Sometimes being a baby is rough stuff. Teething is a common frustration to many babes and parents as they grow an amazing 20 teeth in the first couple of years of life, starting around 4 to 7 months of age usually. Your babe may settle into predictable preferences for getting through those rough patches but if you’re at wit’s end, make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

• Is it something else? Sometimes it’s hard to tell if baby’s signs of discomfort are from teething, hunger, tiredness, boredom, or any combination of these and a number of other factors. For example, baby may be comfortable enough in spite of teething but really just needs a new diaper.
• You may be your baby’s best medicine! Maybe baby just needs a little love. When we don’t feel well most of us would appreciate just a little more TLC. A few extra cuddles may be just what your babe needs. They provide love and distraction from mild pain.
• Use all the tools available to you. Teething rubs can prove helpful but don’t forget to utilize soft, cool teethers and silicone teething jewelry too. A clean wet rag can do the trick too. Your baby may gravitate toward one or just prefer (hopefully clean) fingers, especially yours! Amber necklaces are a go-to for many caregivers trying to cut down on inflammation and irritability.
  
  
• Hit up the kitchen. With your babe’s child and feeding abilities in mind consider if food can help. Freeze a juicy fruit or some breastmilk to offer something to chew on, if old enough. There are also teething foods that cater to being gnawed on (like Happy Baby gentle teething wafers found in many Walgreens and Targets).

• Medication. Consult with your physician to ensure you offer your child the most appropriate remedy based on their age and individual needs. Tylenol may be offered sparingly for older children. Teething tablets may also provide relief, although some brands were recently the subject of a warning by the FDA, despite the fact that they were taken off the shelf in 2010 and deemed safe enough to sell again. Familiarize yourself with the risks of using some over the counter teething gels. Balm! Baby offers two natural and organic teething rub options, including one catered to getting a good night’s sleep.

Lynette is a mom of three children from 6 months to age four. She has cloth diapered all three since birth and enjoys all things eco-friendly and mindful living.