How To Deal With Teething Problems Using Natural Home Remedies

Teething connotes your little one is growing up. If your baby seems unusually irritated and has begun to drool often, it is probably because they are showing the first signs of teething. In most babies, it usually takes place in the first year and regrettably, it can be quite painful. All babies react to teething differently, depending on their temperament.

Although there are several over-the-counter medicines available that claim to ease teething problems in babies, according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the USA), they are only suitable for children above 2 years of age as they are more harmful to younger infants. While there are no records in India advocating the same fact, it is wise to be safe. So, if your little one is too little for those medicines, here are some amazing natural home remedies that will comfort them from teething problems.

1. Ice

The most common way of comforting your baby from their bothersome teething problems is by simply applying some ice. It numbs their gums and eliminates the pain. Alternatively, you can apply anything cold. Giving your baby a clean, cool wet cloth to chew on can also help with the irritation. Many parents also prefer to offer certain healthier alternatives such as peeled full-sized carrots and cucumbers to chew on, or homemade yoghurt to provide some relief. Though these are absolutely safe, homely options, consult with your doctor before giving them such food alternatives.

Similarly, the simplest of all the remedies, cold spoons can actually help ease the teething problems faced by your baby. All you have to do is place a steel spoon in the refrigerator, allow it to chill, and give it to your little one to numb the pain in their gums. Apart from reducing the inflammation, a cold spoon is a great distraction and it gives them something to nibble on.

2. Nursing

Nursing is a great natural way of providing relief to your baby from the teething pain. Although sucking provides them comfort, they may start biting you due to the irritation. In such cases, do not feel obliged to continue. Instead, apply slight pressure on their gums and massage them with your finger while breastfeeding to make them stop biting. Note that breastfeeding does not always work with all babies. So, do not stress if it does not work and consider other options.

3. Honey

There is a popular tradition in India of feeding the baby a tad bit of honey when they are born, which is known to clean their stomach. But another popular use of honey is to soothe your baby’s teething problems. After consultation with your doctor, rub a very small quantity of honey on your baby’s gums. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, honey has found its use as a medicinal balm in not only Ayurveda but also in ancient Chinese and Egyptian dynasties. So, trust your ancestors and use this simple natural home remedy to comfort your baby.

4. Virgin Coconut Oil

Among its many uses, virgin coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for reducing teething problems. It is yet another anti-inflammatory substance that provides relief when rubbed on your infant’s gums. Although virgin coconut oil is edible and completely safe for babies, it is advised that you consult with your doctor before using it to be absolutely sure.

Consulting Your Physician

While these remedies are absolutely safe and natural, if your baby finds it difficult to bear the pain,  you must immediately consult with your physician, for teething can cause diarrhoea and fever in babies among many other symptoms. But worry not as this is all just a part of growing up and your baby shall soon be smiling happily with those cute little teeth.

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