How to Soothe a Teething Baby: 6 Ways to Help

What is teething and when does it start?

If you have a baby, chances are you've already gone through the teething process (or are in the midst of it). For those who haven't, teething is when a baby's first teeth start to come in and break through their gums. This happens at different times depending on the baby, but can usually be expected as early as four months and as late as after one year. It's a milestone that all babies reach, but it can be a difficult and painful time for both the child and their parents. Here are six of our favorite tips on how to help soothe your baby's teeth and sore gums.

What are the signs and symptoms of teething?

Some telltale signs that your baby's teeth are coming in are a combination of things such as otherwise unexplained crying, noticing that their hands are in their mouth more often, a change in sleeping habits, an elevated fever, and of course swollen and/or irritated gums. If you have a suspicion that your baby is starting to teeth, you can run a clean finger along their gum line and try to feel if a tooth is right under and trying to break through.

1. Give them something to chew on

Babies like to chew on things when they're teething, so giving them something safe to gnaw on can help. Try letting them chew on teething rings or clean washcloth that's been soaked in water, or give them a frozen fruit pop (just make sure it doesn't have any chunks in it). You can also buy special teething toys from the store. Just make sure they're made of safe materials that won't break easily.

2. Massage their gums

Gently massaging your baby's gums can also help to ease the pain of teething. Use your finger or a soft toothbrush to massage their sore gums in a circular motion for a minute or two at a time. This will help to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Teething gels have also been known to help. Just put some on your finger and apply it in your baby's mouth and let the relief work it's magic.

3. Keep the baby's mouth cool

A little bit of cold can go a long way when it comes to numbing the pain of teething. Try freezing a wet washcloth for a few minutes (make sure it's not dripping wet) and letting your baby gnaw on it for relief.

It's also worth knowing that there are some great teething products made for this exact purpose. They are BPA-free silicone molds that you can fill with frozen fruit or milk to help avoid the mess of melting liquid while giving your baby a cooling sensation for their gums as well as a nice snack in the process.

4. Offer some relief from the drool

Excessive drooling is another common symptom of teething (and let's be honest, it's not the most pleasant thing in the world). Investing in a good bib—or several good bibs—can help to keep your baby's clothes dry and their skin irritation-free. If your baby's chest is constantly wet from drool it could also make them cold and possibly lead to sickness.

5. Distract them with other activities

Take their mind off of the pain by engaging them in other activities, such as reading books, playing peek-a-boo, or blowing bubbles together. The more time you can spend with your baby keeping them distracted the less time they are one hundred percent focused on this strange pain in their mouth.

6. Give them pain relief medication

If your baby is really struggling with the pain of teething, you may want to give them some over-the-counter pain relief medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully, and only give them medication if they're over six months old (and only if your doctor says it's okay).

Final thoughts on teething

Pain from new baby teeth and sore gums is tough for both babies and their parents, but there are things you can do to help ease the discomfort. From using a cold compress to giving them teething rings to chew on, there are plenty of ways to help soothe your little one's pain from getting new baby teeth. Try out a few and see what works best for you and your loved one!