In this article, I want to talk to you about several natural teething remedies that you can have in your toolbox to use next time your little one is in pain due to teething.
Teething is a very natural, yet sometimes very painful experience that all babies and toddlers must go through. As parents, it can be hard to watch our little ones in pain that we know is probably due to their teeth coming through.
So here are six ways to help your little one with teething pain – naturally!
Six Natural Teething Remedies
Amber Teething Necklace
Admittedly, there is not a ton of scientific proof of the efficacy of teething necklaces. This is simply because there haven’t been many studies done. However, there is lots of traditional evidence, as well as anecdotal evidence, that Amber necklaces relieve pain.
Amber is a resin found in the sap of conifer trees, usually from the Baltic region (most necklaces are made from Baltic Amber). The amber is said to contain oils including succinic acid, which many say provides a pain-relieving effect when it is warmed from sitting against the skin.
Succinic acid is found in some vitamin supplements, and Baltic Amber in particular is found in many Traditional Chinese Medicines.
It’s important to do your research when choosing an amber necklace. Many necklaces claim to be “raw, genuine baltic amber” but may be treated with chemical processes. Many may not even be genuine Baltic amber at all. So always buy from a reputable brand.
Please also do your research on the proper way for a baby to wear an amber necklace. You want to be sure that it is never a choking or a strangulation hazard.
In my own life, my daughter has worn a raw Baltic Amber necklace since she was 10 months old, and she has had a relatively easy teething experience! Plus it looks absolutely adorable on her! Amber teething necklaces are definitely one of my favorite natural teething remedies and I plan to use them for all of my future children too.
Clove Tincture
Clove is a spicy, warming herb that provides a numbing affect when consumed.
I would never give whole cloves or clove Essential oil to an infant or child. Way too spicy! However, a clove tincture made with glycerin provides plenty of sweetness to cover the spiciness. A clove tincture still retains the numbing properties of the herb, but delivers it in a much more sweet and effective way!
Simply rub a drop or two of the clove glycerin tincture on your baby’s swollen gums. I would not be comfortable using this on a baby who is less than 6 months old. You can read more about developing your baby’s gut health here.
You can make your own clove tincture, or you can buy one. Be sure to purchase one that is made with glycerin – not alcohol. Earthley sells a good blend that you can get here.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is an extremely gentle, soothing herb that calms the nervous system down. It is one of the few herbs that I consider safe for babies.
While chamomile is not specifically a pain relieving herb, it can calm down agitation and help soothe fussy babes.
Again, for the sake of gut health, I only recommend giving chamomile tea to infants over 6 months.
I recommend giving only a few drops at first, and if there is no noticeable improvement, working up to a few more drops to provide relief.
You can learn how to make an herbal infusion here.
Bioron Camilia Teething Relief
Bioron is a homeopathic medicine company and Camilia is their teething remedy for babies. These come in tiny plastic tubes and are filled with water. You squirt it into your baby’s mouth and it helps them calm down and soothes their gums almost immediately.
I don’t love that these come in plastic tubes, because I feel like that’s very wasteful to the environment. However, they do seem to help my daughter when she is in pain from her teeth, and she often asks for them.
We love keeping them on hand for when she’s going through a rough teething time!
Frozen Washcloth
When baby’s gums are swollen and irritated, it may help them to gnaw on a cold washcloth.
Wet the washcloth in filtered water, wring out all the excess water, and stick it in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. Pull it out and give it baby to chew on!
Another similar option is to put a metal spoon in the fridge for 15 minutes, and then give it to baby to gum. Nice and cold for their gums!
These are both very simple and inexpensive natural teething remedies.
Nursing
Let’s be honest, nursing helps everything! Providing baby with the comfort of their mother and nourishing milk can calm a baby like few other things can!
Usually when babies are in pain, nursing is what they want to do anyway. Between the skin to skin contact, maternal smell, the sweet-tasting milk, and the act of sucking, breastfeeding is sure to help your little one feel relief from their teething pain fast.
What tips or tricks have you found to help calm your teething baby? Share below!
