Teething can be an uncomfortable process, and many parents seek advice on how to soothe a teething baby. Luckily, there are many at-home baby-teething remedies that can do the trick. Read on for tips on how to soothe a teething baby, plus what to avoid and how to care for your little one’s new set of choppers!
Teething is a natural process and every baby experiences it. But, on occasion, teething can cause a few uncomfortable symptoms, including ;mild irritability,
occasional crying, low-grade fever (lower than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, excessive drooling, the desire to chew on hard items, swollen and tender gums.
So, what can you give a teething baby to provide comfort and pain relief?
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Here are nine tips on how to soothe a teething baby and manage any troublesome symptoms at home, along with following the advice of your little one’s healthcare provider.
Chilled Fruit
Once you’ve introduced your baby to solid foods, which typically occurs around 6 months, you can help soothe those sore gums with a tasty snack of chilled mashed bananas, applesauce, strawberries, melon, or other soft fruits.
Cool Washcloth
If you’re wondering what can help a teething baby, it doesn’t get simpler than this remedy! Take a clean washcloth and submerge it in water, wring it out until just damp, and place it in the fridge on a clean surface. Once cool, fold it and give to your baby to chew on, which may help relieve those sore gums.
Cool Metal Spoon
What’s good for teething and something you have laying around the house? Spoons! Grab a small, metal spoon from your kitchen drawer and put it in the fridge. When the spoon is cool, gently rub the curved side against your baby’s gums.
4.) Chilled, Non-Gel Teething Toy:
If you’re reading this list in full, perhaps you’ve noticed a trend: cold things. Soothing your baby’s gums with something cold (but not frozen) turns out to be one of the best strategies for easing teething pain. If your baby has a trusty teething toy made of rubber, you can place it in the fridge. Allow it to cool before handing it to your baby, taking care to keep it clean.
Gum Massage
For pain relief, one of the best teething remedies is gentle gum massage. After washing your hands, use your fingers to carefully rub your baby’s gums with gentle, circular motions. Your baby might instinctively start to suck or chew on your fingers, and that’s OK, too!
Warm Bath
Sometimes, how to soothe a teething baby goes beyond the gums. Give your little one a warm, relaxing bath. It can soothe their body and may also be a fun distraction from discomfort.
Wiping The Drool
One of the main signs of teething is drooling, which can lead to drool rash. Help protect your baby’s skin and clothes with soft bibs, which you can then use to wipe your baby’s chin, keeping their face clean and dry!
Cuddles
Make sure your baby gets lots of snuggling and hugs. Sometimes, the biggest comfort for a teething baby can be cuddle time with you. Pick a comfortable chair and rock your baby gently. This will provide some quiet time for hugs and comfort, while also giving you both some much-needed rest.
Baby Teething Medicine
If you’re concerned that your baby’s teething discomfort can’t be soothed by any of the above methods, consult your little one’s healthcare provider for advice on using pain relief medication or baby teething medicine. Some parents naturally wonder about using medicines like baby acetaminophen for teething. This is the perfect question to ask your child’s healthcare provider, who can recommend the best over-the-counter-medication and make sure the correct dosage is used.
Baby teething pain can strike at any time, including at night when your little one is sleeping. If your teething baby is waking up at night, you may be searching for ways to soothe pain while sleeping. Though there aren’t any distinct techniques for how to soothe a teething baby at night versus during the day, some of the tips mentioned above work well as part of your baby’s bedtime routine. Here’s what to include:
Bedtime bath. A warm, relaxing bath can help your little one settle down and fall asleep, especially when they’re feeling some discomfort from teething.
Nighttime cuddles. Before putting your baby down for the night, do some cuddling and rocking. This is calming for babies at any time but could be especially helpful at bedtime to prepare for sleep while soothing any discomforts.
Massage. As your little one drifts off to sleep, use your clean fingers to massage their gums. You might even see your baby nodding off with this technique!
Cool washcloth. Before bed, let your baby suck on a cool, clean washcloth. The soothing effect can help relieve any discomfort as your little one gets sleepy.