7 hacks for surviving teething

Teething can be a nightmare. There is no easy way of saying it. I always knew when my son was about to pop out a tooth because he would stop eating solids, only wanted mommy, and would gnaw on his fingers. Other tell tale signs were red inflamed gums, excessive drooling, and irritability. It can start as early as four months, but for us it began around six months; every baby is different though. Be prepared for teething. If you see your baby is starting to show signs of teething do not wait until the last minute to buy products or start remedies! (like I did) These are my best hacks!

Homeopathic remedies

Originally someone had recommended Camilia Drops to me. They are tiny tubes of tasteless liquid. You can start using these for babies one month or older, and you can give one dose every 15 minutes up to nine times a day. My son loved these. Once he started getting very irritable the second I twisted the lid, he would open his mouth wide; worked in seconds. You can also try Hyland's oral relief tablets. I originally ordered these in a state of panic and desperation. They, too, worked when he was getting irritable. They also have a nighttime one that helps with sleeplessness. The last one is a soothing gel. You can give your baby’s gums a little massage while applying the gel for a little extra relief.

Frozen rag

An old trick that my mother told me was to wet a washcloth, ring it out and stick it in the freezer. The cold cloth will help ease pain. You can also try dipping the washcloth in breastmilk instead of water.

Teething toys

There is a wide variety of teethers on the market, all different shapes and sizes. I have an entire drawer of teething toys, and my sons like about three of them. You might have to experiment with what works best for your baby. However, the best ones that help when that tooth is breaking skin are the water teethers. You can stick them in the refrigerator or freezer. Again, the cold helps ease the pain.

Frozen green onions

Green onions have natural anti-inflammatory proponents that help soothe and numb the gums. Throw them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes and let them chew away. Your house and baby might smell like onions, but I swear by this remedy.

Raw egg in a sock

As crazy as this sounds, I originally saw this remedy on facebook. I investigated further and found even more videos of it. After reading different articles and watching multiple videos of other parents trying this, I had no other choice but to do it myself. To be completely honest, the first night I tried this was the first night my son actually slept through the entire night. The method is, you hang an egg in a sock somewhere in the room. The egg can last months without fermenting. Apparently, egg shells can absorb up to seven times their weight in carbon dioxide, so oxygen levels in the room rise, and that helps the pressure on your baby's mouth.

Frozen food or milk

I sound like a broken record; but again, anything cold will feel great on your baby’s gum. I recommend the haakaa silicone feeder for this one. You can put frozen breastmilk or formula in here and make popsicles. Or you can even put frozen fruit like strawberry, banana, or mango.

Crackers

If your baby is eating solids, crackers can relieve some discomfort. I bought the gerber baby teething sticks first; and I was extremely nervous about my son choking on them. So I made my husband chew on it for a while to see how it broke down. Even when they were found on the ground and picked up by my dogs, they had to really naw to break it down. There are also teething wafers, very similar to a biscuit. These practically melt once they are in your baby's mouth. My son actually still eats these as a snack.

Everyone is going to experience teething. And it really does suck; dealing with a baby constantly fussing can be overwhelming; but just have patience. It won't last forever! BUT, When those little teeth pop through, their smile gets even cuter. Hopefully some of these tricks can help!

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