Teething is a critical phase in a baby’s life. It often begins between the ages of 4 to 7 months, but it can occur earlier or later. As a parent, you may notice that your baby becomes irritable, fussy, and restless due to teething discomfort.

Thankfully, several home remedies can help ease the pain and discomfort that comes with this phase.

1. Give Your Baby a Cold Washcloth

Babies often find comfort in sucking and biting, especially during the teething phase. You can wet a washcloth with cold water, ring it out, and put it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Once it’s chilled, give it to your baby to bite on.

The cold texture can help soothe the tender gums and reduce pain.

2. Massage Your Baby’s Gums

Massaging your baby’s gums with clean fingers can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort of teething. Rub your fingers against your baby’s gums in a circular motion. The pressure from the massage can help ease your baby’s troubles.

3. Use Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with teething. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool.

Then, using a clean cloth, dip it in the tea and apply it to your baby’s gums gently. Chamomile tea is entirely safe for babies, but it is always best to test a small amount of tea first to ensure your baby isn’t allergic to it.

4. Offer a Cold Spoon

Another simple option is to give your baby a cold spoon to hold or suck on. Place a metal spoon in the fridge for a few minutes before giving it to your baby. The cool sensation can help soothe your baby’s aching gums.

5. Use a Teething Toy

Teething toys are specially designed to help soothe a baby’s sore and tender gums. The pressure and texture of the toy can help massage the gums and reduce inflammation.

Choose a teething toy that is easy to clean and has no small parts that could come loose and pose a choking hazard.

6. Apply Gentle Pressure

Applying gentle pressure to your baby’s gums can provide some relief. Gently rub your finger over your baby’s gums or apply slight pressure with a clean cloth. This pressure can ease the pain and help break down the emerging tooth.

7. Give Your Baby a Warm Bath

A warm bath can be a calming and relaxing experience for your baby. It can also help to soothe sore gums. The warm water can help relieve tension and reduce irritability, helping your baby sleep better.

8. Consider a Pain Reliever

In some instances, your baby may experience severe teething pain. In that case, it is okay to use a baby pain reliever such as ibuprofen. However, it is always best to consult with a pediatrician before administering any medication.

9. Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can also help alleviate some of the teething pain. The sucking motion can help soothe the gums. If you’re breastfeeding, keep in mind that your baby’s gums may be sensitive.

Be gentle and try different feeding positions to find one that is more comfortable for your baby.

10. Stay Comforting and Patient

When it comes to teething, patience is key. Your baby may feel irritable, which makes parenting more difficult. Try to remain calm, patient, and comforting to help ease the discomfort.

Being there for your baby is the best remedy to provide comfort during this phase.