How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Tips, Remedies, and More
When teething strikes, your little one can be uncomfortable, and it’s tough as a parent to watch them go through it. The good news? There are plenty of ways you can ease your baby’s sore gums at home. Let’s explore smart strategies, soothing tips, and what to avoid to keep your baby (and their emerging teeth) happy and healthy.
10 Tips on How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Teething is a rite of passage every baby goes through. While it’s totally normal, it can bring on some not-so-fun symptoms like:
a bit of crankiness
the occasional tears
mild fevers (below 101°F or 38.3°C)
drooling up a storm
wanting to chew on anything and everything
gums that are puffy and sensitive.
So, what’s a parent to do? Here are some tried-and-true tips for soothing a teething baby and handling those pesky symptoms—always in partnership with your child’s healthcare provider’s advice.
1. Chilled Fruit
When your child is ready for solids (usually around 6 months), cold snacks like mashed banana, applesauce, strawberries, melon, or other soft fruits from the fridge can gently comfort their gums and offer a tasty distraction.
2. Cool Washcloth
Sometimes simple is best! Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out so it's just damp, and chill it in the fridge. Once cool, fold it and let your baby gnaw on it for some sweet gum relief.
Tip
Always keep your eye on your baby while they’re chewing or sucking on the washcloth to prevent choking.
3. Cool Metal Spoon
Grab a small metal spoon from your kitchen, pop it in the fridge till it’s cool, and then gently glide the rounded side along your baby’s gums—they’ll love the cooling effect!
4. Chilled, Non-Gel Teething Toy
Notice a common theme? Cold things can be a teething lifesaver—but not frozen! Place your baby’s favourite rubber teething toy (no gel-fill!) in the fridge, then hand it to them for some soothing, safe chewing.
Tip
Pick toys your baby can easily grip. Avoid items made from wood, hard plastic, or filled with gel, as they can break or freeze and hurt tender gums.
5.Gum Massage
Wash your hands and gently massage your baby’s gums with clean fingers in small circles. If your little one starts sucking or chewing on your fingers, don’t worry—sometimes, that’s exactly what they need!
6.Warm Bath
Sometimes, comfort is about more than just the mouth. A warm, relaxing bath can be a great way to calm your baby’s body and distract from teething woes—even turning bathtime into a relaxing ritual at the end of the day.
Tip
If you add a bath to your bedtime routine, try to keep the rest of the routine familiar to avoid disrupting your baby’s sleep.
7. Wiping the Drool
Teething drool is real! Keep your baby’s chin and neck dry with soft bibs, and gently wipe away drool to prevent skin irritation or rashes.
8. Cuddles
Never underestimate the power of a good cuddle. Holding, rocking, and snuggling your baby can offer the sense of security and comfort they crave when teething pain strikes—and you both get a little pause together.
9. Baby Teething Medicine
If home tips aren’t easing your baby’s discomfort, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider. They can recommend suitable pain relief or medication if needed, like infant acetaminophen, and guide you on the safest dosage.
BONUS Tip: How to Soothe a Teething Baby at Night
Teething pain doesn’t stop when the lights go out—and neither, sometimes, do those wake-ups! While there are no magic night-time fixes that differ from daytime tips, you can adjust your baby’s bedtime routine with these tricks:
Bedtime bath. A cozy, warm bath can help your baby decompress and get sleepy, even when teething discomfort lingers.
Nighttime cuddles. Gentle rocking, snuggles, and extra love before bed can ease your baby’s fussiness and help them settle down for sleep.
Massage. As your baby drifts off, try massaging their gums with your clean finger for extra relief—sometimes, the gentle touch is all they need to nod off.
Cool washcloth. Letting your baby suck on a cool washcloth before sleep can calm sore gums and help them transition to dreamland.
Teething Treatments: What to Avoid
There’s a lot of advice out there about teething, but not all remedies are safe or effective. To keep your little one protected, steer clear of:
Frozen remedies. A frozen toy or treat might seem like a good idea, but the extreme cold and hardness can actually hurt your baby’s gums more than help.
Teething necklaces. Necklaces, bracelets, or any teething jewellery can break and pose choking risks. There’s also a danger of injury, infection, or—in rare cases—strangulation.
Hard teething toys. Toys made of hard wood, metal, or plastic are tough on sensitive gums. Stick to soft, rubbery ones instead.
Certain teething medications. Always consult your baby’s healthcare provider before using pain relief products. Some gels and ointments can be harmful (especially those with benzocaine or lidocaine) or just wash out of your baby’s mouth before they do any good.
Homeopathic or some over-the-counter remedies. Again, follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. Things like belladonna have been linked to serious medical issues, so when in doubt, ask first.
When to Call Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider
Being aware of what to avoid is key, but so is knowing when it’s time to reach out for help.
Many parents wonder if teething causes fever, especially at night. While a mild rise in temperature (low-grade fever) is possible, true fevers aren’t caused by teething. If your baby’s rectal temperature goes above 38°C (100. 4°F), or you see other concerning symptoms, call your healthcare provider.
It’s also a good idea to check in if:
Your baby can’t be comforted.
Teething shouldn’t cause uncontrollable crying or severe pain. If it does, talk to your provider right away.
Diarrhea occurs.
Diarrhea isn’t a typical part of teething. If your child develops it, get medical advice.
Your baby refuses to eat or drink.
Teething might make feeding trickier, but it shouldn’t cause your child to skip meals. Loss of appetite needs a professional’s eye.
Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth
Helping your teething baby is only part of the story. Now it’s time to care for those cute new pearly whites! Luckily, it’s easy to get started. You’ll just need:
A soft-bristled baby toothbrush, specially designed for delicate gums—these are available in most pharmacies.
Infant toothpaste, also easy to find on store shelves.
Brush your baby’s teeth just like you’d brush your own: gentle, thorough, and making sure to clean the gums too.
When to Brush
Start brushing even before teeth show up! Keeping your baby’s mouth clean from the get-go helps prevent early cavities and gets them into good habits for life. Poor dental care in the early years can lead to tooth decay—by age 2, about one in ten kids already have a cavity, and by 5, that number soars to half of all children.
Protect your child’s smile by following these tips:
Brush after each feeding. Milk and leftover food can cling to baby teeth and attract bacteria, so regular brushing is a must.
Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. Letting milk or formula pool in the mouth overnight is a recipe for cavities.
Build a home dental routine. As your child grows, help them learn to brush all their teeth, not just the easy-to-see ones. Make brushing fun—try songs, games, or a sticker chart to keep them motivated!
Stash a toothbrush and toothpaste in your diaper bag for brushing on the go. Want to check if you’re packed with all the diaper bag essentials? Take our fun diaper bag essentials quiz to see what you might be missing!
FAQs at a Glance
There’s no single nighttime trick, but adding these to your bedtime routine can help:
- A relaxing, warm bath
- Gentle gum massages
- Sucking on a cool washcloth
- Extra cuddle time.
The Bottom Line
Teething might be perfectly natural, but it’s not always easy on babies! If you’re searching for ways to ease your child’s teething discomfort, these tools can help:
gentle gum massage
chilled fruits
cold, rubbery teething toys
cool washcloths
chilled metal spoons
warm, calming baths
lots of cuddles and comfort
managing drool and protecting delicate skin
teething medication—only if your healthcare provider suggests it.
Soothing your teething baby is just the beginning—make sure to start an oral hygiene routine now: brush after feedings, avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle, and help them develop great habits as they grow. As your baby grows, you might be curious about bigger milestones, such as your baby's first steps and early childhood adventures.
If teething is paired with fever, diarrhea, or refusal to feed, check in with a healthcare professional, as these likely aren’t just teething symptoms. And remember, when questions pop up about teething or dental care, your provider is your best resource.
Getting through teething may feel like a challenge right now, but before long, your little one will be grinning ear to ear—showing off their brand new smile!
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment. needs.
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