Baby Teething Relief: 8 Things That Actually Help (and 3 to Avoid)
Nonstop drool, fists in the mouth, short nights and fussing that seems to come out of nowhere. Most babies start teething around six months, and it comes and goes until about age two or three. You cannot skip this stage, but you can make it a lot easier on everyone.
Is it really teething?
Common signs are extra drooling, chewing on everything, swollen or red gums where a tooth is coming in, irritability and restless sleep. A high fever, significant diarrhea or refusing to eat for a long time are not normal teething symptoms. Call your pediatrician if you see them.
1. A good teether
Gentle pressure on the gums relieves the ache. A soft, one-piece silicone teether with no small parts and no liquid inside is the essential tool. Keep two or three so a clean one is always ready.
2. Cold, not frozen
A teether chilled in the fridge for a few minutes soothes sore gums. Skip the freezer: frozen teethers get too hard and can hurt delicate gums.
3. Gum massage
With a clean finger or a silicone finger brush, gently rub your baby's gums in small circles. Many babies calm down right away, and it is great practice for brushing later.
4. Keep drool off the skin
Constant drool can irritate the skin around the mouth and chin. Wipe gently through the day and swap bibs when they get soaked.
5. A cold, damp washcloth
A clean washcloth, dampened and chilled in the fridge, makes an easy homemade teether. Just watch that your baby does not tear pieces off.
6. For babies on solids
Chilled yogurt or fruit puree can help at mealtime. If you use a mesh feeder with fruit, supervise the whole time.
7. Extra comfort at night
Teething can disrupt sleep. Keep the same bedtime routine and times, even through a few rough nights. It usually settles within days, until the next tooth.
8. Start cleaning from the first tooth
As soon as a tooth appears, brush it twice a day. Our guide to your baby's first toothbrush covers how and with what.
3 things to avoid
Numbing gels with benzocaine. The FDA advises against using them in children under two because of a rare but serious side effect.
Amber teething necklaces and bracelets. There is no evidence they work, and the FDA warns they pose a real risk of choking and strangulation.
Liquid-filled teethers or toys with small parts. A cracked teether can leak, and a small piece that breaks off can be swallowed.
This article is general information. If your baby has a fever, diarrhea, refuses to eat or cries inconsolably, call your pediatrician.