Kute Keiki logo
Menu

Top 7 Natural Teething Remedies

natural teething remedies

Article at a Glance:

  • Tend to your baby’s needs in the most natural ways possible, first and foremost
  • Reaching for medicine should not be your first choice in relieving baby teething pain
  • Natural remedies are shown to be more effective than analgesics

Teething is one of those not-so-fun milestones that every baby must endure, which can make growing up hard work!

Your always-cheerful and happy baby can suddenly become inconsolable and fussy when they begin teething. As a parent, it can be frustrating (and heartbreaking) to witness.

To aid your baby from the fuss and discomfort, it might seem like reaching for that baby Tylenol is your only choice — It’s not!

Teething relief options to soothe your teething baby should be as natural as possible. Several studies have shown that gum rubbing and cuddle therapy is more effective than analgesics.

Finding the most effective natural teething remedies may seem challenging at first, but rest assured these efforts will nurture your baby with their health and safety as a first priority.

1.  Breastfeeding

It can be rather intimidating to have your teething baby near your breasts; however, breastfeeding can actually help soothe pain, irritability, and console your baby.

Cuddle therapy is one of the most effective methods of natural teething remedies, in which breastfeeding favors early bonding with baby and staying attuned to your baby’s needs [1].

Most mothers are wary of biting, but this should not be a reason for stopping. Breastfeeding provides babies with the nutrition they need. We know that a well-fed baby is a happy baby.

Breastfeeding also assists in developing the proper structure and alignment of a baby’s teeth and jaw. Because a female’s breast tissue is physiologically proportioned to baby’s mouth, it is considered nature’s perfect source — for a baby’s nutrition and teething development [2].

breastfeeding as natural teething relief for baby

During breastfeeding, babies typically cover their bottom teeth with their tongue which reduces the likelihood of biting. A baby biting your nipple can be for reasons such as a change in position or to slow feeding. If your baby is biting, know that is this is short-term [3].

Paying attention to your baby when they are feeding can prevent them from using your nipples as teethers! One way to prevent biting is by massaging the aching gums with a clean finger before a feeding.

A silicone teething necklace may also be effective in preventing your baby from gnawing at the nips. You can simply wear it every time you breastfeed. Not only will your baby be in the comfort of your arms, but they will also have a teething relief option to soothe those aching gums.

2.  Silicone Teething Toys And Necklaces

When a baby starts teething they tend to put whatever they can in their mouth to relieve their teething pain and discomfort.

Teething toys are designed to make it easier for your little one to grasp and give them something safe to put in their mouth. However, it is important to become aware of the materials used in the potential purchase you will make for your teething baby.

There are many teethers on the market to choose from, with the most common teethers produced from plastic. Plastic contains several different chemicals that are known to be “endocrine-hormone-disruptors.” These chemicals include Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Studies have shown that most baby teethers tend to leach these chemicals, even if there are low concentrations of these chemicals present [4], such as products labeled “BPA-free”. Always check the ingredients used in teething products. This is essential to the development of your child.

Parents are beginning to turn to food-grade silicone baby teething products for their inert and impervious properties. This means that it resists reacting with other chemicals, making it the safest option for your baby.

Silicone is made from Earth’s second most abundant element, Silicon. Its mostly found in the Earth’s crust and is the main mineral component of sand. Silicone is found in common items around your home, especially in your computer. Does Silicon Valley ring a bell?

A favorite teething remedy among mothers is the silicone teething necklace. Not only are they stylish, but they also make great on-the-go teething toy while holding your baby. For the babies that will reach for mommy’s necklace, this is the perfect teething remedy.

A silicone teething necklace is a safe alternative to metals and plastics and has a soft, chewy texture to relieve those teething aches.

3.  Cold Objects

While a baby is teething, their gums will tend to swell and the soreness will be unbearable. Using cooled objects can temporarily numb the pain.

Make sure to know whether a teething object you use can be chilled in the freezer. In most cases, it is NEVER recommended to chill objects in the freezer, especially with plastic teethers.

Plastic teethers tend to expand and deform from the changes in temperature. For water filled teethers, this could cause leakage and for full plastic teethers, a crack or break can damage a child’s gums.

Some teething objects are not able to withstand freezer temperatures and become too hard or stiff for your babies gums. The hardness of these teething objects could lead to damage of sensitive baby gums with bruising or frostbite.

Another reason parents are switching to food-grade silicone teething toys is their ability to withstand freezing temperatures without hardening. Silicone can withstand freezing temperatures up to -58ºF (-50ºC).

There may be some teething relief options around the house that you can use to help soothe your child. Some of these things include:

  • Chill a spoon in the fridge (not freezer). This is effective on bare gums before tooth eruption.
  • Mesh bag feeders with frozen fruit such as bananas or strawberries. (For ages 6mo+)
  • Moistened and chilled, clean wash cloth. Babies love the texture!
  • Chilled silicone teething toys (Fridge and freezer safe)

4.  Baltic Amber Teething Necklace

Baltic Amber teething necklaces are made of Baltic Amber which contain a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and sedative, succinic acid.

The succinic acid is absorbed through the skin when it is worn by your baby, providing the natural pain relief.

Not only can Baltic Amber help ease teething pain, it can also help boost the immune system and reduce anxiety. This is a favorite natural teething remedy recommended by many parents.

A Baltic amber teething necklace is normally worn as a necklace or anklet. Most Baltic amber neckalces fit snug, which babies tend to forget they are wearing them!

Another great aspect of Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces is that there is a knot between each bead. In this case, if the necklace breaks, each bead is secured to the string protecting your baby from swallowing any loose beads.

Always supervise your baby when wearing a Baltic Amber teething necklace and never let them chew on it.

wearing Baltic Amber teething necklace as natural teething remedy

5.  Lowering Inflammation

Preventing and lowering inflammation is key to helping your teething baby, as inflamed gums can cause pain by stimulating certain nerves.

Inflammation of gums can lead to elevated temperatures in your child (below 100ºF), however, it is important to recognize that fevers, or higher temperatures, are not caused by teething. If your child has a fever, make sure to contact your pediatrician for a proper diagnosis.

Eat Health Supporting Foods

If you are still breastfeeding, focus yourself onto a low-inflammation diet. Remember, the diet that you have is also supplying nutrients to your baby. In their first 6 months, breastfeeding provides the most essential nutrients for healthy development [2].

If your baby has started eating solid foods, then have both your diets focus on a whole and plant-based foods. This includes a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole eggs, different pasture-raised meats, wild caught seafood, and healthy fats, such as avocados, butter, olive oil, and coconut.

You can also practice baby-led weaning once your child begins eating solid foods, which will give them autonomy in choosing their own food.

Kute Keiki advocates high quality of food, in which we promote sustainable, organic food practices. We believe this quality not only affects the environment, but also affects the long term health of every person.

Avoid Inflammation Causing Foods

Processed foods and snacks are made with certain ingredients that cause inflammation and should be avoided or decreased if present in the diet. Avoiding allergy-causing foods such as gluten and dairy will also help to keep inflammation down.

Keep Blood Sugar Balanced

Highs and lows in blood sugar mean stress hormones are being produced to keep blood sugar stable. Keep blood sugar stable by focusing on whole foods and eliminating processed snacks.

Try meals that combine healthy fats, protein, and healthy carbs to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce stress on the adrenal glands. Try to avoid high sugar drinks and foods, as sugar will spike your blood levels and leave your baby feeling irritable.

Yes, this also includes juices. Juices are nothing more than sugar water with a lack of nutrients from the actual fruit it is labeled from. If you opt for juice, make sure that there is a good amount of fruit and nutrients and low sugar content.

Lower Stress

Stress can cause inflammation. To prevent stress, make sure your baby is getting enough rest, and that they are eating healthy, plant-based foods in addition to breastmilk.

eating healthy diet for low inflammation soothe teething pain naturally

6. Essential Oils

Essential oils are a great natural teething remedy for your little one, while also having great benefits on the health and wellness of your entire family.

If you are looking to use essential oils for teething symptoms, try making a massage oil by mixing one drop lavender, one drop Roman Chamomile and two tablespoons of carrier oil such as almond, coconut oil, or olive oil.

Massage a small amount on the outside of the baby’s cheek along the jawline. You can also diffuse equal parts lavender and chamomile using a cool mist essential oil diffuser for positive effects on teething symptoms and health.

When using essential oils on children, remember that essential oils are very strong.

  • Never use them undiluted on children of any age
  • Never ingest them – children are particularly susceptible to essential oil poisoning
essenial oils natural teething remedies

7.  Boost Your Baby’s Immune System

During teething, your baby is bound to stick anything and everything in their mouth, which puts them at risk for a cold or infections. Keep their immune system in tip-top shape with these suggestions.

Breastfeeding Provides Nutrients

Babies not only get nutrients such as protein, sugar, and fat from your breastmilk, but they also get antibodies, white blood cells, and enzymes, which keep their immune systems healthy.

Keep Up Micronutrient Levels

Vitamin D and Vitamin C are crucial for proper immune system function. While babies can typically receive enough vitamin C from breastmilk, they may be vitamin D deficient due to lack of sunlight. A vitamin D deficiency inhibits your babies adaptive immune responses and increases susceptibility to infection.

Try Baby Probiotics

It is important for your baby to have a healthy gut, as this effects overall health as well as the immune system. Children receive much of their gut flora from their mother through birth. Probiotics can have positive effects on digestive issues, immune system operations, weight and skin issues, and mood.

References:

[1]  World Health Organization. Feeding and Nutrition of Infants and Young Children.

[2] Arnos, K. The Complete Teething Guide: From Birth to Adolescence.

[3] Lyttle et al. Tooth Eruption and Teething in Children.

[4] Asimakopoulos et al. Migration of Parabens, Bisphenols, Benzophenone-Type UV Filters, Triclosan, and Triclocarban from Teethers and Its Implications for Infant Exposure.