Teething can be one of the more uncomfortable stages for both babies and caregivers. While every child experiences teething differently, there are ways to ease the discomfort and help your little one get through it with a little less fuss. Below are tried-and-true methods from pediatric sources, along with some helpful product recommendations I’ve personally tried and love.
Your Teething Guide
What Is Teething?
Teething happens when an infant’s primary (baby) teeth begin to break through the gums. This can cause swollen, tender gums, excess drooling, irritability, and a desire to bite down on anything they can grab. It typically begins around 6 months, but can start earlier or later for some babies.
My son started around 5 months, and that was not a fun experience. My mom-brain kept forgetting that teething is a possible reason behind his tantrums, and I often spent about 10-15 minutes coming to the same conclusion each time.
Safe and Effective Ways to Soothe Teething Pain
1. Cold Helps, But Not Frozen!
This was one of the first things I found when I looked up ways to help my son through it, and so I tried it, and it worked.
Chilled items help numb gum pain safely. Try:
- A cold washcloth
- Chilled (refrigerated) teething rings
- A cold spoon
- A cold snack if they’ve started eating solids (Greek yogurt with blueberries or a homemade yogurt popsicle)
Refrigerate rather than freeze these items because freezing can make them too hard and hurt your baby’s gums.
Tip: Avoid teething necklaces, bracelets, or items with strings/cords because they pose choking and strangulation risks and aren’t recommended.
2. Gentle Gum Massage
Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums where the teeth are coming in. The pressure can ease discomfort and distract your baby. It’s simple but effective! I usually use this method if I’ve forgotten to prepare a cold remedy or just don’t have the equipment or the time for it.
3. Comforting Habits: Breastfeeding, Cuddles & Pacifiers
Sometimes what your baby needs most is comfort:
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding can soothe and comfort your baby during painful moments.
- Pacifiers can also provide comfort and offer gentle pressure for gums.
Note on pacifiers: While they can be soothing, prolonged use beyond 2-4 years may affect dental development, so aim to wean when age-appropriate.
Although this one is a nice bonding ritual, it was not easy to sit through breastfeeding all the time. Exactly when my son started teething is when I decided to only breastfeed and quit bottlefeeding. I didn’t regret anything more than that decision because he would bite me to relieve his pain. Although it is a beautiful bonding time, it was really painful to sit through.
Our “Power Move”: The A Thousand Roses Teething Roller
There’s one thing I have to share because it has genuinely saved us during peak teething meltdowns.
When my son is in that kind of pain: the red face, arching back, inconsolable crying kind. Then, this is the one thing that consistently calms him down.
We use the A Thousand Roses Teething Roller, and for us, it’s become the power move.
It’s a gentle roller designed specifically for baby gums, and the cool, smooth motion seems to give him immediate relief. The rolling action feels different from a regular teether. It’s more targeted, almost like a mini gum massage, but without my finger having to do all the work.
What I love most is how quickly he settles. Sometimes, within seconds, he goes from screaming to quietly chewing and relaxing in my arms.
I’m not sharing this as an affiliate recommendation, just as a mom who found something that actually works when nothing else seems to.
Of course, every baby is different. But if you’re in that desperate, “please just calm down” stage of teething, this might be worth looking into.
Teething has taught me that sometimes comfort isn’t complicated. It’s not always about buying more. It’s about finding the one thing that works for your baby.
4. Pain Relief (If Needed)
If your baby is especially uncomfortable, talk to your pediatrician about gentle pain relief options like acetaminophen (e.g., infant TYLENOL®). Only give medication under guidance and appropriate dosing.
Avoid teething gels or creams containing benzocaine. These are not safe for babies and are not recommended by pediatric experts.
Extra Tips
- Offer chilled (not frozen) foods if your baby is eating solids. This can soothe sore gums while adding nutrition (like chilled applesauce or banana slices).
- Keep drool rash at bay by gently patting dry and using a soft baby-safe moisturizer.
- Always supervise your baby with teethers or food to prevent choking.
Final Thoughts
Teething is tough for babies and parents alike, but it’s temporary.
And if you’re navigating teething while juggling more than one little one (especially two under two), you’re not alone. I shared more about that season in Two Under Two. Because sometimes the hard parts deserve to be said out loud.
With safe strategies, comfy cuddles, and the right tools, you can help your little one feel better, and maybe get a little more sleep too!
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