Hush Lil Babies

Teething. Now there’s a word that can make any parent break into a cold sweat. It’s that phase that strikes just when you think you’ve reached a light at the end of the tunnel. Your sweet little baby, who was finally sleeping through the night (hell yeah!) suddenly transforms into a drooling, cranky, feral creature who is back to waking you up at all hours. While it’s completely natural and necessary, it’s an excruciatingly painful time, for both baby and you!

Not only was I frantically googling for tips, but everyone was giving me their teething hacks and advice as soon as my baby’s first tooth started poking through. From frozen treats to toys and teethers, I desperately tried anything and everything. Some of it worked wonders and others…not so much. So from experience, here are my five best teething tips that will hopefully help you survive this phase without needing therapy. I’ll give you the pros and cons of each so you can decide what works best for your little one and your sanity.

1. Frozen Celery and a Damp Wash Cloth

Pros:
Ok this one is a game-changer. Celery offers a natural, crunchy texture that babies absolutely love to gnaw on, which helps soothe sore gums and keeps them distracted. Plus, it stays cold for a really long time, giving your little one much-needed relief from inflamed gums. It’s an all-natural alternative to gels or chemicals, which is always a win in my book.

What really makes this hack stand out, though, is wrapping the celery in a damp washcloth. Not only does this provide a softer and more pleasant surface to chew on, but it also makes it easier for your baby to grip. It helps prevent little hands (or yours) from freezing, and keeps everything nice and contained without a mess. My baby loved gnawing on this while sitting on my lap during our rocking sessions. It became a comforting ritual for both of us. A simple, bonding moment that often helped her relax and even fall asleep at night.

Cons:
Once the celery starts to thaw, it can break into small pieces that can pose a chocking hazard, if your baby unwraps it and decides to take a bite. So always supervise closely while they are munching. There were also times when my baby wasn’t interested, or she would get frustrated trying to unwrap it, especially when the celery was too cold for her hands. It’s not foolproof, but when it does work, it’s a lifesaver!

2. All-Natural Fruit Popcicles

Pros:

Cold is the magic word when it comes to soothing sore gums, and these fruit popsicles are a hit! Not only do they offer a cooling, comforting relief, but they’re also a fun, nutritional treat for your little one. I loved making my own by pureeing fresh fruits like strawberries and peaches, then adding a bit of probiotic yogurt for extra creaminess and health benefits. With no added sugars or chemicals, these homemade popsicles are much healthier and gentler on your baby’s tummy compared to store-bought options. Plus, they’re a great distraction! My baby would happily gnaw on her popsicle for 10-15 minutes, giving me a much-needed break and a little peace of mind knowing she was entertained and soothed.

Cons:

The mess. Oh, the mess. Let’s face it, popsicles are so sticky! Be prepared for dribbles, sticky hands, and a baby and floor covered in fruit juice. My little one also had a habit of dropping the popsicle midway threw because, of course, that’s what babies do, right? I quickly learned that giving my little one a popsicle meant I’d be following up with a bath. My baby had some eczema on her cheeks from all the teething drool, which wasn’t exactly helped by the sticky popsicle situation. However, with a quick bath and some soothing lotion afterward, it was totally manageable. Also, popsicles might be better suited for older babies who have a bit more coordination and can keep the mess to a minimum!

3. Orange and Lemon Peels

Pros:

Orange and lemon peels may seem unconventional, but they’re a surprisingly effective and chemical-free option for soothing sore gums. The natural oils and citrus zest offer a soothing sensation that can help alleviate teething discomfort. The peel’s shape, size, and texture make it easy for babies to hold and gnaw on, giving them a fun and tasty sensory experience. Plus, it’s a relatively low-mess option, which is always a bonus. My little one loved gnawing on these, and they never seemed to lose their appeal.

Cons:

Some babies might be sensitive to the acidity in citrus fruits, which can cause irritation to their mouths or skin. So, if you decide to try this, just be sure to watch for any signs of discomfort and discontinue use if needed.

4. Mesh Fruit Feeder

Pros:

The mesh fruit feeder is another fantastic tool. These little pouches allow you to place chunks of frozen fruit, ice, or even veggies inside, giving your baby a cold, soothing treat that also helps relieve sore gums. The mesh design allows them to gnaw and suck with ease, and the frozen items provide instant relief with minimal mess. Plus, you control what goes in, ensuring it’s all-natural and free from added sugars or preservatives.

It’s also a fantastic way to safely introduce new textures and flavors as your baby transitions from milk to solids. My baby loved frozen blueberries and strawberries, happily gnawing on them for 15-20 minutes, giving me a much-needed break. It’s the perfect combination of teething relief and sensory exploration!

Cons:

It’s definitely a bit of a hassle to clean, especially if you use something which can easily get stuck in the mesh and is a nightmare to rinse out. Trust me, I would definitely steer clear of bananas for this one! After each use, it’s essential to clean the feeder thoroughly to avoid any bacteria buildup. Another downside is that younger babies (under 6 months) might struggle to fully enjoy the fruit since they may not have the motor skills to suck or gnaw effectively just yet. And, as with anything, there’s always a risk of small, hard chunks getting stuck, which could be a choking hazard if you’re not careful with what you put inside.

5. Teething Rings

Pros:

Teething rings are a classic for a reason. They are easy for babies to hold and they provide a safe way to gnaw without you worrying about them chomping on something dangerous. You can get ones that chill in the fridge or ones filled with gel that stays cold longer. Some even come in fun shapes like animals or fruits to keep your baby distracted for a few extra minutes.

Cons:

Teething rings can lose their appeal once your baby’s curiosity shifts to more exciting objects, like your cell phone or those sunglasses you keep trying to protect. This happened with my baby. She loved them at first, but quickly outgrew them, leaving me scrambling for the next teething hack!

Final Thoughts

Teething can feel like an endless challenge but it is temporary. While no magic trick is going to make the process painless, there are plenty of ways to ease your baby’s discomfort and help make it more manageable for both of you. The key is figuring out what works for your little one and your family. And remember, you’re not in this alone! Teething is a milestone, a sign that your baby is growing and developing in beautiful ways.

And if all else fails, there’s always the ultimate teething remedy: a good, strong cup of coffee… for you, of course. 😉

Let me know what’s worked for your baby and what hasn’t! Would love to hear your own teething survival tips.