Don’t know when baby`s first tooth will arrive? Don’t worry, you’re little one will let you know—load and clear around the 5 or 6 month mark.
While teething can be a breeze for some toddlers, others experience pain, restlessness, and insomnia with teething pain. Luckily, you don’t have to sit back powerless as a parent. You can offer up these eight safe, natural pain relief options to help sooth your teething toddler…
1. Ice
This first and probably the simplest remedy for teething is ice. When applied to the tender gums and new, budding teeth, ice cubes anaesthetise (freeze) and soothe inflammation. You can apply an ice cube by rubbing it gently against baby’s gums or get creative by making your own freezies out of water and real fruit juice, herbal tea, or even your breast milk.
2. Teething Necklaces
A tried and true method for teething used to soothe babies for decades is a traditional teething necklace. The beads are fashioned out of warming amber and worn by baby around the neck so he or she can suck and chew at will. Amber holds natural pain-relieving powers thanks to succinic acid, which is released from the necklace to accelerate healing, soothe pain, and reduce inflammation as baby chews and drools.
3. Cloves
You might think that cloves are only good in apple cider and mulled wine, but this natural spice is also able to soothe tooth-associated aches and pains. So rub a little clove oil (diluted with water or olive oil) on baby’s gums and nubby, new teeth to soothe restlessness and irritability.
4. A Firm Finger
Apply a clean, firm finger to press against your baby’s tender gum line. The pressure of your finger (you can also use a wooden or natural rubber teething toy) will create a soothing effect and act as counter-pressure against the developing new, teeth.
5. Vanilla Oil
Essential, edible oils infused with a calming concentrate, like real vanilla, will calm irritated gums and a fussy baby. Many times baby will get so upset over sore teeth that they will make themselves nauseous—which creates more anxiety. Vanilla will also pacify an upset tummy.
6. Cold-Pressed Oils
Much of the irritation of teething doesn’t just occur inside the mouth. Your baby may experience irritation and chapping around the mouth, lips, and chin due to lots and lots of drool. Soothe face rashes by dabbing a mild emollient almond, coconut, or safflower oil (cold-pressed) to dry skin.
7. Homeopathic Remedies
If you’re at wits end, but still not sold on giving your toddler over-the-counter pain relievers, try a natural, homeopathic reprieve—such as chamomile (sold also as chamomilla), which can be purchased in a liquid dropper and applied directly to gums or frozen into ice cubes to apply to baby’s new teeth.
8. Teething Aids
I think every parent is aware of Sophie the Giraffe. If not, you will rush out to the store and throw a wallet full of money at the store clerk as soon as your baby starts teething. However, there are plenty of teething toys and teething rings to choose from. Just be sure you are buying a toy made from natural materials with no breakable parts that can become dislodged and cause a choking disaster.
