One of the struggles of trying to parent as naturally as possible is handling obvious pain and discomfort in our children without going the mainstream route and medicating them with potentially dangerous substances. Whether or not they like berry or bubblegum flavored medicated syrup is a non issue when you won’t give them that stuff regardless. Teething may be one of the first times we go looking for a way to relieve their pain naturally and there are no shortage of safer, more natural teething relief options that we can look to before we open that bottle of baby Motrin. Here are some of your options:
Natural Teething Toys
Babies know instinctively how to chew to relieve their pain, that is why they will happily munch on your finger, your cars keys, sling padding… whatever they can get their little mouths on. Obviously though we want to make sure that whatever they are gnawing on is safe though. Your finger is most likely a-okay, your car keys… not so much. There are quite a few toys on the market designed to be safe and effective for chewing and teething.
The Spelt Cushion Cotti – This adorable soft lamb is filled with a removable, spelt grain pillow. It accompanies its little owner right from the first day and it is ready for snuggles. The spelt pillow is heatable and can make falling asleep easier. Outer material: high quality organically farmed cotton. Inner material: natural spelt grain seed.
Sophie the Giraffe Teether – This one is very popular among parents. Sophie the Giraffe is perfect for baby’s small hands. She is very light and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip. She is very soft to touch, stimulating soothing physiological and emotional responses. Smell: The singular scent of natural rubber makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to identify. Sophie is Phthalates and BPA free.
Teething Necklaces For Mom
Smart Mom Teething Bling – LOVE this necklace set that moms can wear to give their babes something safe to chew on. Not only would I wear these anyway, just because they are pretty, I would be super happy to know my kidlets were chewing on something safe. Made from a food-safe, phthalate-free, federally-approved silicone, Teething Bling looks great on Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Caregivers but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew. LOVE the colors!!
Wooden Teething Rings
Teething rings don’t have to be plastic. There are plenty of wood options.
Waldorf Maple Teething Ring – The Camden Rose teether was designed to stimulate sight and touch with beautiful organic shapes and the comfort of hardwood. Easy to grasp for little fingers and soothing to rub on tender gums, the Maple Teether is best for the baby who, at about 3 months, starts to explore the object-mouth relationship. Each teether is fashioned from maple wood and finished with non-toxic beeswax.
Kringelring by Haba – Kringelring is a wonderful teething ring made of beech wood with maple elements threaded over a sturdy, cloth-covered red band. Two blue rings clatter merrily when this rattle is handled. Finished with completely non-toxic, child-friendly substances. This quality toy was designed and manufactured in Germany
Homeopathic Teething Aids
Boiron Homeopathic Camilia Teething Relief – Homeopathic single use medicine with no preservatives. Relieves gum soreness and pain brought on by teething.
Nuby All Natural Teething Gel – calms pain and irritability due to teething with 100% Natural ingredients like Chamomile. Free of artificial flavors and parabens.
Clove Oil – Mix a couple drops of clove bud oil with some edible vegetable oil and apply to the gums. This stuff is potent though so make sure not to give them too much or too often.
Teething Necklaces for Baby
Amber Teething Necklaces – Amber is a natural substance from trees. It is actually fossilised sap and it has been used for a long time in European countries for its natural pain relief and natural anti-inflammatory properties due to the slow release of its natural oils when warmed by your skin.
Teething Towels/Blankets
A washcloth from your linen closet makes a great teether! But if you prefer something a little nicer there are many of these on the market…
Dandelion Classic Organic Toy Bear Blanket – The Bear Teething Blanket from Dandelion Toys features knots, tags and ears for teething and touching. Velour with Dandelion’s Swirly Stitches pattern. Made from organic fabric and machine washable
What is your favorite trick or gadget to handle teething pain?
Recommended: Natural Remedies for Diaper Rash and Natural Remedies for Baby Eczema.
Amazon has them, lots of different colors: Smart Mom Teething Bling
I am happy to say I have used most of these options with my children to some decree of success….
I like the idea of the “Teething Bling”! I have never heard of it before, but it sounds genius.
I stumbled upon the teething bling on last summer’s girls weekend in north conway new hampshire. I am so so happy I bought it because my son has used it nonstop for the last 8 months. I get asked all the time about it but haven’t seen it anywhere but there since.
Maybe they have a website?
We have used an amber teething necklace for our daughter since she was about 2 months old. I swear it works (though who can be sure :)). Two points to add:
1 – the lighter colored amber is supposed to be more effective.
2 – The key is to keep the necklace on as much as possible. The oil gets concentrated over time, for better effect.
We keep the necklace on her all the time. I only take it off for her bath.
Thanks for the great post.
Where did u get the necklace ??
This is fabulous! I didn’t know about amber. My daughter is really picky about what she chooses to chew on: my fingers, or squishy-rubbery toys. Just tonight I asked my boyfriend to help me weave a long necklace safe for our fussy baby to chew on that she couldn’t drop and make me pick up a thousand times!
Delena
Here in southern Mexico babies are given a green onion to teeth on. I wrinkled up my nose at this with my first baby–but with my second, being a much more relaxed second time mom, I gave it a try and it worked wonders. From cranky to happy in less than a minute.
I have wet a new washclothe, ring out 95 percent of the water and freeze it. fold into desired shaped as its still fairly pliable and they numb and knaw at same time. you can even flavor the water if need be. works like charm!! i used apple juice on my sons.
I just saw the amber necklace on my friend’s son. She told me all about it. Very cool! She swears by it.
Frozen grapes placed into a mesh feeding