Babies start teething when their teeth begin pushing through their gums, which can be uncomfortable, painful, and make them fussy and irritable. Let’s explore some expert-approved remedies to soothe your baby’s gums.

Teething symptoms

• Increased biting/chewing

• Fussiness

• Increased salivation/drooling

• Gum-rubbing

• Sleep disturbances

• Loss of appetite

7 teething remedies for babies

Always supervise your baby while using these methods:

1. Massage gums: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger to provide relief.

2. Offer cold objects: A cold teething ring, chilled (not frozen) washcloth, or cold spoon can help soothe their sore gums and ease irritation.

3. Offer teething toys: BPA-free teething toys give babies a safe way to chew and ease discomfort.

4. Try breastfeeding: Nursing can offer comfort and relief during teething

5. Provide distraction:  Engaging activities or toys can help take your baby’s focus off the pain.

6. Offer chilled solid foods: If your baby (6+ months) has started solids, cold purees or yogurt can be soothing.

7. Administer medication: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies 6+ months) as needed for pain relief.

Teething remedies to avoid

Some teething remedies can be unsafe for babies. Here are a few to avoid:

• Topical anesthetics: Numbing creams or teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine can cause serious side effects, including methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening blood condition.

• Teething tablets and gels: Teething tablets and teething gels can have unsafe ingredients, like belladonna or alcohol, and can also pose a choking risk.

• Teething necklaces or bracelets: These pose a choking and strangulation hazard and are not recommended.

• Homeopathic remedies: Their safety and effectiveness are not well-established, and they may contain harmful ingredients.

• Unapproved pain relievers: Avoid medications not approved by your pediatrician, such as aspirin, which can be dangerous for infants.

• Sugary substances: Products containing sucrose can contribute to tooth decay and should be avoided.

How to soothe a teething baby at night

If your baby is struggling with teething pain at night, try these soothing methods:

• Offer a chilled teething ring to help numb sore gums.

• Gently massage their gums with a clean finger.

• Breastfeed or offer a bottle to provide comfort and help the baby settle down for the night.

• If your baby is in significant discomfort, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to consult your pediatrician

Contact your local or Summer Health pediatrician if your baby experiences:

• A high fever

• Extreme irritability that cannot be soothed

• Difficulty feeding

• Signs of dehydration (chapped lips, no tears, poor feeding)

• Symptoms that persist or worsen

If you have questions about teething, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.