Baby Teething Pain Home Remedies
Summary: Natural home remedies provide a safe holistic alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals used to comfort a teething baby. Teething generally starts around six months of age and can last until the child is around three years.

Natural home remedies provide a safe holistic alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals used to comfort a teething baby. Teething generally starts around six months of age and can last until the child is around three years. Teething is one of the most painful trials a child must get through. Cutting of the first teeth is often the most painful time of teething, because emerging teeth cause the baby’s gums to become tender, swollen, and sore. A baby may become fussy and irritable during this time. The pain of teething often causes a baby to lose sleep and their appetite. Fortunately, there are some simple remedies you can use to ease your child’s pain during this difficult time.

Massage gums to ease pain.

A baby’s gums become sore from the pressure of erupting teeth. You can use a clean finger or washcloth dampened with cool water to gently massage your baby’s gums. This technique provides a counter pressure that eases the pain of tender gums.

Olive oil works wonders on teething pain. Massage a tiny amount directly onto the gums to provide instant relief.

Ginger root has also been known to provide pain relief in teething babies. Simply rub a small piece of ginger onto the gums.

Pure vanilla extract massaged carefully onto a baby’s gums can provide calming effects while gently numbing the area. Vanilla can also ease an upset tummy.

Clove oil may help too. However, clove oil is very potent. Combine a minute amount of clove oil with edible oil before applying to the affected area.

Provide something cool for tender gums.

Provide something cool to off-set the burning pain in your baby’s gums. You can try using an ice cube wrapped in a clean cotton cloth. Always wrap the ice cube in a cloth; never put ice directly onto your child’s gums, direct contact can seriously hurt or damage your baby’s tender gums.

A wet washcloth chilled in the freezer for a few minutes often feels wonderful to a teething baby. Make sure that the cloth doesn’t actually freeze though, since ice can be harmful to a baby. Alternatively, chamomile tea can be used in place of water on the washcloth before chilling it in the freezer. Chamomile tea provides natural calming effects.

Offer your baby a water or gel-filled teething ring that has been chilled in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Freezing the teething ring can cause the ring to crack and leak.

Frozen food can be used a homemade teething ring. Frozen waffles, a bagel, banana, or carrot are great natural substitutions. However, you have to watch baby constantly to make sure that a piece does not break off; small pieces could cause choking.

Many babies enjoy chewing on a clean cool spoon when teething. The cool metal feels good on sore gums.

Cool drinks also feel good for baby too. You may want try one of the following cool drinks: water, juice, juice mixed with chamomile tea, or milk. Make sure to choose an age appropriate drink.

Chewing can ease the pain.

Any safe object, one that won’t break apart or cause choking, the baby can chew on will help. Babies have a strong need to chew, gnaw, and gum something while they are teething. Chewing can help ease the pain, while possibly allowing teeth to emerge sooner than they would without constant chewing. Some babies enjoy chewing on a toothbrush (baby-sized, of course).

You can try wooden block, large wooden beads strung together, or pacifiers for safe teething choices. There are many toys made specifically for teething. Never tie a toy around a child’s neck as this could cause chocking or strangulation. Always wash toys after a baby is doing chewing on them, so they will be clean for a later use.

Babies drool constantly while teething. Gently wipe away drool that runs down onto baby’s chin. Drool can cause a rash and irritation to baby’s sensitive skin.

Homemade teething biscuits provide relief.

The Internet is a wonderful source of information. You can find plenty of free teething biscuit recipes online. By making your own teething biscuit, you know exactly what is in it. Knowing all the ingredients can ensure that what your baby is consuming is healthy and safe.

Store bought herbal remedies.

If you decide that you would rather buy an herbal remedy, then you will soon discover that there are many choices on the market today. Products, such as Gum-omile, use an almond oil base with a small amount of clove oil, willow bark, and chamomile tea. Other common herbs and ingredients used in teething remedies include: aconitum apellus, belladonna, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, chamomile, coffee cruda, ignatia amara, kreosotum, magnesium phosphate, phytolacca decandra, pulsatilla, and silica. There are many holistic remedies available at your local drug or grocery store. Ask a pharmacist for a recommendation when in doubt.

More teething tips.

You may find that a walk outside can help relax your baby. Most babies enjoy the outdoors in mild weather. Whether it is a beautiful sunny day or a light breeze is blowing by, babies find walks to be calming.

Remember to provide lots of love, cuddling, and hugs during this frustrating time. Babies are often scared from this new pain. A little love can go a long way in helping your baby feel safe.

A baby that continues to cry uncontrollably and is not comforted by any of the above remedies may have a separate health issue. Contact your health care provider to alert them of any issues that do not seem to be related to teething.