Baby teething remedies: safe, simple ways to ease pain
Teething can wreck sleep and make your baby fussy. You don't need fancy products to help—small, safe steps work best. This guide gives quick, practical remedies you can try at home and clear warnings on what to avoid.
Fast, safe remedies you can do right now
Try these first—they're low-risk and many parents find them very effective:
- Chilled (not frozen) teething ring: Cold dulls pain. Pop a soft silicone teether in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, then give it to your baby. Never leave a frozen teether or icy object that can burn gums.
- Cold washcloth: Wet a clean cloth, twist it, chill it briefly, and let your baby chew under supervision. The texture plus cold helps a lot.
- Gum massage: Wash your hands and rub your baby's gums gently with a clean finger. Pressure eases pain and is calming.
- Teething mitts: If your baby chews fists, a silicone teething mitt sticks to their hand and gives safe relief while they gnaw.
- Soft cold foods (for older babies): If they're already on solids, cold mashed banana or yogurt can soothe gums—watch for choking and food allergies.
Medicines and safety tips
If home remedies aren't enough, medicine can help—but use it cautiously. For babies under 3 months, call a doctor before giving anything. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is commonly used for infants; ibuprofen may be ok from 6 months on—always check dosing with your pediatrician or the medicine label.
Avoid these risky options: benzocaine gels (they can cause rare but serious blood problems), homoeopathic teething tablets (some were recalled for safety), and amber necklaces (choking and strangulation risk). Also skip unregulated herbal mixes—ingredients and doses vary.
Watch for signs that pain isn't just teething: high fever (over 100.4°F/38°C), diarrhea, persistent vomiting, refusal to eat for a long time, severe ear tugging, or a swollen, hot face. Those need prompt medical attention.
Teething timing varies—most babies start around 4–7 months, get a lot of trouble with the first teeth, and then again with molars around 12–24 months. If you’re unsure whether symptoms are teething or something else, call your pediatrician.
Practical tip: keep a small kit by the changing table with chilled teethers, a clean washcloth, and a note of the right medicine dose for your baby's weight. That makes quick relief easier when your baby is cranky and you’re half-asleep.
Teething is temporary. With safe tools, gentle care, and a pediatrician’s advice when needed, you can get your baby — and yourself — through it with less stress.
