A baby who is not feeling good from teething might cause concern for parents, especially when its their first time as parents going through the process. According to the Kids Health website, teething begins as early as three months and continues up until your child's third birthday. Homemade remedies for teething are available to help ease the pain and discomfort, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Consulting with a health-care professional is advisable to discuss potential risks.
Step 1
Cut a piece of chilled apple and place it in a wet washcloth. According to Helen Neville, a pediatric nurse in Oakland, California, using a piece of apple gives your child an incentive to bite down on the washcloth, unlike the traditional plastic teething rings that have no taste.
Step 2
Place a wet washcloth in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes. Ice treatment helps numb the pain and reduces the inflammation from the teeth cutting into the gum. Linda Jonides, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Ann Arbor, Michigan suggests the washcloth technique for babies who are six month of age or older.
Step 3
Massage the gum with your clean finger or a piece of gauze. Dr. Alan Greene, a well-renowned pediatrician, suggests on his website rubbing the gums firmly and gently applying pressure to bring relief. However, Greene mentions that while your baby might be uncomfortable in the beginning, he will become more relaxed during the massage.
Step 4
Place a peeled banana in the freezer until frozen. According to the Nature Mom website, a frozen banana, which can substitute for a teething ring, gives her something different to chew on during the teething process with taste as an added bonus. However, a frozen banana is not safe for a child who has teeth present.
Step 5
Mix four drops of clove bud essential oil and 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in a container to make teething oil. Clove is an herb that has natural anesthetic properties, and when applied directly to the gums, will help relieve pain. Kathi Keville, author of "Herbs for Health and Healing" and the director of the American Herb Association, suggests first applying the teething oil to your own mouth to ensure it does not burn before applying it to your child's gums. In addition, consult your healthcare provider prior to administering herbs to discuss any potential risks.
Step 6
Cut a bagel, banana bread or yeast bread, such as whole wheat or oatmeal, into a thick slice and bake in a 200-degree oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. According to the iVillage website, the strips of baked bread are alternatives to the teething biscuits purchased at stores.
Tips and Warnings
- Monitor your child closely when giving her objects for teething to reduce the risk of injury from excessive exposure to the cold object.
- When using food products as an alternate to teething rings, there is potential risk of choking on food if it breaks off into smaller pieces. Call your healthcare professional if your child is running a fever; it may be a sign of an underlying illness.
Things You'll Need
- Apple
- Washcloth
- Gauze
- Banana
- Clove oil
- Vegetable oil
- Bagel, banana bread, whole wheat bread or oatmeal bread
