Home » Baby » Teething » What you can do
- Pick up a water-filled teething ring at the department store or baby store, chill it in the refrigerator, and let your baby chew on it. The cold temperature numbs the gums and brings pain relief. Just don’t put it in the freezer. Objects that have been frozen can cause frostbitten gums.
- Babies older than 6 months can chew on a clean washcloth soaked with cold water.
- If your baby is just cutting her first tooth, you can use a chilled spoon to help ease the pain. Chill a spoon in the refrigerator (not the freezer) and apply the rounded part of the spoon to your baby’s gums. As with a cold teething ring, the chilled spoon helps numb the areas that hurt most. But once a tooth comes in, don’t use the cold-spoon approach, as your child could chip a tooth.
- Cold food can help relieve gum pain. Cut up a bun, put the pieces in a sandwich bag, and store it in the freezer. When your baby is uncomfortable, give her a piece to gnaw on. The coldness helps numb the gums, and the edges of the bun will massage your baby’s gums as she chews on it. Just be sure to stay nearby and take away the bun when it turns mushy.
- Offer your baby a frozen banana (peeled, of course). The banana thaws quickly as your baby chews on it, and the cool fruit soothes the gums.
- If you baby is really in distress, you can give her the correct dose of infant paracetamol. If your child is running a temperature, or he is inconsolable, see your doctor: he may have an ear infection or other illness.
- Sometimes giving your baby some extra affection can ease teething pain. Give the little one some cuddling time, or carry him around the home to distract him from his discomfort.
- Massage her gums with a clean finger for a few minutes. The pressure feels good, and the attention from a parent will be comforting.
- Place one or two drops of chamomile oil on a wet cotton swab and apply to the gums twice a day. The blue oil has a soothing effect on irritated skin and gums.
