Gummy Grins FTW! 15 Teething Tips for Babies You Need to Try

1. Rub baby’s gums. After washing your hands, give your baby a gentle gum massage. The pressure from your fingers will counter the pressure of the teeth breaking through. It will feel good and offer your little one some relief from sore, swollen gums.

2. Refrigerate a pacifier. Chilling a pacifier makes it even more soothing by lightly numbing gums to dull the pain.

3. Wear baby-safe teething necklaces. Teething necklaces give your child an easy-to-grab item to gnaw on when you're holding them. Check out this stylish teething jewelry.

4. Try teething drops. Teething drops can be a life-saver for kids and sleep-deprived parents. Ask your pediatrician for recommended products.

5. Make milk/formula popsicles. Some babies and toddlers refuse to eat while teething, mostly out of discomfort. Popsicles keep your little one fed and hydrated while soothing those gums. Use silicone popsicle forms to make them, and fill with breastmilk or formula. When eating, slip a bib on your babe or place them on a washable towel or blanket since popsicles can get messy.

6. Freeze apple chunks. Cut a large piece of apple, let it chill in the freezer for an hour or more, and offer it to your baby. A frozen bagel works too. As with all foods and toys that your child gums on, stay close by to avoid choking hazards. If frozen foods make you too anxious, place frozen fruit in a mesh feeder to reduce choking risk.

7. Try different types of teethers. As you know, babies have strong preferences on lots of things, and teethers are no exception. For shopping help, check out our list of top teethers, from wood and rubber options to teethers you can freeze for cooling comfort.

8. Wear your baby as much as possible. Strap your clingy child into a structured carrier or wrap, facing inward. They'll feel comfort from being close to you, and you can still get things done. Win-win.

9. Keep baby’s face dry. Wiping the waterfall of drool that comes with teething helps prevent skin irritation, which is the last thing you need right now on top of teething.

10. Freeze a wet, textured washcloth. Moisten a textured washcloth, wring it dry, and place in the freezer before giving it to your baby. Terrycloth or a ribbed texture will offer added relief by creating friction as baby gnaws on it.

11. Refrigerate a small spoon. A spoon is something your child can hold on their own, chew on, push against their gums, and even play with to distract themselves from teething pain. Keep a few spoons in the fridge so you always have one at the ready. Those new teeth can really sneak up on you.

12. Serve chilled purees. Chill pureed foods prior to feeding your baby so the food is cool on their gums. It will feel nice and may encourage your child to eat more.

13. Become a chew toy. Wash your hands in cold water and then offer a chilled pinky for your child to gum on. You can also show your child how to gum on their own fingers, to help them self-soothe.

14. Give your child a foot massage. Studies in reflexology have identified connections between toes and the head and teeth. Gently massage your child’s toes for comfort and a distraction from their pain.

15. Offer extra cuddles. Cuddles are the best treatment for lots of baby drama. If you're nursing, nurse more often than usual to ensure your baby is nourished and give additional comfort. Bottle feeding? Offer more bottles and snuggle during and after feeding time.