If your baby is teething, you may notice more drooling, constant biting or gnawing at objects, increased fussiness or reduced appetite. Teething refers to the eruption of your baby’s teeth through his gums, which happens at around six months of age. Your baby’s first set of teeth will continue to grow till about 2.5 years of age. The first teeth to grow are the two lower front teeth, followed by the two upper front teeth. As the teeth grows out of the gum, there may be tenderness, soreness, swelling or slight rise in baby’s body temperature. While teething is a process that your baby (and you!) have to go through, here are 8 remedies that you can try out at home to relieve the pain and discomfort.

#1 Teething rings

Teething rings are for your baby to chew on to relieve the pressure felt in the gums. Try chilling the teething rings as the cooling effect can provide further relief from the discomfort, but do not freeze the teething rings. The teething rings should also only be filled with water in case there is leakage from chewing, and discard teething rings that are worn out or have punctured.

Teething rings should be free of bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates; BPA is linked to behavioral and hormonal problems while phthalate is linked to allergic disorders. The paint used to color the teething ring should be non-toxic and free of lead. Do not tie teething rings around the neck of your baby.

Other than the safety of the material (no BPA, phthalates, non-toxic color), the design of the teething ring is also important. It should not be so small as to be a choking hazard nor have any detachable parts. It should not splinter, have sharp edges or fraying seams. It should not be too heavy for your baby to hold. Depending on where the toy is made, you can check for safety certificates such as from ASTM F963 or EN71.

#2 Baby biscuits

If your baby shows an interest in chewing everything and swallowing them (for instance, books and rubber balls), it will be safer to give him baby biscuits (with no added sugars). These are usually in a shape that are easy for your baby to hold, edible and hard enough for him to chew on. They should not break off too easily and become a choking hazard. Also limit the number of biscuits per day as they are not the best source of nutrition for your baby and you don’t want to fill him up with calories from biscuits!

#3 Gum massage

Sometimes rubbing on the baby’s gum will help relieve the ache. However, be sure that your finger is clean or wrap a moistened gauze pad over it. A clean gauze can also be used to wipe your baby’s gum daily to prevent dental plaque from forming. Avoid teething gels unless recommended by the doctor as some brands or homeopathic gels have been found to be unsafe for babies.

#4 Cool washcloth

Clean and soft washcloth that is chilled can also provide relief to your baby’s gum. Be sure that the cloth does not fray easily and that there are no loose strands.

#5 Distraction

Play and distraction can distract your baby from the discomfort in his gums. Some teething rings also have toys that can help entertain your baby; make sure that there is no choking hazard.

#6 Cuddle

If your baby is more cranky and fussy than normal, try more cuddle time to provide comfort.

#7 Chilled finger food

You can give your baby chilled finger food, such as a chilled banana or chilled yoghurt. However, monitor your baby to ensure that he does not choke on his food.

#8 Medication

Check with your doctor if you can give your baby pain relief medication such as acetaminophen. Avoid pain reliever benzocaine which has been associated with methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces oxygen transport to cells. Furthermore, if your baby is drooling a lot during teething, be sure to give him enough fluids and clean his face.

Here are five different products that can provide relief for your teething baby!

#1 Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Teether

Munchkin Twisty Figure 8 Teether Toy is a teething ring that comes with four different textures, makes a rattling sound and can be twisted into different shapes. It is BPA-free and non-toxic. It is sturdy enough to be chewed on and easy to wash. Given its small size and weight, it is ideal for keeping in your travel/ diaper bag. It can be bought online at pupsikstudio.com for $7.90 (discounted price), or at Toys’R’Us for $10.99.

#2 Plush teething toy – Sophie the Giraffe

Sophie the Giraffe is quite well-known as a teething toy! Made of 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea Tree, it is also free from BPA, PVC, phthalates and complies with ASTM F963. Sophie the Giraffe is hand-painted in France with vegetable-based paint which may come off with use, but it is safe even if your baby consumes the paint. The different length of various parts of Sophie the Giraffe is meant to provide relief for different parts of the gum. The toy also squeaks when squeezed, and is easy to hold, light and a comfort to your baby. It can be bought online at pupsikstudio.com for $31.90 (discounted price), or at Sophie & Friends for $39.90.

#3 Teething bib – Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew Teething Bib is a bib that has an additional function as a teething product. The bib is made with 100% cotton (or 95% cotton for patterned fabric), with a middle layer that is absorbent to prevent the baby’s torso from getting wet. The textured triangle at the end of the bib act as a teether, and will not drop since it is attached to the bib! This bib is also phthalate and BPA free, complies with US and EN71 safety standards and safe to chew on. The bib is reversible, so you get two bib designs for the price of one. Best part is that the bib is machine washable. It can be bought online at pupsikstudio.com or at Agape Babies for $23.92 (discounted price for a limited time).

#4 Reynards Farm Comfortchew

Made by the same company that make Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew (founded by two mothers in UK), this Comfortchew is made of 100% cotton, in navy fabric with fun farm print with an azure cuddle fleece reverse. There are various textures to Comfortchew (100% cotton, 100% polyester for the cuddle fleece and ribbons) and the ribbon tags and elastic link are for easy attachment to the baby’s wrist, cot, car seat or stroller. It is BPA and phthalates free and helpful for babies who are too young to hold onto a teething ring/ toy as the teether (shaped as an hippopotamus) is attached to the Comfortchew. It can be bought online at Cheeky Chompers for US$31.50, shipped worldwide.

#5 Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Activity Toy

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Activity Toy is teething toy made of colorful loops, that are made from soft, pliable plastic that are easy to grasp and hold. The Winkel is made of PU tubing (polyurethane), BVA-free, PVC-free and meets the CPSIA and European regulations. It can be chilled and the center cube features a quiet rattle. It can be bought at pupsikstudio.com for $24.90 (discounted price for a limited time).

If there is no relief from the teething symptoms, you should consider seeing a pediatrician or a dentist. The teething symptoms usually start 3 to 5 days before the tooth shows, and resolve once the tooth breaks out. If the symptoms persist beyond this period, it may not be related to teething or may indicate other dental problems.

Written by Mei