Alleviate Teething Symptoms without Medications

Teething time is a difficult time for both babies and parents. Between the lack of sleep and the crying, no one is happy. Most babies begin teething around the age of six months, although every child is different. Recently there has been a discussion regarding the use of medicated teething aids, they should be avoided.  So how do you alleviate teething symptoms without medications?

The FDA has updated its guidelines to say that we shouldn’t be giving babies frozen items like frozen teething rings. If a teething ring is too hard, it can damage their gums. Instead, give them something made out of firm rubber, it can be cold, just not frozen. Avoid teethers which are filled with freezable liquid, if they chew too hard, the liquid can break and can be ingested. Also, avoid teethers that go around a baby’s neck, those can pose a strangulation hazard.

Massage their gums if they appear to be swollen. They can also chew on a clean, cold washcloth. And if they’re eating solid foods already have them eat some cold applesauce or yogurt. For children that are already drinking from sippy cups, offer them a low flow sippy cup filled with cold liquid, such as water. Not only will this help keep their gums cool, but it will offer some comfort. Stay away from sugary substances, this can damage the teeth that are trying to make their way through the gums.

Be sure to clean all washcloths, toys, teethers, and cups after each use. If your baby wants to chew all day long, let them go at it! It’s keeping them happy, and helping those teeth come out!

Keep a wash cloth handy to wipe up the drool, they don’t need to become more uncomfortable by having a rash on their chin or chest on top of the sore mouth.