Most babies experience some discomfort during the teething process, which typically begins at about four months of age and continues until nearly your child's third birthday. Your infant may be fussy, cranky, drool a lot and chew everything he can get his hands on. You may be understandably reluctant to give such a small child a commercial pharmaceutical pain relief preparation. Fortunately, all-natural remedies to ease the pain and soreness are easy and plentiful.
Frozen Food
Give your baby a frozen banana slice, a frozen bagel or a frozen carrot to chew on. The cold will ease the pain and the pleasant taste will keep her occupied. You can wrap the food in a handkerchief, if you like. Frozen carrots should only be given to beginning teethers who are unable to bite a chunk off; make sure to give a whole carrot so as to avoid choking. There are other frozen foods that can also be considered, such as celery, peaches and mangos. You can also use a mesh feeder or muslin tea bag with the string removed to hold frozen food bits.
Frozen Liquid
Frozen liquid also works well as a teething remedy. Try feeding your baby a frozen breastmilk "slushy." Note, however, that most infant formulas recommend against freezing. You can also use an ice cube wrapped in a handkerchief, or simply a damp washcloth that has been frozen.
Wooden Teethers
Wooden teething toys are another alternative to consider--many babies love chewing on the hard surfaces, which seems to relieve discomfort. Good-quality turned and polished toys have no danger of splinters. You can also offer baby a wooden kitchen spoon to chew.
Homeopathic Preparations
Homeopathic preparations from brands such as Hyland's and Boiron get high marks from parents. Homeopathy relies on minute doses of herbs and other natural substances to provide symptomatic relief for a variety of ailments. Teething preparations usually come in the form of tablets, liquid or gel.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a traditional herbal remedy for toothache. The oil provides a warm numbing sensation that relieves your infant's discomfort. Try a drop of clove oil in a tablespoon or two of carrier oil such as almond. Be very careful with this remedy, as clove oil is quite potent--test it on your own gums first.
