Cranky days … sleepless nights … and that drool running down your baby’s chin. Teething isn’t fun for anyone involved. Things will improve when that tooth makes an appearance, but what to do in the meantime?
Here are eight natural teething remedies you can try:
- Camilia
Dr. Andrea Clarke, a naturopathic doctor at Rebirth Wellness Centre, says a homeopathic medicine called Camilia is her first choice of natural teething remedies. She calls it “the most gentle remedy, yet extremely effective.” A homeopathic medicine made from the chamomile plant and said to relieve teething symptoms such as gum redness and irritability, Clarke asserts it also helps with some digestive issues associated with teething.
- Breastmilk Ice Cream
Vanessa Case, a holistic nutritionist at Our Natural Connection, shares this recipe for to help calm babies’ sore gums: “One cup of breast milk, four cups of ice, a dash of salt and two containers are all you need,” she says. “Put the breast milk into the smaller container, seal tightly. Place it into the larger container and fill that with ice. Use the salt to sprinkle on top of the ice to lower the melting point. Shake the container and freeze to set,” she says.
- Frozen “Mommy Cubes”
Pour breast milk into an ice cube tray and freeze for babies 4 to 6 months old. For babies older than 6 months, you can also blend some fruit or vegetables into the breastmilk for additional nutrition and flavor. Offer the ice cubes in a teething mesh or baby feeder.
- Homemade Teething Biscuits
Follow this recipe: 1/2 cup millet or coconut flour, 3/4 cup spelt flour (or all purpose gluten-free flour if gluten intolerant), 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of molasses, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or grass-fed butter and 1 egg yolk (beaten) or a chia/flax egg substitute (made from 1 tablespoon ground chia or flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).If batter seems too thick, add a bit of water or coconut milk. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine. Roll dough to about one-quarter-inch thick on a floured service. Cut into squares or rectangular bars. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Place in freezer bag or mason jar and use as needed, frozen or not. Don’t give teething biscuits to babies younger than 9 months, and be sure to keep a close eye on your baby when he has a teething biscuit.
- Frozen Carrots or Apple
Remove peels and seeds, place chunks in a mesh teether, and give to your teething baby to gnaw on — while you supervise, of course!
- Gripe Water
Often given for upset stomach, teething and colic, Gripe water is a remedy that has been used for decades for babies. Look for alcohol-free and sucrose-free varieties that have fennel oil, ginger, chamomile and dill for soothing homeopathic benefits.To learn more about gripe water, read Is Gripe Water Safe?
- Chamomile Roll-Ups
“Another remedy I recommend frequently that is chamomile-based,” says Dr. Clarke. “I call them chamomile roll-ups. It encompasses the soothing and anti-inflammatory action of the chamomile flower, along with the circulatory action of hydrotherapy. Start by brewing a cup of chamomile tea. Next, dip a baby facecloth in the tea, wring out some of the tea, leaving the facecloth saturated but not dripping, then roll it up and place it in the freezer. When your baby is showing signs of teething, feel free to offer the cold chamomile facecloth to chew on.”
- Counter Pressure
If your baby seems to being chewing on everything in sight, try offering a silicone teething ring. Most babies enjoy chewing on a harder teething ring for soothing counter pressure.
Always confirm with your child’s pediatrician to ensure that remedies are indeed safe and effective. “Some babies dance through the teething phase with grace, while others find teething to be the biggest struggle in their young lives,” says Dr. Clarke. “I suppose the best news is that it is normal and time-limited.”
For more on teething, check out these 8 Teething Facts Every New Parent Should Know.
Shannon Moyer-Szemenyei is a certified birth and post-partum doula, mother of two busy boys and the writer at Sweet Stella’s.
