Babies start teething anywhere from 4 to 7 months old, and for some infants, the pain and discomfort can last for many months. Teething can be tough on both babies and parents, but with a little patience and creativity, you can make it through this milestone together. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how to make teething easier on babies, here are a few natural remedies that may help:  

1. Breastfeeding

I’m telling you, breastfeeding can cure just about anything. Not only does breastfeeding calm your nervous system as you get a dose of oxytocin, but it calms your baby as well. This is a source of comfort and can be especially comforting during this teething period. Along with that, breastfeeding also allows for pressure to be put on the gums while baby is nursing, which can provide some relief. Lastly, breastmilk is packed with nutrients that can help keep inflammation down. 

 2. Frozen Towels or Teething Rings

The cold pressure applied from your baby chewing on a frozen towel or teething ring can really provide some relief. The cold will help numb the area and also help drive down inflammation. If your baby has a favorite teething toy, I would throw it in the freezer. Isaac is also going through a major phase of wanting to play with kitchen utensils, so I’ve put some metal spoons in the freezer as well and he really enjoys chewing on them.

3. Essential Oils

The top three essential oils that I have used to help soothe this teething time are Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Copaiba. Please note that you will want to use your discretion as to how diluted you make the oils (each child is different). It’s also important to note from where you are sourcing your essential oils. I know that there are many different companies out there, but if I could, I would highly recommend going with someone who has tested all of their ingredients and their products, and only sourcing for 100% whole, organic ingredients. Many companies out there are using a multitude of synthetic ingredients. I absolutely adore the company Restore Hope Oils (you can use code FRMAMA for 10% off your first order) and the owner, Gavin, is an incredible resource who has a huge heart and mission to help heal the world. 

→ Lavender is great for calming down the nervous system and soothing the body. I’ve applied lavender to the bottom of the feet and along the jaw line.

→ Roman Chamomile is similar to lavender, but works at a deeper level and can help baby get a good night sleep. I have applied this to the back of the brain stem, bottom of the feet, and right behind the ears. 

→ Copaiba is a whole-body support oil. It helps regulate the brain, digestive system, lungs, circulation, and liver function. I’ve applied this to the bottom of the feet or along the gums (again make sure you dilute as needed for your child). 

4. Diet

If you are primarily breastfeeding, it is extremely important that you are eating a low-inflammatory diet to best make sure that your breast milk is as nutrient dense as possible. If you are introducing or giving your baby solids, it’s important to make sure that everything is anti-inflammatory. This means no processed sugars, processed flours, or toxic oils. This may be a time that you (if you are breastfeeding) or baby (if giving solids) avoid dairy as well, as it can sometimes cause an inflammatory response in the body. 

5. Added Nutrients

If you are primarily breastfeeding, make sure that your vitamin D levels are appropriate, as that will pass through your breast milk, over to baby. Vitamin D plays a very important role in our immune system, which you want to keep strong as teething could produce a fever. 

6. Teething Necklaces

There’s quite a bit of controversy over the amber teething necklaces. It’s been reported that too many babies are being injured, or worse, dying from the necklace being a choking hazard. My pediatrician originally told me about getting an amber teething necklace, and my sister-in-law swore by it with her boy, so we bought one. How I’ve implemented it to be safe is by only using it while doing contact naps. I don’t let Isaac sleep with it or wear it unattended. I would advise if you decide to use one, to take precaution and only allow your baby to wear it while you are watching and aware. 

While I can’t make any guarantees, hopefully, some of these natural remedies will help soothe your teething baby. They say that this is why it happens while you are a baby because if adults were having to go through “teething” most of us wouldn’t make it. If you have other tips or tricks that have worked for you, please share them in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!