allow your baby to drink small sips from a cup.

Always check with your health visitor or GP before giving herbal remedies, especially if your baby has allergies or health conditions.

Breastfeeding Comfort

For breastfed babies, nursing often provides more than nutrition. It’s a source of comfort during teething. The sucking action combined with skin to skin contact can calm a distressed baby almost instantly.

If your baby wants to feed more frequently during teething, it’s completely normal. Let them nurse as often as they need for both comfort and pain relief.

Teething Biscuits

Once your baby is eating solids, homemade teething biscuits can offer safe chewing relief. Choose recipes with simple, natural ingredients like wholemeal flour, banana, and coconut oil. These biscuits should be firm enough for chewing but soft enough to avoid choking.

Avoid shop bought biscuits with added sugar or artificial ingredients. Always supervise your baby while they eat, especially if they’re still learning to chew properly.

Distraction Techniques

Sometimes distraction works better than anything else. Engaging your baby in playful activities, singing songs, or reading picture books can shift their focus away from discomfort. While distraction won’t directly soothe the gums, it helps manage fussiness and keeps your baby calm.

What to Avoid

When looking for natural remedies, some outdated or unsafe practices still circulate online. Avoid rubbing alcohol, teething gels containing benzocaine, or honey.
It’s also best to steer clear of frozen teething toys, which can become too hard and cause gum injury. Stick to chilled options instead.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is a long process, starting around six months and continuing until around age three. However, not all teething periods are equally intense. Some teeth emerge with minimal fuss, while others cause considerable discomfort.

The first teeth tend to cause the most trouble, along with molars later on. As your baby grows, they’ll learn to manage discomfort better, and you’ll both settle into a more manageable routine.

Final Thoughts

Teething can feel overwhelming, but natural remedies provide gentle, effective ways to soothe your baby’s gums without unnecessary chemicals. By using cold teething toys, gum massages, herbal teas, and plenty of cuddles, you can help your baby navigate teething with comfort and care.

Every baby responds differently, so experiment with these natural solutions until you find the perfect combination that works for your little one. With patience, love, and a few clever tricks, teething troubles will pass leaving behind a beautiful smile full of pearly whites.

Also read: Do babies need to see a dentist? A guide for new parents

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