5 Natural Teething Remedies to Soothe Your Baby

Teething is rough! It’s a challenging time for both babies and parents. As your baby’s teeth start to come in, they can experience discomfort, irritability and pain. And we, the parents, are likely to end up even more sleep deprived than usual. Plus, it’s hard seeing our little ones in pain.

Fortunately, there are natural teething remedies for babies. We don't have to turn to medications and pain killers that can cause adverse side effects. Although maybe unnoticeable at first, the side effects caused by Tylenol, Motrin, Ibuprofen and other conventional medicines can snowball into bigger issues in the long run.

So let's get to it! Read on to learn about five natural teething remedies for babies.

Why Choose Natural Teething Remedies?

We’re faced with many teething remedy options, each claiming to be the best for your baby. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the ingredients in these products. Not all are safe for your baby (or for us, adults, for that matter). 

Ingredients to Avoid 

Many conventional teething gels, pain killers and other solutions contain harmful ingredients. These include propylene glycol, choline salicylate, cetalkonium chloride, poloxamer 407, lidocaine hydrochloride, and artificial flavors. These ingredients can harm your baby’s delicate system. What’s upsetting is that some of these harmful substances are found in products labeled as “#1 pediatrician recommended." It’s important to get familiar with these ingredients and check product labels. Don't solely rely on marketing labels when choosing teething remedies for your baby.

Natural Teething Remedies 

Here are five natural teething remedies for babies without harmful substances:

1. Chamomile 

Chamomile has been used for centuries to alleviate various complaints, including teething discomfort. It's known for its calming properties. There are two primary forms of chamomile commonly used for teething relief. As a homeopathic remedy and in products like Camilia by Boiron.

Homeopathic Chamomile

Chamomile in its homeopathic form is prepared by diluting the herb. This diluted form is believed to retain the herbs therapeutic properties. The globules should be taken at least 15 minutes away from food. The anti-inflammatory and calming effects can help relieve gum inflammation and the pain. A homeopathic doctor can help you determine the optimal dosage for your baby.

Camilia 

Another popular option for teething relief is Camilia, a product manufactured by Boiron. Camilia contains chamomile as its primary active ingredient. It comes in single-dose liquid form, making it easy to administer to your baby. It's free from artificial flavors, dyes and preservatives. Camilia is one the more gentle and natural teething remedies for babies. 

2. Frozen Breastmilk “Popsicles”

We call these “milky pops” in my house. They are popsicles you can make at home with your own breast milk. You freeze your milk into small molds, and use a product like a Haakaa feeder to give it to your baby safely.

The frozen temperature of the pops help relieve swollen gums from teething. They can also be a fun sensory experience for your baby. They can gnaw at it for relief, while the milky pop melts and provides hydration and nutrition too. Haakaa sells molds to make more than 2 pops at a time, and I liked to have them ready to go when my baby’s discomfort peaked. Just remember to use a bib on your baby since this can get a little messy. 

3. Chilled Teethers

Simple yet effective. Cold teething toys can provide numbing relief for your baby’s gums. I bought one that I left in the fridge so that it would be cold and ready to go whenever my baby was teething. I recommend picking a toy that’s easy to hold, without sharp corners, so that your baby can hold and use it by themselves. 

4. Amber Necklace

Some parents swear by the natural pain-relieving properties of amber teething necklaces. It is said that amber’s succinic acid can have anti-inflammatory effects. In many European, Asian and Latin American countries, babies with amber necklaces are a common sight.

If you're considering this option, you can opt for an amber necklace, bracelet or anklet. Just make sure to always supervise your baby while they wear these.

5. Skin to Skin

Whichever way you choose to help your baby deal with teething, you can add in skin to skin snuggles for extra relief. Skin to skin contact can help soothe a baby’s teething discomfort in so many ways. Emotional support, distraction from pain, nervous system regulation, and the list goes on. Skin to skin fosters a sense of security and connection between you and your baby. Skin to skin has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in infants. It helps them feel calmer and more relaxed, even in the midst of teething discomfort. This will help them navigate this challenging phase.

Choosing Natural Teething Remedies

Ultimately, the decision about which remedy to use is a personal one. It should be based on your own research and comfort level. I hope you discovered that there are many options when it comes to natural teething remedies. And in knowing your options, you can make the best informed decision for your family, mama. 

Hang in there, mama. This too shall pass, and remember...you're doing amazing!

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.