How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Natural Teething Remedies and More
4 min read•Updated November 15, 2025
4 min read•Updated November 15, 2025
When your baby starts teething, it can be a challenging time for both you and your little one. While over-the-counter medications exist, many parents seek natural teething remedies to soothe discomfort without relying on synthetic ingredients. Common natural options include chilled (not frozen) teething rings, cold washcloths for chewing, and gentle gum massages.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick overview of popular (and safe) natural remedies:
Cold relief. Frozen washcloths, chilled teething rings, and cold fruits (in mesh feeders) can numb sore gums.
Massage. Gently rubbing your baby’s gums or jawline with a clean finger can ease pain.
Breastfeeding. Nursing offers comfort and may help soothe a fussy baby.
Teething toys. Food-grade silicone or rubber options provide a safe chewing outlet.
Some parents also turn to teething necklaces; however, they are not recommended due to the risk of strangulation and choking. Always supervise your baby and consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies.
In the next section, we’ll explore each of these teething remedies in more detail to help you find what works best and learn how to use them safely.
When Does Teething Start and What Are the Symptoms?
Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, though some babies start earlier or later. This natural process happens when a baby’s first teeth (also called primary teeth) begin to break through the gums. Common signs of teething include:
If your baby is showing any of these signs, they might be teething. Fortunately, many natural teething remedies can offer comfort and relief.
Here are some common questions from parents:
Can teething cause changes in a baby’s poop?
Yes, some parents report looser stools or changes in poop during teething, though this isn’t medically confirmed. Always check with your healthcare provider if it seems unusual or lasts more than a few days.
Can my baby get a diaper rash from teething?
While not medically proven, some parents observe diaper rash during teething, possibly from extra drool being swallowed and passed through the system.
Curious how teething fits into your baby’s development? Track key milestones and see what’s coming next.
Natural Teething Remedies
When you’re seeking some teething pain relief for your baby, it’s comforting to know there are safe, natural ways to help ease their discomfort. So, if you’re wondering how to help your teething baby, below are gentle options that are backed by our trusted medical sources for you to try at home. Of course, if in doubt, always consult your healthcare provider.
1. Teething Toys and Rings
Why it helps: Babies love to chew when teething. A baby teething toy or teething ring made from food-grade silicone or rubber provides a safe and satisfying texture for sore gums.
Safety tip: Avoid teething toys with gel fillings, hard plastic, or detachable parts. Refrigerate (don’t freeze) for extra relief. Gloves for teething can also be soothing and easy for small hands to use.
Tip
Choose a teething toy that's easy for your baby to hold onto. Avoid teething toys made from wood or solid plastic, or gel-filled toys, as these could break or freeze when cooled.
2. Cold or Frozen Items
Cold relief can numb sore gums. It’s important to note that you should only give babies frozen or cold food once they have started solids. Try these cool options:
Cold washcloth: A popular method is using a frozen washcloth for teething. Simply wet a clean cloth, wring it out, and chill it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes. Once cool, fold it and give it to your baby to chew on, which may help relieve those sore gums.
Frozen fruit: Once you’ve introduced your baby to solid foods, which typically occurs around 6 months, you can help soothe those sore gums with a tasty snack of chilled mashed bananas, applesauce, strawberries, melon, or other soft fruits. You could also use a mesh teether to put chilled fruit inside.
Tip
Don't leave your child unattended while sucking or chewing on the washcloth or any frozen items, as this can be a choking hazard. Avoid giving your baby food or items that are frozen solid.
3. Breastmilk and Breastfeeding
It’s common for parents to wonder if they can continue breastfeeding while their baby is teething, and they often ask, “Does breastfeeding help with teething?” You can, of course, still breastfeed when your little one starts teething. While not a direct teething remedy, many parents find that breastfeeding during teething helps comfort their baby through closeness and soothing suckling.
According to La Leche League International, some babies may nurse more frequently when teething for comfort, while others may temporarily pull away if their gums are sore.
If your baby bites or finds it difficult to latch during feeding, try offering a chilled teether or a gentle gum massage just beforehand to help numb the gums and reduce the urge to bite.
4. Cup Feeding
If your baby is older than 6 months, you can give them a sippy cup with cold water to help soothe their gums. You could also give them breastmilk in a cup if you’re having difficulty breastfeeding while your little one is teething.
5. Massage for Gums and Face
Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger when they’re teething can ease pressure and pain. After washing your hands, use your fingers to carefully rub your baby’s gums with gentle, circular motions. Your baby might instinctively start to suck or chew on your fingers, and that’s OK, too!
Massaging their gums can be especially calming before naps and bedtime.
Some parents explore natural teething remedies like chamomile or clove oil. Here’s what trusted sources say:
Chamomile. Small studies suggest that chamomile may help relieve teething symptoms like drooling and irritability when used topically in a water-based extract. Parents sometimes use diluted, caffeine-free chamomile tea to soak a clean washcloth or gently massage the gums. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying this.
Clove oil. While clove contains eugenol, a compound with potential numbing properties, clove oil is not recommended for infants due to risks of toxicity, irritation, and lack of pediatric safety data.
Important: Always consult your baby’s healthcare provider before trying any herbal remedy. Products like belladonna or other homeopathic drops have been linked to serious health risks and are not recommended.
7. Comfort and Cuddles
Cuddles, warm baths, and calming music can’t cure teething pain, but they can ease your baby’s stress and help them relax. Try these soothing strategies:
A relaxed baby may cope better with the discomfort of teething.
Tip
One of the main signs of teething is drooling, which can lead to drool rash. Help protect your baby’s skin and clothes with soft bibs, which you can also use to wipe your baby's chin, keeping their face clean, dry, and comfortable!
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Teething Medicine for Babies
If natural teething remedies aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter options, like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (only for babies over 6 months). Always follow dosage instructions exactly.
Avoid These Products:
Teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine: Not safe for infants, according to the FDA.
Homeopathic teething tablets: Linked to safety concerns like seizures.
Speak to your child’s healthcare provider before using any medicine and to find the best medicine for your teething baby.
Here are some common questions from parents:
What time of day is teething pain usually worse?
Many parents notice teething discomfort peaks in the evening or overnight, likely due to tiredness and fewer distractions.
What are the signs that natural remedies aren’t enough?
If your baby is inconsolable, refusing to eat or drink, or has a fever above 100.4°F, consult your healthcare provider—it might be something more than teething.
Teething Treatments: What to Avoid
Not all remedies are safe. Avoid these popular—but risky—methods:
Teething Necklaces, Bracelets, and Other Jewelry
Experts do not recommend using teething necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry, including amber teething necklaces and bracelets, as they are a choking hazard. Teething necklaces can also cause mouth injuries or infections and, in rare cases, strangulation.
Teething Medicines with Benzocaine or Lidocaine
As mentioned above, the best teething medicine is whatever your child’s healthcare provider recommends. Many teething gels and ointments for babies can either wash out of your child’s mouth before getting the chance to be effective or are harmful if swallowed in large amounts. For example, medicines containing benzocaine or lidocaine can even be fatal.
Homeopathic Teething Remedies
Again, always heed the advice of your baby’s healthcare provider when it comes to using teething gels, ointments, tablets, or other medications for babies. Some common ingredients, like belladonna, have been linked to medical issues, such as seizures.
Sleep is important to both your little one and you! For some soothing sounds for baby (and you!), incorporate Tiny Tales from Pampers into a relaxing bedtime routine.
Baby teething pain can strike at any time, including at night when your little one is sleeping. If your teething baby is waking up at night, you may be searching for ways to soothe pain while sleeping. Though there aren’t any techniques specific to nighttime teething, you can use the general home remedies for your teething baby at night, too.
You can also incorporate the following soothing tips into your regular bedtime routine to help soothe and calm your little one:
Bedtime bath. A warm, relaxing bath can help your little one settle down and fall asleep, especially when they’re feeling some discomfort from teething.
Nighttime cuddles. Before putting your baby down for the night, do some cuddling and rocking. This is calming for babies at any time, but could be especially helpful at bedtime to prepare for sleep while soothing any discomfort.
Massage. As your little one drifts off to sleep, use your clean fingers to massage their gums. You might even see your baby nodding off with this technique!
Cool washcloth. Before bed, let your baby suck on a cool, clean washcloth. The soothing effect can help relieve any discomfort as your little one gets sleepy.
Better Nights Start Here.
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When to Call Your Baby’s Healthcare Provider
Besides being aware of what to avoid when it comes to teething soothers, it also helps to know when to contact your baby’s healthcare provider.
Many parents wonder if teething can cause fever, especially at night. Although a slightly elevated temperature, sometimes called a low-grade fever, is possible, teething generally doesn’t cause fever. If your little one has a rectal temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not likely due to teething, and you should contact their healthcare provider.
In addition to consulting your baby’s healthcare provider about fever, contact them in the following situations:
Inconsolable crying. Teething shouldn’t cause excessive crying or discomfort. How to soothe a teething baby is about reducing mild discomfort, as teething wouldn’t be the cause of extreme or inconsolable pain.
Reduced appetite. Although teething can cause swollen and tender gums, it shouldn’t necessarily interrupt feedings. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if teething appears to cause a lack of appetite or the discomfort interferes with eating or drinking.
FAQS AT A GLANCE
Natural teething remedies include chilled teething toys, cold washcloths, gentle gum massages, and soothing cuddles. Some parents also find comfort techniques like warm baths or breastfeeding helpful. Always consult your baby's healthcare provider before trying new remedies.
There aren’t any specific techniques for soothing a teething baby at night. Instead, it may help to add the following soothing activities to your child’s bedtime routine:
A warm, comforting bath
Light gum massage
Sucking on a cool washcloth
Extra cuddles.
Teething isn’t always comfortable for babies, but it won’t cause inconsolable crying. If your little one is teething and won’t stop crying, it’s likely that the two aren’t related. Contact your baby’s healthcare provider to determine the cause of excessive crying.
Check with your baby's healthcare provider about whether your baby needs medicine for pain relief from teething, as this isn’t always beneficial or necessary.
Teething pain usually lasts a few days before and after each tooth breaks through the gums. Since teeth emerge one at a time, discomfort can come and go over several months. Most babies finish teething by around age 2 to 3.
The Bottom Line
Teething can be tough, but it’s a natural and temporary part of your baby’s development. By using safe, natural teething remedies like chilled washcloths, gum massage, breastfeeding, and chilled rubber chewing toys, you can offer your little one comfort and relief. Always talk with your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
And remember, once those little teeth start popping through, it’s time to start brushing!
American Academy of Pediatrics. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 7th ed. (New York: Bantam Books, 2019).
The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
