While every baby develops on their own timeline, teething often begins by 6 – 12 months of age and lasts through toddler-dom. While it’s challenging to see our kids in pain, a non-medical solution can often do the trick. Here are a variety of all natural options to bring some relief to your household.

Prevent infection and rash.

Run a clean, soft cloth over your baby’s gums after feedings. This will help keep food particles and bacteria from settling into your baby’s sometimes-raw gums. Additionally, the excess drool that your baby may be producing – from gnawing and dribbling – can lead to a facial rash. We recommend keeping your baby’s face wiped clean of excess drool.

Light, physical pressure.

You can use a clean finger, wet cloth, or gauze to rub your baby’s gums as teeth begin to emerge.

Chilled – not frozen – pressure.

Parents have used cold spoons or teething rings. Be careful that the object is not a choking hazard and is not too cold, and be sure to supervise your children during use. If you are trying to encourage your baby to take the product, we advise against dipping it in a sugary substance, but you could instead try chilled fruit, breast milk, or formula.

Breast milk Ice Cream.

Vanessa Case, a holistic nutritionist at Our Natural Connection, provides this recipe. You’ll need “one cup of breast milk, four cups of ice, a dash of salt and two containers… Put the breast milk into the smaller container, seal tightly. Place it into the larger container and fill that with ice. Use the salt to sprinkle on top of the ice to lower the melting point. Shake the container and freeze to set.”

Frozen breast milk or formula in a baby feeder.

Pour breast milk or formula into an ice cube tray. We recommend using a baby feeder or teething mesh for the comfort of your baby. As your baby gets older, they will be able to hold the handle of many baby feeders, which are similar to a flavored pacifier.

Frozen fruits or vegetables.

Remove the peels and seeds before freezing, as these can prevent a choking hazard. Put frozen chunks inside of the a mesh baby feeder and watch your baby gnaw away happily.
Do you have another remedy to share?