Whether you have a Molar Monster or a Tyrannosaurus Teether, chances are you have already had many sleepless nights, a few crying jags, a clinging crabby baby, and possibly even a bite mark or two. There are so many old teething tips for baby out there, each seeming more ridiculous then the next. I have been told to rub alcohol on my baby’s gums, or even to give him a stick of beef jerky. While I haven’t tried the previous two suggestions, nor do I intend to, but I have tried more than my fair share of teething remedies. Here are my favorite teething tips for baby.
- Ice Chips or Frozen Fruit: Be sure that the chips are small enough that they won’t choke on then. You can freeze a small amount of water in your ice trays if you don’t have a crushed ice dispenser. Squish also really enjoys frozen fruit. Pears are a favorite, but I have pretty much done it all. You can use a mesh feeder, or if you have an older toddler, try cutting it into small pieces and then freezing.
- Stuffed Animals: Squish has a handful of small stuffed animals that always seem to be in his mouth. Poor animals; I bet they didn’t think they would have their faces eaten when they were purchased!
- Clove Oil: Clove Oil (I recommend Young Living clove oil as it is extremely high quality and therapeutic grade) is a natural remedy that numbs your babies’ gums without all the chemicals. Be sure to dilute it very well with a little bit of edible oil, such as almond or olive oils, so that the clove oil isn’t as intense. We use a q-tip and apply it directly to the area needing pain relief. Applying it without diluting it will burn and can cause blisters. I dilute mine by using 2T of carrier oil and 1 drop of clove. I mix it well and dip a q-tip in the mixture than I and apply it to the specific location and as such am not worried about it. Additionally DO NOT dilute with water as water makes oils stronger. **
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets/Gel: I don’t know if this works, or if it just distracts, but either way I will take it. They have been slightly controversial due to one of the main ingredients. But as long as you follow the directions, the chances of issues are slim. UPDATE: These were recalled – so ignore this tip… Thanks Hyland’s 🙁
- Amber Necklaces: According to www.amber-teething-necklaces.com “Amber is a natural analgesic and when worn on the skin, it releases healing oils that helps babies and young children to stay calm and more relaxed throughout teething. Amber necklaces are a great natural remedy and can eliminate the need for over the counter drugs.” The jury is still out on this one for me, but I finally gave in and ordered one so I will let you know what I think of it later!
- Teething Necklaces:Unlike the Amber teething necklaces, these are intended to be worn by mom. They are made of rubber and most are stylish. Often times my teething necklace was mistaken for regular jewelry. I really like www.smartmomjewelry.com. Squish loves these necklaces, especially when he was smaller. Now he usually rips it right off of me, but it has a breakaway clasp so this isn’t really an issue.
- Frozen Washcloths: This is an oldie, but goodie. Try tying your washcloth in a knot, and dipping one end in water, and then freezing it. This will give your baby a dry warm place to hold onto, while the cold part goes in to relieve the pain.
- Wooden Teethers:I don’t know why these work, but I have heard that they really do. We have no personal experience with this. Just make sure you purchase an actual baby safe product. Splinters would not help the situation.
- Orajel:We aren’t a super fan of this here. Especially after Squish figured out how to twist the cap off. Talk about a scare. It seems just to easy to give too much of this. We have officially switched to clove oil, but in a pinch this may help you through the night.
- Your finger: If you really have no other option, you can let your little one nibble on your finger, but beware; the more teeth your child gets, the less likely this will be an option, unless that is you don’t mind losing a digit!
I hope my tips will maybe provide you with at least one less minute of tears, and one more minute of sleep. At the very least these have to be better than sticking a hunk of beef jerky in your babies mouth, or rubbing some whiskey on their gums… What’s next a toddler sized shot glass?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
**Just a note on the clove oil. It has been said that children under the age of 2 should not use clove oil unless recommended by a health care provider. As with any new introduction your child should be supervised for a reaction. Our doctor approved our use. I am a mother – these work for me. I know several other mothers who have used it too. However, please talk with your pediatrician and do your research first. I am and have been comfortable using it with our children.
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Home Ceo Mom says
I followed on Google for FollowFriday! 🙂
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Have a great weekend!
Jennie says
Great suggestions. I was just talking to a mom about Amber Teething necklaces today. My little guy is just starting to teeth, so I'm gathering suggestions! Following you from Cloth Diaper Bloggers!
Jennie
CornWarmerz says
My mother-in-law swears by Humphrey's Teething Tablets. Can't remember if they ever actually worked or if I was just desperate to try anything!
Feeling your pain!
misadventuresofamommy.com says
Hi, this is Heather stopping by from A Bloggy Mom BlogHop!
I'll be back again real soon, but in the meantime please come visit my blog too! I'm having a really cute giveaway right now 🙂
Heather
http://misadventuresofamommy.com
Carolina Mama says
Thanks for visiting my blog! 🙂 I love the West too. My husband is a Boulder, CO native. 🙂 Have a great day and I'll see ya on Twitter!
Hannah says
Wyatt is teething right now, I think he is getting his 2yr molars in! He is constantly chewing on stuff. I have the hylands teething tabs and I have been giving him ice chips too. He is obsessed with them LOL. I hope things get easier for both of us LOL! Teething sucks!
Lolo @ Crazy About My Baybah says
Congrats on being featured on Stalker Saturday! Great advice!
adriel, from the mommyhood memos says
this is a great post! levi just cut his second tooth and i love all your tips. have not seen the teething necklaces, but what a great idea! i've been working on a teething post as well… and when it's ready to publish i'll link up with this one! love it!
Bobbie Jo says
Its always good to read what works for other mommies out there. Thanks for taking the time to do this post. I am curious about the outcome of #5? Sorry if this has already been acknowledged in the comments.
Anon says
Clove oil is not supposed to be used in children under 2. And really most essential oils are not supposed to be taken internally at all. Pinterest is overridden with people suggesting the use of clove oil in babies! Only oils really suggested for EXTERNAL use in babies is lavender and camomile and I believe a few citeus oils. Clove oil is very strong even when using a carrier oil.
Emily says
Thank you for your comment Stephanie. We dilute our clove oil really well and apply specifically with a q-tip. It’s just enough to numb the area and not burn or even swallow. I realize people have different thoughts on how to use essential oils. We use Young Living and personally I feel very comfortably ingesting them myself as an adult. My pediatrician and pediatric dentist both approved the use of clove oil for us, but I think you are right in the fact that parents should obviously do their own research prior to giving their child anything.
Emily says
I did however, update with a note for those who are unfamiliar with clove oil. Thank you.