Teething Relief (For Baby AND You)
Santino started teething so early (around 2 months) that I was in disbelief. It began with what I thought was him trying to suck his thumb (mini heart attack). He ended up just biting on any finger he could get into his mouth. Next came the drool... all over his face, his clothes, me. He was never a fussy baby, so I knew he must’ve been uncomfortable when he started fighting naps, pulling at his mouth and screaming (and I began wanting to rip my hair out). I was told by our pediatrician that I could give him Tylenol for the pain. I prefer to try all natural methods before medication. I didn’t feel right giving him that at such a young age regardless. I went on the hunt for teething toys (that would actually get used) and non-medicinal remedies. I’ve found that the following work VERY well (and I can feel comfortable using them):
Vanilla Extract:
100% pure vanilla extract (make sure it’s not imitation) contains alcohol, which we all know has been used by our grandparents, and maybe even our parents, on sore gums. I, like other mamas, can’t imagine rubbing whiskey in my baby’s mouth (I just want what’s safest and best). Vanilla extract is an excellent alternative. You should always question your baby’s pediatrician if you feel uneasy about trying something new!
HOW TO USE:
Wash and dry your hands. Put a small amount of the vanilla extract on your pointer finger. Gently rub your finger along the top and button gums in your baby’s mouth. DO NOT put on their pacifier (they will suck the extract off and swallow it).
The First Years “Bee Chill” Teether:
MY FAVE TEETHING TOY, LIKE EVER. Santino didn’t get the concept of using a toy to soothe his gums, until I tried this one. The felt wings get cold and crunchy when you wet and freeze them, yet they’re still soft enough to bend. The sensation keeps him occupied for way longer than traditional frozen teething rings.
You can find The First Years “Bee Chill” Teether on Amazon.
Sophie The Giraffe:
It’s on every “baby registry must haves” list for a reason. I don’t know what it is about this damn giraffe but babies LOVE it. I personally think it’s the legs, which are super easy to get into the mouth and chew on. Kind of like a security blanket, they like to just hold on to it and carry it with them.
Sophie The Giraffe can be found at buybuy BABY or on Amazon.
Fingers (yes, I said fingers):
If your baby wants to chew on your fingers, let them. As long as your hands are clean, who cares! Some people might disagree (which is fine) but I think it’s not a big deal at all. It’s part curiosity and part soothing. Even with all of the teething toys he has, Santino will still go for my hands. It doesn’t bother me. As long as he’s happy, I’m happy.
Best part: fingers are free.
Warm Bath:
Sometimes a baby just needs distraction, especially when they’re uncomfortable. I find that a warm bath not only calms Santino when his sore gums turn him into a real cranky ass, but also distracts him for at least 30 mins of quiet time (which, as we moms know, feels like a week when you’ve been going all day).
Baths are also free.
Mom: 1 Teething: 0