Teething Basics
Raw Veggies
To be sure her daughter was getting the nutrients she needed while teething, Rampal also used raw veggies as a teething remedy. One of her favorites was frozen cucumber slices. "They need something that has substance," Rampal says. "Kids also want independence and something fun to do while eating. It's novel when they have something cold, plus it helps numb the gums."
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Frozen Wash Cloths
Soothe your child’s teething pain with a frozen wash cloth. Rampal suggested wetting half of the wash cloth and freezing it for at least 30 minutes. “They can then crunch on the frozen part and hold the dry part,” she says. The combination of the coldness on her gums and the security of holding onto the wash cloth may comfort and soothe your fussy infant as those baby teeth break their way through.
Distraction Duty
Distraction is key when your baby is fussy, says Rampal. At the one-year mark and later, it may help to keep your child busy when he is teething. “Kids are exploring so much the first couple of years, so distraction is key,” Rampal says. “Keep them entertained with trips to the park, games and activities to take their mind off of the soreness.”
Rub-a-Dub Gums
When your baby’s gums are aching, come to the rescue with a little TLC. Athans recommends rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger. “This helps apply pressure—a distraction to ease baby’s discomfort,” she says. Continue to distract that fussy baby with rocking or even a playful song as you rub the top and bottom gums to soothe the pain.
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Drooling Dilemmas
While babies are teething, it is common for drool to cover the mouth area throughout the day. Athans recommends wiping your child’s face often throughout the day to remove the drool and prevent rashes. A painful rash only adds to your child’s discomfort while teething. As an added measure, try putting petroleum jelly around the mouth while she is sleeping.
