Teething can be a tough time for both babies and parents. As new teeth push through your baby’s gums, it often leads to discomfort, irritability, and sleepless nights. While teething is a natural part of development, the pain it causes can be overwhelming for your little one. Understanding how to soothe a teething baby can provide relief and comfort, making this phase a little easier for both of you.
In this blog, we’ll explore various tried-and-tested methods to help ease your baby’s teething pain. From chilled teething rings to gentle gum massages and comforting routines, these tips can offer your baby the relief they need while also helping you feel more equipped to manage the teething process with confidence.
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How To Soothe A Teething Baby? 10 Tips
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, but it often brings discomfort, irritability, and sleepless nights. As a parent, seeing your little one in distress can be challenging, but the right care and remedies can make the process smoother for both of you. Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips to help soothe a teething baby.
1. Massage Your Baby’s Gums
A simple gum massage can provide immediate relief by alleviating the pressure caused by erupting teeth.
- How to Do It: Ensure your hands are clean to avoid introducing bacteria to your baby’s sensitive gums. Gently press down and rub along the areas where you notice swelling or teeth trying to break through.
- Variations to Try:
- Use a chilled, clean finger for added soothing benefits.
- Alternatively, wrap a clean, damp washcloth around your finger to provide a soft texture that babies might enjoy chewing on.
- Why It Works: The counterpressure from your finger can reduce the throbbing sensation and distract your baby from the discomfort.
2. Offer A Teething Ring
Teething rings are a staple for managing teething discomfort. They provide something safe and satisfying for babies to chew on.
- Choosing the Right Teething Ring:
- Material: BPA-free silicone teething rings are soft, non-toxic, and durable.
- Textured Surface: Look for rings with ridges or bumps, as these can massage the gums more effectively.
- Temperature: Place the teething ring in the refrigerator to make it cool but not frozen, as an overly hard surface could bruise the gums.
- Extra Tip: Some teething rings come filled with water or gel, which can stay cooler for longer. Ensure the material is leak-proof and safe.
3. Provide Cold Treats
Cold temperatures work as a natural anesthetic to numb the discomfort in teething gums.
- Options for Non-Solid Eaters:
- Chilled (not frozen) damp washcloths. You can twist the washcloth into a stick-like shape before refrigerating it for easy handling.
- Breastmilk or formula frozen in small portions in a baby-safe feeder.
- Options for Babies on Solids:
- Refrigerated slices of soft fruits like bananas, pears, or cucumbers. Place them in a mesh feeder to avoid choking hazards.
- Cold yogurt or purees served directly from the refrigerator.
- Caution: Avoid giving anything too cold or sharp, as it could damage the baby’s delicate gums.
4. Use Teething Toys
Teething toys are specially designed to soothe sore gums and can double as a source of sensory stimulation for babies.
- Choosing the Right Teething Toy:
- Opt for toys that are lightweight and easy for small hands to grip.
- Ensure they are free of small parts that could break off and pose a choking hazard.
- Look for toys with different textures, such as soft ridges or knobs, to massage the gums.
- Cooling Teething Toys: Many teething toys can be chilled in the refrigerator to provide additional soothing. Avoid putting them in the freezer, as excessively hard surfaces can hurt the gums.
- Pro Tip: Keep a couple of teething toys on hand so your baby always has a clean one to use when needed.
5. Apply Teething Gel Or Balm
Teething gels and balms are widely used to provide temporary relief for babies. They typically contain mild numbing agents such as chamomile or clove oil.
- How to Apply:
- Apply a small amount of teething gel directly onto your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the gel is safe for babies under a certain age (usually under 6 months).
- Important Tip: Avoid gels containing benzocaine or other harsh chemicals, as they can cause unwanted side effects, especially in young babies.
- Why It Works: The mild numbing effect temporarily soothes the inflamed area, providing comfort for your baby. However, it’s important to use these gels sparingly.
6. Offer A Frozen Breast Milk Popsicle
For babies who are breastfed, using breast milk to create frozen treats is an excellent way to combine soothing coldness with the comfort of familiar taste.
- How to Make It:
- Express a little breast milk and freeze it in ice cube trays or popsicle molds.
- Use a mesh feeder or a teething toy designed to hold small amounts of food or liquid.
- Why It Works: The cold temperature reduces swelling, while the breast milk provides a comforting, familiar taste and added hydration. Plus, the act of sucking on a frozen treat can help massage sore gums.
7. Keep Baby Distracted & Comforted
Distraction is one of the best ways to take your baby’s mind off teething discomfort. While babies cannot fully articulate their pain, they are excellent at being soothed with comfort and attention.
- Ways to Distract:
- Play gentle games like peek-a-boo to keep them engaged.
- Offer a favorite toy or sing their favorite lullabies to calm them down.
- Use a baby carrier or stroller to soothe them with gentle motion.
- Why It Works: Distraction takes the baby’s focus away from the teething pain. Emotional comfort and closeness can provide immense relief as well.
8. Use A Warm Bath
A warm bath can be both soothing and relaxing for teething babies, especially in helping them calm down before bedtime.
- How to Do It:
- Fill the tub with warm (not hot) water and let your baby sit in it while you gently bathe them.
- Add a few drops of baby-safe lavender oil to the water to increase relaxation.
- Why It Works: The warm water soothes the baby’s muscles and can relax them, providing relief from the tension that might build up from discomfort. It also helps calm them before bed, making it easier to sleep despite the teething pain.
9. Provide Pain Relief Medication
When the teething pain becomes overwhelming and other methods are not enough, pain relief medication can offer short-term relief.
- Consult the Pediatrician: Always consult your baby’s pediatrician before giving any pain relief medication, even over-the-counter options.
- Medication Options:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) are commonly recommended by pediatricians for babies above 6 months.
- Dosage: Make sure to follow your doctor’s guidance on the right dosage for your baby’s age and weight.
- Why It Works: These medications can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, allowing your baby to feel more comfortable for a period of time. However, they should only be used when necessary and not as a long-term solution.
10. Keep Baby’s Mouth Clean & Dry
Excess drooling is common during teething, which can lead to irritated skin around your baby’s mouth. Preventing this can reduce discomfort and keep your baby feeling more comfortable.
- How to Do It:
- Gently wipe away drool using a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation or rashes.
- Apply a baby-safe moisturizer around the mouth to protect sensitive skin from the constant moisture.
- Change bibs or clothing frequently to keep your baby dry.
- Why It Works: By keeping the mouth clean and dry, you can reduce the risk of discomfort and rashes caused by excessive drooling. Moisturizing the skin also ensures that the baby’s skin remains soft and protected from chafing.
Related: Does Teething Cause Diarrhea In Toddlers: Is There A Link?
What To Do When Baby Is Teething And Won’t Stop Crying
Teething can be an overwhelming experience for both babies and parents, especially when the discomfort leads to persistent crying. If your baby won’t stop crying while teething, it’s essential to try various soothing methods to ease their discomfort. Start by checking for other causes of crying, such as hunger or a wet diaper, before focusing on teething relief.
Offering a chilled teething ring or toy, massaging your baby’s gums gently, or giving them a cold washcloth can provide immediate relief. Distractions like singing, rocking, or offering a favorite toy can help shift your baby’s focus away from the pain.
For more comfort, try applying a mild, pediatrician-approved teething gel or offering soft, cold foods if your baby is eating solids. If these methods aren’t enough, pain relief medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, under the guidance of a pediatrician, can be considered.
Additionally, creating a calming bedtime routine can help your baby relax and fall asleep despite the discomfort. With patience, a mix of soothing strategies, and consulting your pediatrician when needed, teething will eventually pass, and your baby will feel better.
Related: Newborn Not Pooping But Passing Gas: Is It Normal?
When To See A Pediatrician?
In most cases, the discomfort associated with teething is manageable with home remedies, such as chilled teething rings or gentle gum massages. However, if your baby’s symptoms seem severe or persist beyond a typical teething timeline, it may be time to consult a pediatrician.
If your baby experiences high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting alongside teething symptoms, these could indicate a more serious issue unrelated to teething, and a pediatrician’s advice is needed.
Additionally, if your baby’s teething causes significant difficulty with eating or drinking, leads to excessive drooling or rashes, or if you notice swollen gums that do not improve after several days, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Your pediatrician can help rule out other potential causes of discomfort and offer guidance on managing your baby’s teething symptoms safely and effectively.
Related: Toddler Dry Cough: Common Causes And Symptoms
FAQs
1. How Can I Help My Baby With Teething Pain?
You can soothe teething pain by offering chilled teething rings, massaging your baby’s gums, and using teething gels or pain-relief medications under pediatric guidance.
2. How Can I Help My Teething Baby Settle?
To help your teething baby settle, try providing distractions, holding or rocking them, and establishing a calming bedtime routine to ease discomfort.
3. Why Is Teething Worse At Night?
Teething pain can worsen at night due to the absence of distractions and the baby’s tiredness, which makes them more sensitive to discomfort.
4. How Long Does Teething Fussiness Last?
Teething fussiness usually lasts for a few days to a week per tooth, but the overall teething process can last from 6 months to 2 years.
5. When Is Teething Pain The Worst?
Teething pain tends to be most intense when the teeth are about to break through the gums, especially during the eruption of the first molars.
6. Does Breastfeeding Help With Teething?
Breastfeeding can comfort and soothe a teething baby, providing emotional support and familiar comfort during the painful teething phase.
7. What Not To Do During Teething?
Avoid using numbing gels with benzocaine or giving hard foods that could be choking hazards. Also, never freeze teething rings, as they can be too harsh on your baby’s delicate gums.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while teething can be a challenging phase for both you and your baby, there are plenty of ways to offer relief and comfort. By using soothing techniques like chilled teething rings, gentle gum massages, or offering soft, cold foods, you can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort.
Remember, each baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for your little one. If teething symptoms become severe or persistent, don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician for additional guidance. With patience and the right tools, your baby will soon move past this stage, and you’ll both feel more confident managing teething in the future.
Related: Why Is My Baby’s Head Hot But Body Cold? Know What It Means
