Teething is the period--usually between age 3 to 6 months--when a baby's teeth begin to grow in. Some babies will experience no pain during this process, while others will have tender, swollen gums. The latter can lead to irritability, crying, and disturbed sleeping and eating. Most babies will begin to chew on objects during this time, so make sure you're offering them a natural and organic alternative that can also help soothe any accompanying discomfort.
Frozen Washcloth
If you have some organic cotton washcloths at home, wet them with water or with organic chamomile tea and put them in the freezer. Take one out when your baby is cranky from teething pain and let him chew on it.
Frozen Organic Fruit
Your baby will love the sweet taste of fruit as it soothes swollen, tender gums. Cut a large piece of organic fruit and freeze it. Make sure that the piece of fruit is large enough that your baby can't swallow it.
Organic Clove Oil
Clove oil helps numb a teething baby's gums. Place a drop of organic clove oil on your finger and massage it into your baby's gums. If your baby reacts to the taste of the clove oil, you can mix it with another more palatable organic edible oil.
Organic Teething Toys
Many companies are making organic teething toys, which are a much better option than chemically produced toys. The toys are made of organic fibers or wood, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes (see Resources).
