By EKalman February 10, 2025 - 1:45am

Teething is a natural milestone in your baby’s development, but it can also be a challenging time for both parents and infants. Around six months of age, your baby’s 20 primary teeth start making their way through the gums, leading to fussiness, drooling, and discomfort. While every baby experiences teething differently, there are several ways you can help ease their discomfort.

Luckily, below are the eight amazing tips to help comfort your teething child.

1. Massage your baby’s gums
Gently massaging your baby’s gums can help relieve teething pain. Wash your hands thoroughly, then use your finger to rub their gums in slow, circular motions. This simple technique can provide immediate relief and help your baby relax. If your little one wakes up during the night due to teething discomfort, another gum massage might help them drift back to sleep.

2. Chill a wet washcloth
A cold washcloth can be a soothing option for teething babies. Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and place it in the refrigerator to cool. Once chilled, fold it and let your baby chew on it. The coolness can help numb their gums and reduce irritation. Always supervise your baby while they chew to ensure safety.

3. Refrigerate pacifier or teething toy
If your baby suckles a pacifier between feedings, try cooling it down to help soothe their gums. Clean the pacifier thoroughly and place it in the refrigerator. A cold pacifier may help numb the itching gum line and ease some discomfort. The same can be done with teething toys, except those filled with gel or liquid.

4. Pain relievers
You should ask the leading pediatric dentist about what types of over-the-counter pain drugs are ok to give to your kid. Some of these can alleviate pain and promote better sleep. A dental specialist can recommend the proper dosage and ways to give medicine to a baby who refuses. In general, avoid using teething gels and tablets that contain topical anesthetics like benzocaine or lidocaine. These can be dangerous and usually numb the sensation in an infant's mouth, making it hard for them to swallow.

5. Try milk popsicles
Teething can make some babies reluctant to eat due to gum paint. To encourage feeding and provide relief, you can make milk popsicles using breast milk or formula. Use BPA-free popsicle molds and freeze small portions. Be sure to use a bib during feeding, as these popsicles can get messy as they melt.

6. Keep drool in check
Excessive drooling is common during teething and can cause skin irritation or rashes. Keep a soft cloth or baby wipes handy to gently wipe your baby’s face throughout the day. A bib can also help protect their clothes from drool stains. Keeping your baby’s skin dry and clean can prevent discomfort caused by drool-related irritation.

7. Refrigerate some fruits
If your baby is already consuming solid foods, try freezing some kinds of fruit to help comfort their irritated gum line. Mashed bananas are an excellent option. You can try giving your baby other cooled fruits like strawberries, apples, and pears in a mesh feeder. A mesh feeder is essential to ensure your child doesn’t choke while eating. Remember to monitor your child when they eat and make sure they’re old enough to consume such food.

8. Give your baby some extra cuddles
A soothing cuddle is often enough to comfort a teething baby. Rocking your infant in a chair or carrying them around the house are also good ideas. Additional cuddles will help provide you and your baby with some much-needed rest. If you’re breastfeeding your infant, try doing it more to provide some extra comfort. Besides, make sure to create a peaceful environment for your baby to help them calm down and fall asleep.