Typically, babies begin getting teeth around 4 to 7 months of age. During this time, your baby is learning to enjoy new foods and exploring her surroundings, so the pain of an emerging tooth is an unwelcome addition. While over-the-counter infant pain medication helps to numb the nerves that sense pain, you needn't automatically turn to pharmaceutical remedies to comfort your baby. Drug-free remedies are both safe and effective ways to help comfort and calm your sore, teething baby.
Frozen Washcloth
Most baby supply stores have aisles of plastic teething rings of different shapes and sizes, but making your own is inexpensive and natural. Dip one corner of a dry, clean wash cloth into a liquid your baby likes, such as water, apple juice or even breast milk. Place the washcloth into a plastic sandwich bag and into the freezer until frozen. When your baby's gums are sore, offer the washcloth. The dry corners are easy to hold while the cold of the dipped corner helps to numb teething pain.
Gum Massage
Pressure feels good against your little one's sore gums, which is why he's always gnawing and biting on various objects. Help relieve his pain by placing him in a comfortable position then inserting a clean finger into his mouth. Use your finger to locate any swollen places in his mouth, and gently rub your finger over the areas. It's likely your baby will bite down to increase the sensation and the pain relief he enjoys from gum massage.
Cold Pacifier
If your baby takes a pacifier, keeping a few in the fridge or freezer helps your baby find teething relief. The coldness numbs your baby's gums, and she has the added benefit of the comforting sucking reflex that comes so natural to her. If your baby's teething pain seems to get worse at night, save a cold pacifier for bedtime to reliever her pain and help her fall asleep more easily.
Mesh Feeders
Some natural baby supply stores carry mesh feeders, a device with a hard plastic top and handle attached to a pouch made from mesh. A mesh feeder makes it safe for you to offer more solid foods when your baby is still too young and toothless to properly chew his food. Freeze juice or breast milk into an ice cube tray, then place in the mesh feeder for your baby to gnaw. If your baby is older and you're sure he doesn't have food allergies, cold fruit also works well in a mesh feeder.
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