As a new parent, there are few things more exasperating than when your baby starts teething. The process of cutting brand new teeth is painful for little ones, and it causes more drooling, tears, and fussiness than you probably ever bargained for.
With all the chemicals in our world today, parents often struggle to keep their baby’s lives natural and pure. Homeopathic remedies for babies are very safe. There’s often no need to introduce man-made pharmaceuticals into their systems for mild conditions. For teething, it’s best to avoid administering pain relieving medications that contain benzocaine because these drugs have been linked to a condition that reduces oxygen in the blood.
So, with all that in mind, here are some safe and natural ways to help ease your baby’s teething pain and keep everyone a little happier and healthier at home.
Frozen Washcloth
Cold is your best friend when your baby is teething. Partially freeze a wet washcloth and let your little one chew on it. This is an easy way to numb the pain and safer than letting your baby put a cold spoon in his mouth. Homemade popsicles with low sugar can also be a fun treat while teething.
Gum Massage
Nothing feels better to you than a soothing massage when something hurts, right? This same principle applies to babies when they are teething! Simply wash your hands and let your baby gnaw on your knuckle for a little bit. Gentle pressure on the gums can help relieve some of the pain of teething and comfort your little one. But if teeth are already coming through, your finger could be in for some pain of its own!
Silicone and Wooden Teethers
When you can’t stand the pain of your baby’s mouth any more, perhaps it’s time to invest in some teethers. Avoid plastic and latex teethers since these can contain harmful chemicals. Instead, choose silicon teething rings from trusted brands or even wooden teethers if those don’t work. Sometimes the natural textures of smooth, safe wood are more soothing to babies than synthetic toys.
Chamomile
Chamomile is known as a calming type of tea, and surprisingly, it’s great for teething babies too. As long as the tea has no caffeine, it may help your baby relax and feel less pain. You can make a very weak tea and freeze it into ice cube trays, or make a DIY chamomile tincture to rub into baby’s gums. Other herbal remedies that parents have used during teething are rosehips and cloves.
Amber Teething Necklaces
Amber teething necklaces have become incredibly popular in certain parts of the country, based upon the belief that amber is energized by body heat and releases an oil that is naturally anti-inflammatory. There’s a lot of debate as to whether these actually necklaces work or if they’re just pretty, yet lots of parents swear by them. If you give the necklaces a try, just make sure you’re getting pure amber and remove the necklace before your baby sleeps.
Diet Adjustments
The foods that you feed your baby can also affect how much pain is felt during the teething process. Stick to anti-inflammatory foods, like fruits and vegetables, rather than foods with refined sugars and flour. It is also recommended to continue breastfeeding during teething because breast milk provides your baby with antibodies to boost the immune system. By serving whole foods for meals and snacks, you can also help balance your baby’s blood sugar, which helps keep inflammation down as well.
Homeopathic Olive Leaf Throat spray
Seagate Olive Leaf Throat Spray can also be very soothing to the child’s mouth. The raspberry-spearmint flavored version is particularly effective. Children love the taste. It will sooth and protect their gums.
Is there a natural remedy that well worked for your baby during the teething process? Share your tips for other parents to read and try in the comment section below.