Sometime during the second half of a baby's first year of life, his teeth begin to grow in. While some babies don't show many signs of discomfort while teething, others become very irritable, drool, cry and begin chewing on objects in an effort to relieve their pain. Some babies also develop a low-grade fever or diarrhea. There are many over-the-counter and home remedies that can ease the pain of teething.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease teething pain and reduce teething-related fevers, but consult your pediatrician before giving medication to your infant. You need to be certain of the dosage given your baby's age and weight. You can also use teething gels or tablets to provide temporary relief. Some examples of these products include Baby Orajel, Royal Hiney Cheeky Monkey Teething Gel and Hyland's Homeopathic Teething Tablets. Ask your baby's pediatrician for a recommendation, recommends Kaiser Permanente, because some products may be ineffective or unsafe.
Something Cold
Chewing on a cold object can temporarily numb your baby's gums and relieve teething pain. Place teething rings in the refrigerator or freezer, then offer to your baby to gum. If you do not have a teething ring, wet a baby washcloth and freeze it, then allow your baby to chew on that. You can give your baby a frozen bagel to chew on if he eats solid foods, but watch him very carefully to make sure that he does not bite off a chunk, as this is a choking hazard. If your baby takes a pacifier, freezing it first can also offer relief.
Other Objects to Chew
Experiment with other objects for your baby to chew on. Anything clean and smooth can provide relief for your teething baby. You can also put some pressure on your baby's gums by trimming your nails, washing your hands and rubbing her gums firmly with your finger. Make sure that any item that you offer your baby is too large to choke on and is not rough or covered with lead paint or any other hazardous substances.
Distraction
For mild teething pain, distracting your baby may be an effective remedy. Try giving your baby something to eat or nursing him. Play a game of peek-a-boo with your baby or take him for a ride in the car. Taking his mind off of his discomfort may allow him to forget about it for a while, giving both of you a respite from the fussiness and irritability that often accompanies teething.
