How to Comfort Your Teething Baby Naturally

26 October 2025

Ah, teething. That magical time in your baby’s life when drool becomes a fashion statement, sleep becomes a distant memory, and you start questioning your life choices at 3 am while pacing the hallway with a wailing bundle of joy. Sound familiar?

If you're reading this in pajama pants with mashed banana in your hair wondering if your teething baby will ever stop chewing on your keys (or your fingers), you're in the right place. Let’s dive into some quirky, yet natural ways to comfort your teething baby—without resorting to medicated gels or going full mad scientist in the kitchen.

Wait, Is It Teething Or...?

First up, how do you even know your little darling is teething? Before you start freezing a dozen washcloths and ordering amber necklaces from obscure corners of the internet, let’s make sure you’re dealing with the right issue.

Common Signs of Teething:

- Drooling like a St. Bernard on a hot day
- Red, swollen gums (bonus points if you spot that sneaky little tooth peeking out)
- Constant chewing on EVERYTHING (yes, even your remote control)
- Crankiness that rivals a sleep-deprived adult post-coffee deprivation
- Trouble sleeping (cue the zombie parents)
- Slight fever (we’re talkin’ under 100.4°F)

Once you’ve confirmed that teething is the culprit, it's time to unleash the natural soothing powers.

1. The Old-School Cool: Cold Washcloths

Your baby’s gums are inflamed and sore, and just like we reach for ice packs after bumping into the coffee table (again), cold is comforting.

Here’s what to do:

- Wet a clean washcloth
- Twist it up like a chubby little pretzel
- Stick it in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes (not too long—you don't want it rock-hard)
- Let your baby chew away under supervision

Not only is it safe, but it also gives your little one the satisfaction of gnawing on something that won’t buzz or beep. Plus, bonus points: you get a 5-minute break!

2. Chilled Fruits In A Mesh Feeder (Yes, It’s A Thing)

If your baby has started solids, this one’s a game-changer. A mesh feeder is a little silicone or net pouch where you can tuck fruit or veggies safely for gumming.

Top choices:

- Frozen banana (watch the mess though—it’s a sticky war zone)
- Frozen mango or watermelon chunks
- Peeled cucumber slices chilled in the fridge

This satisfies their need to chew, cools the gums, and adds a bite of nutrition. And if your baby figures out how to smoosh half the contents down their chin and into their diaper, congrats—you’ve entered bonus foodie baby territory.

3. Natural Teething Toys FTW

Plastic? Nah. Silicone? Oh yes.

Look for BPA-free, food-grade silicone teething toys in fun shapes—think pandas, avocados, or even a tiny cactus. They’re soft enough to chew, firm enough to soothe, and cute enough to make you forget you haven’t showered in three days.

Want to up your game? Pop the toy in the fridge (not the freezer) before handing it over. That slight chill makes all the difference.

4. Teething Necklaces (For You, Not Baby)

You've probably seen those hazel-eyed babies rocking amber necklaces on Instagram. While research around Baltic amber is still kinda murky, many parents swear by them—so you do you.

But let’s talk about teething necklaces designed for parents to wear and babies to chew. They're basically chewable jewelry (yes, that exists) made from silicone. Chic, chewable, and you won’t lose it under the couch. Win-win!

5. Gimme All The Massage

Babies love massages. And mouth massages? Oh, honey, that’s the VIP treatment.

Try this:

- Wash your hands (duh)
- Rub your finger gently over your baby’s gums
- Use a circular motion or gently press on the sore spots

This soothes the inflamed gums, distracts them from the pain, and makes you feel like a teething whisperer.

You can even use a clean silicone finger toothbrush to massage their gums if you’re feeling fancy.

6. The Magic of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile isn't just for stressed-out moms (although sip some—you’ve earned it). It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and calming herb that can help ease your baby’s discomfort.

Ways to use chamomile:

- Brew a weak chamomile tea, soak a clean rag or washcloth in it, and chill it in the fridge before letting your baby chew it.
- Freeze small amounts of chamomile tea in an ice cube tray. Wrap a cube in a muslin cloth and let them gnaw (with supervision).
- Rub a tiny bit of cooled tea directly on their gums.

Always check with your pediatrician first (gotta cover that baby-safe base), especially when using herbs.

7. Breastfeeding Or Bottle Feeding As A Soother

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, I already breastfeed six million times a day.” But here’s the secret—sucking is comforting.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, letting your baby nurse a little more often can actually help ease the pain. The sucking motion helps calm them down, and sometimes that’s half the battle.

Bonus? Breastmilk has natural pain-fighting properties. Yup. You’re literally serving comfort in a bottle (or boob).

8. DIY Teething Popsicles (Totally Safe!)

If your baby is on solids and you’re feeling a bit extra, whip up some baby-friendly popsicles. These not only soothe sore gums but are also a sneaky way to sneak in nutrients.

Easy popsicle combos:

- Breastmilk or formula pops
- Mashed banana + breastmilk
- Pureed pear + mint (yes, it’s fancy but sooo refreshing)
- Avocado + yogurt blends

Pop 'em in a baby-safe mold, freeze, and you’ve got yourself a teething snack that’s functional and fun.

9. Distraction, The Forgotten Hero

Sometimes, the best way to help your baby forget their gums are on fire is to redirect their attention.

Quick distraction tricks:

- A warm bath (relaxes and entertains)
- A change of environment (take 'em outside)
- Singing silly songs, blowing bubbles, or introducing a new toy

It’s kind of like how adults forget about headaches when watching their favorite romcom. Give ‘em something to giggle at, and the fussiness might just fade away (temporarily, anyway).

10. Snuggles, Because Nothing Beats You

Yup, you. You’re their favorite comfort object. (Yes, even more than that giraffe-shaped teether.)

There’s something about mama or papa's arms that soothes a baby like nothing else. Hold them close, rock them, carry them in a sling, bounce gently on an exercise ball—whatever works.

Physical closeness triggers the release of oxytocin (a naturally calming hormone), helping both of you feel better. It's the ultimate all-natural remedy.

But Wait — What Should You Avoid?

Not every old wives’ tale deserves a comeback tour. Here’s what you want to steer clear of:

🚫 Topical numbing gels – These often contain benzocaine, which isn't recommended for infants.

🚫 Amber teething necklaces (for baby to wear) – While cute, they pose strangulation and choking risks.

🚫 Alcohol on gums – This old-school trick needs to stay in the past.

Safety first, always. That baby of yours is already cute enough without adding drama into the mix.

Teething Survival Tips For Parents

Let’s be honest: teething doesn’t just affect your baby. It affects the whole household. You’re tired. Frustrated. Running on crumbs and coffee.

So, while you’re tending to your little teething tornado, don’t forget to take care of yourself too:

- Tag in your partner or a friend for breaks
- Nap when the baby naps (yes, we mean it)
- Eat something that didn’t come from a pouch
- Vent to another parent who gets it

You can’t pour from an empty cup—and you definitely can’t soothe a teething baby with zero sleep and a short fuse. Be kind to yourself. This too shall pass. 🍼💤

Closin’ Time: The Light At The End Of The Gum Tunnel

Teething can feel like one long, drool-covered rollercoaster. But with a little creativity, a dash of patience, and a healthy dose of natural remedies, you can get through it—without a pharmacy’s worth of painkillers.

Just remember: every baby is different. What works for one might get side-eyed (or spat out) by another. Experiment, stay flexible, and trust your instincts.

And worst case? There’s always wine… for you, not the baby.