5 Teething Tips for New Moms
There are so many milestones a new mom looks forward to seeing their baby achieve. Holding their head up on their own, rolling over for the first time, giving a great big smile. These moments are what moms dream of. But other milestones may not be celebrated quite the same because of the challenges that come with them.
One such milestone is teething. The excitement of your little one getting their first tooth may be overshadowed by the difficulties that come with it. If your baby has been showing teething signs, such as biting, excessive drooling, fussiness, fever, lack of appetite, or tugging on their ears, then you’ll be searching for ways to help your baby feel some relief. Even the most laid back baby can be miserable when a new tooth is making its debut.
Try these 5 teething tips to help soothe those achy gums:
1. Teething Toys
Babies will put anything in their mouths to help ease their teething pain. You can opt for some non-toxic toys that are made specifically to help babies who are teething so they don’t chew on random items in your home. Many of these toys will be made of BPA-free silicone that you can easily throw in the dishwasher or microwave to sanitize. Other options include natural wood and fabric toys and rings.
2. Teething Necklaces
You may have seen one of these cute necklaces that many babies are wearing these days. Those are actually amber teething necklaces. The amber in these necklaces is said to contain high levels of succinic acid, which can act as a natural anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and immune system booster.
A baby’s body heat triggers the release of the succinic acid, which is then absorbed through their skin to provide comfort and relief. If you opt for these necklaces always take them off before laying your baby down to sleep.
3. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been a popular method for easing teething pains for a long time. Some common herbs many moms use include chamomile, catnip, clove, and rosehip. These herbs can be made into a tea that you give your baby to sip on, or you can soak a washcloth with the tea and have your baby chew on it.
4. Nursing Tips
The thought of nursing a baby who is teething could be a bit frightening. Even at a young age, those little teeth can pack a punch when they chomp down! But don’t worry, there are a few ways to make it a little less painful for both parties.
If your baby does bite you when you are nursing, stop the feeding immediately. Even the youngest baby can learn that biting means no more food. Instead, offer them another teething remedy like a toy or necklace to help soothe them. If the biting persists, sternly tell him “No, that hurts!” and put baby safely on the floor. Continue reinforcing that biting while nursing is not an option and offer up other alternatives so that your little one can learn which objects they can chew on.
5. Cold Pressure
Another tried and true method many moms swear by is applying cold pressure to the baby’s gum. You can do this by freezing a wet washcloth and give that to your baby to chew on. You can also offer them frozen fruits and veggies using a mesh teether. Some parents get really creative by making frozen breast milk popsicles or frozen bananas on a stick, which are great options since the baby gets added nutrients and teething relief all in one!
Every baby reacts to getting new teeth differently, so keep these natural remedies in mind when you start to see extra drool coming your way!
Jenn Sanders is with Baltic Wonder, a company that is dedicated to the health and well-being of infants. She enjoys outdoor adventures and spending time with her family.
