How I Treat Teething Naturally (And Calm Baby Fast)

Signs Your Baby Is Teething

How can you tell if your baby’s fussy behavior is due to teething? Your little one’s discomfort often starts around 4-6 months old, though some babies begin earlier.

Look for excessive drooling, chewing on everything, swollen gums, and increased irritability – especially at night. You’ll notice your baby rubbing their face, pulling their ears, and having trouble sleeping.

Before trying teething baby remedies, confirm these symptoms. Watch for a slight fever, changes in eating habits, and red cheeks.

Your baby might also refuse solid foods but want to nurse more frequently. A natural approach to soothing starts with recognizing these early signs.

Natural Teething Remedies From the Kitchen

Your kitchen holds some of nature’s most effective remedies for soothing your teething baby’s discomfort.

Cold foods like frozen fruit in a mesh feeder or chilled cucumber slices can naturally numb sore gums, while healing herbs and spices such as chamomile tea (cooled) or a small dab of clove oil mixed with coconut oil can provide gentle relief.

These kitchen-based solutions offer safe, natural alternatives to conventional teething products and work in harmony with your baby’s natural healing process.

Cold Foods Work Magic

Cold foods offer gentle, natural relief for your baby’s sore gums during teething. Try giving your little one chilled fruit purees, like mashed bananas or applesauce. You can freeze organic yogurt into small dots for a soothing snack.

For younger babies, dip a clean washcloth in chamomile tea, twist it, and freeze it. The cold fabric provides a safe, textured surface to gnaw on.

Frozen cucumber slices work well for older infants who can grasp foods.

Always supervise your baby while they’re enjoying cold treats, and ensure food pieces are age-appropriate to prevent choking.

Healing Herbs and Spices

Many traditional herbs and spices from your kitchen cabinet can provide gentle relief for teething babies.

Try chamomile tea, cooled to room temperature, as a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes irritated gums. You can dip a clean cloth in the tea and let your baby gnaw on it, or offer small sips from a cup.

Clove oil’s natural numbing properties make it another effective remedy – just dilute one drop in a tablespoon of coconut oil before applying to gums.

Ginger root tea can reduce inflammation, while vanilla extract offers calming aromatherapy benefits.

Remember to use organic ingredients and introduce one remedy at a time.

Safe Homemade Frozen Treats for Sore Gums

When your little one’s gums need soothing relief, frozen treats can provide natural comfort without harmful chemicals or additives.

You’ll find these simple homemade options both safe and effective for tender gums.

1. Freeze organic chamomile tea in small silicone molds to create soothing ice pops that calm both gums and mood.
2. Blend fresh banana with coconut milk, pour into mesh feeders, and freeze for nutrient-rich teething relief.
3. Create frozen yogurt dots using plain organic yogurt piped onto parchment paper.
4. Fill BPA-free teething rings with coconut water or breast milk before freezing.

Essential Oils and Herbs for Teething Relief

Several gentle essential oils and herbs have provided natural teething comfort for generations of little ones. You’ll find these plant-based remedies can help soothe your baby’s sore gums when used properly and safely diluted.

Essential Oil	Usage Method
Chamomile	Diluted massage
Clove	Gum compress
Lavender	Room diffusion

Always dilute essential oils heavily for babies and consult your pediatrician first. For herbs, try a weak chamomile tea-soaked washcloth or frozen chamomile tea rings. Catnip and fennel tea can also provide gentle relief when used in similar ways.

Gentle Massage Techniques That Work

Along with plant-based remedies, gentle touch can be one of your most powerful tools for easing your baby’s teething discomfort.

You’ll find that mindful massage techniques can help reduce inflammation and provide natural pain relief.

1. Using clean hands, gently press your index finger along baby’s jawline in small circular motions
2. Apply light pressure with your pinky finger directly on swollen gums for 30-60 seconds
3. Softly massage the cheeks in outward strokes from nose to ears to relieve tension
4. Cup your palm under baby’s chin while making small figure-eight movements to soothe lymph nodes

Best Natural Teething Toys and Tools

Natural teething toys offer your baby safe, non-toxic relief while supporting their developmental need to explore through touch and taste.

Opt for organic cotton teething rings, untreated wooden teethers, or pure silicone toys that are free from BPA and phthalates.

Wooden teething toys made from maple, beech, or olive wood provide firm, smooth surfaces that soothe sore gums.

You’ll find Baltic amber necklaces helpful when worn against your baby’s skin, as they release natural oils with pain-relieving properties.

For cool relief, try frozen washcloths or chilled cucumber slices. Just ensure all items are clean and large enough to prevent choking hazards.

Effective Bedtime Strategies During Teething

While teething discomfort can disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns, establishing gentle bedtime routines helps create a calm, soothing environment.

Support your little one’s natural sleep rhythms with these peaceful strategies.

1. Draw a warm bath with chamomile tea added to the water, allowing your baby to soak and relax before bedtime.

2. Give a gentle massage using coconut oil around the jaw and neck area to ease tension.

3. Dim the lights and play soft white noise or calming lullabies.

4. Offer cool teething rings made from natural materials like wood or organic cotton during the final nursing session.

When to Call the Doctor

While natural teething remedies are generally safe, you’ll want to contact your pediatrician if your baby develops a fever over 101°F or shows signs of severe discomfort that natural methods don’t seem to help.

Watch for emergency warning signs including excessive drooling with breathing difficulties, severe diarrhea, or unusual rashes that don’t fade when pressed.

If your little one exhibits prolonged inconsolable crying, lethargy, or refuses to nurse or bottle-feed, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

Serious Symptoms to Watch

Although most teething symptoms can be managed naturally at home, certain warning signs require immediate medical attention. You’ll want to monitor your little one closely and trust your parental instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

1. High fever over 101°F that lasts more than 24 hours
2. Severe diarrhea, dehydration, or refusal to nurse/drink fluids
3. Excessive bleeding around emerging teeth or dark bruising on gums
4. Unusual rashes, swelling, or signs of infection in the mouth

These symptoms aren’t typical teething issues and could indicate a more serious condition that needs professional evaluation.

Emergency Warning Signs

Beyond the typical teething symptoms that require monitoring, certain emergency situations demand immediate medical attention.

Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby shows signs of high fever over 102°F, severe diarrhea, extreme lethargy, or refuses to drink fluids.

Watch for excessive drooling accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you notice unusual swelling, redness, or bleeding around the gums, don’t wait.

Also seek help if your little one experiences seizures or shows signs of dehydration like decreased wet diapers or no tears when crying.

Trust your parental instincts – if something feels seriously wrong, contact your healthcare provider.