The top methods used for baby teething relief and aids

Teething is not an easy phase for babies and parents as well, teething varies from baby to baby, it usually starts when they’re about 6 months but it could begin as early as 3 months in some cases. Although it varies widely, there are certain symptoms and tell signs that will hint you on what’s going on with your little munchkin. Your baby becomes irritable and cranky, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, sore and sensitive gums, constant chewing and sometimes fever and rashes around the mouth and neck. This is always a difficult time for parents, as they’re looking for the best and most effective way to relieve their baby’s pain. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top methods that can be used to provide relief to a teething baby.

Ice is generally used to reduce swelling and numb the pain of an injured area, so too will cold food or fruit provide relief to a teething baby. You can refrigerate natural and safe foods like carrots or cucumber slices and give your baby to chew on. Cold foods like yogurt or applesauce, breast milk, teething biscuits, and fruits are a great way to soothe your baby's sensitive gums. They could be given for him to chew directly on or they can be put in mesh teething feeder so they don’t break into pieces and become a choking hazard.

Gently rubbing your babies aching gums is one of the most recommended methods by pediatricians to relieve pain from teething. Simply use a clean fingertip or moistened gauze pad to massage your baby's gums until they feel relief. In the beginning, it will be uncomfortable for your little one but as you proceed it will feel better. 

Teething gives babies the urge to chew on something, teething rings, beads and toys give your baby something to chew safely. This will ease their discomfort and distract them from the pain. To soothe your babies gums even further, chill these objects in the fridge before giving it to them. Never freeze teething rings and toys because they become too hard when frozen and can cause even more damage to your child's already sore gums.
For those who don’t have teething toys and rings, well no worries neither did our grandmothers, you can freeze a wet washcloth, put it in a ziplock bag and give your baby to chew on. Another option is to chill a pacifier or a spoon and give your baby to chew away at will.

Some of the best remedies to soothe a teething baby are natural products, there are a lot of controversies around prescription medication and pharmaceutical products for babies when they're teething.  To be on the safe side, it's sometimes best to keep it natural and organic as much as you can. Unless your baby is in severe pain or has a high fever. Here are some natural products found in our kitchens that could help ease the pain of a teething baby with just a little creativity.

According to Pediatric specialists at the University of Michigan, it is recommended to use homeopathic chamomile to soothe and relax a teething baby. Chamomile tablets could be crushed to a powder or chamomile tea bags can be prepared and administered in ways that are safe and effective for your baby. Chamomile is naturally calming and helps relax nerves and soothes the pain. Make a light tea and freeze it into ice-cubes, wrap the cubes in a cloth and give your baby to gnaw on until it melts. 

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Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to relieve pain by soothing the nerve endings. It will reduce the pain in the gums during teething. All you have to do is peel a slice of fresh ginger and rub it over your baby's gums for 2-3 minutes. Although not all babies may appreciate the taste of ginger!

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Teething rings and toys also provide much-needed relief to the gums when a baby is teething. They’re made of firm rubber or organic wood. Always make sure they’re bite-proof and won’t break under pressure. A good example is soft silicone teething toys, they’re easy to hold and are shaped in a way that allows them to reach right to the back of the gums.

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Cloves are also an amazing home remedy for aching gums that are a result of teething, cloves contain oils that have warming and numbing properties. Make a paste with ground cloves, a little bit of water, coconut oil, or unsalted butter, and chill in the fridge then rub it on your baby’s gums.

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Chewing on a toothbrush is not just soothing to your baby’s gums but also prepares them for good dental hygiene as they get used to having a brush in their mouth. A soft toothbrush gives their gums a nice massage and they can hold it on their own.

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This is a self-soothing teether and a teething pain relief toy, that prevents scratches and the spread of germs. These gloves stay on your baby's hand until you take it off. They’re unisex and are suitable for babies from 3- 12 months.

A homeopathic remedy, with Chamomilla as the main active ingredient, that relieves irritability. It contains Coffea Cruda and Belladonna which reduces inflammation. In large doses, Belladonna is known to be toxic, so talk to your pediatrician before using this product.

Prescription medications are an alternative and a solution to extreme cases. If your baby is in pain or has a mild fever, you may want to give them painkilling medicine that's specifically for babies and young children. They usually are sugar-free and contain a small dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Always speak to your GP or pharmacist and follow the instructions that come with the medicine. There are also over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, children’s Tylenol, children's Advil, Children's Motrin, and many others that might help. Avoid homeopathic teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine or lidocaine. They can be harmful or even fatal to your baby.

A good and safe example of prescribed medication for baby teething relief is Camilia .This product contains Chamomile which provides pain and irritability relief, poke to soothe sore gums, and Chinese Rhubarb to help with diarrhea that is sometimes associated with teething.

To find the satisfaction, you could opt for more than one of the above-mentioned remedies. Alternate them until you find out what works best for your baby and after soothing your baby, a warm bath is a perfect way to help relax their body while providing a welcome distraction that will take the minds of their pain and help them sleep comfortably.

And as soon as the first tooth emerges, you have to start taking care of it, by brushing it twice a day with just water. Milk and water are the two most tooth-friendly drinks for babies so make sure you capitalize on them as opposed to sweet drinks and fruit juice.  With these tips, your baby’s teething time will go by with less pain and suffering and your little one is guaranteed to grow with strong and healthy teeth to chew and bite their way through life.