Red cheeks, rivers of drool, and those little fists in the mouth—oh, I remember how teething turned our house upside down. My eldest got her first two teeth with barely a peep. My youngest? Every tooth came with drama worthy of an Oscar: crankiness, midnight parties, and constant soggy onesies. If your little one is suddenly very clingy, chewing on anything that isn’t nailed down, and has those unmistakable flushed cheeks, you might be in the thick of it yourself. I promise you’re not alone.
How to Tell If It’s Teething or Something Else?
Before diving into baby teething remedies, spotting real teething signs can help you tackle the right problem. Both my kids would get extra fussy, drool nonstop, tug at their ears, and sometimes even refuse bottles. But teething can easily be confused with other discomforts.
If you’re not sure, take a peek at this honest list of baby teething signs. And if your baby also has a high fever, rash, or diarrhea, it’s wise to check with your doctor—sometimes it’s more than just teething.
What Actually Soothed My Teething Babies?
I wish someone had told me there’s no perfect fix, but a combo of tricks can take the edge off. These are the baby teething remedies I used for both of my little drool monsters—plus a couple of tips that friends swear by, too.
1. Something Cold to Chew On
Some mornings felt like we were living in a sea of drool. My secret weapon? Anything cold. Here’s what really helped:
- Chilled (not frozen hard) silicone teething rings
- A clean, wet washcloth from the fridge (my youngest loved this one!)
- Cooled slices of cucumber or carrot* (only under direct supervision, and not for nibblers—more for gumming, as large pieces can be a choking risk)
Babies love the numbing relief. Never freeze teethers solid—too hard can hurt those tender gums.
2. Gum Massage with Clean Fingers
If you’ve tried gently rubbing your own gums, you know it’s oddly soothing. My eldest would clamp onto my knuckle and just suck for ages. Wash your hands well, then massage your baby’s sore gums with a clean finger or knuckle.
3. Extra Cuddles (for Both of You)
Some days, nothing worked except a snuggle. A lot of the fussiness is just your baby needing comfort. Even now, when my toddler’s upset, she wants a cuddle. Don’t worry—spoiling is impossible at this age.
4. Drool-Proofing: Bibs and Barrier Cream
Teething = more outfit changes than a red-carpet event. Swapping bibs through the day (I kept a pile by the sofa) saved a ton of laundry. Also, a thin layer of barrier cream kept my daughter’s chin from getting all red and chapped.
5. Safe Teething Toys
We tried a parade of teething toys. My babies had favourites, but the most popular were:
- Silicone rings (easy to hold)
- Rubber keys
- Textured teething balls
- Those little silicone toothbrushes made for babies (double win: relief and oral care!)
Always watch for loose bits or damage, especially when things get chewed aggressively.
Remedies to Use with Extra Caution
You’ll hear advice from everyone (and their grandma), and not all teething remedies are safe. Here’s what to skip or double-check:
- Amber teething necklaces: The NHS and AAP both say avoid these; they’re choking and strangulation hazards.
- Teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine: These are not recommended for babies under 2 due to potential health risks (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- Homeopathic tablets: There’s no solid evidence they work and some have been recalled for safety concerns.
- Hard or frozen foods: Choking risk. If you’re introducing finger foods, review safe options in when to start solid foods for babies.
When Nothing Is Working (and You’re All Exhausted)
Teething is rough, but some nights are just extra tough. It’s okay to use infant paracetamol or ibuprofen if your baby is in lots of discomfort—always check the right dose for their age and weight (and consult your GP if you’re unsure).
If it feels like teething is making sleep impossible, you’re not imagining it. Why does my newborn not sleep? and gentle newborn sleep have a few comforting tricks, even if your baby isn’t quite a newborn anymore.
Teething and Feeding Struggles
Some babies pull away from the breast or bottle when their gums ache. My youngest flat-out refused to nurse the week her top teeth showed up, which left us both pretty upset. If feeding is tricky, try offering something cold or changing positions. Sometimes a distraction (singing, swaying, walking while feeding) helps. More on what feeds look like in this age group here: baby stomach size by age.
Gentle Baby Teething Remedies: What the Experts Say
The NHS and American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend sticking to gentle, simple remedies: cold things, teething rings, gum massage, and lots of affection. As much as we wish there was a miracle cure, it’s really about support and comfort.
Real Talk: Teething Won’t Last Forever
It doesn’t feel like it in the middle of the night, but those tiny teeth will eventually appear, and the discomfort fades. I still remember the day my little drama queen grinned with two new teeth after weeks of fuss.
Teething is hard for both of you, but you know your baby best. Trust your gut, use the baby teething remedies that fit your family, and remember—this is just a phase.
Need more real-life advice or want to vent about another tough stage? Check out baby 0-6 months what to expect if your little one is going through lots of changes.
Hang in there. You’re doing better than you think.