I thought I was prepared for teething. I had read all the books, stocked up on teething toys, and even braced myself for a few sleepless nights. But nothing quite prepared me for the real thing—the endless drool, the ear-piercing cries, and the desperate attempts to soothe a baby who seemed completely inconsolable.
When my daughter started teething at four months, it felt like we were thrown into survival mode. Some days, the usual remedies—teething rings, cold washcloths, and baby-safe pain relievers—worked just fine. Other days? Nothing seemed to help. That’s when I started getting creative.
If you’re in the thick of teething and feeling just as desperate as I was, here are some unconventional remedies that actually made a difference for us.
1. Frozen Chamomile Tea Popsicles
I had heard about chamomile tea being soothing, but I never thought to use it for teething until a fellow mom suggested it. Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which made it perfect for my fussy, drooly baby.
How We Used It:
- I brewed a weak chamomile tea, let it cool completely, then poured it into silicone baby popsicle molds.
- When my daughter was extra fussy, I’d let her gnaw on one (supervised, of course). The cold soothed her gums, and the chamomile seemed to take the edge off her discomfort.
Bonus tip: If your baby isn’t into popsicles, you can dip a clean washcloth in chamomile tea, freeze it, and let them chew on it instead.
2. Silicone Straws for Gnawing
One random night, when my daughter refused every teething toy we owned, she grabbed a silicone straw from my cup and started happily gnawing on it. Turns out, it was the perfect texture—soft but firm enough to massage her gums.
How We Used It:
- I got a pack of wide silicone straws(the kind used for smoothies) and kept a few on hand for her to chew on.
- The best part? They’re small, easy to clean, and perfect for on-the-go relief.
This little trick saved us more than once when we were out and didn’t have a teething toy on hand!
3. Frozen Carrot or Celery Sticks
I was hesitant about this one at first, but under close supervision, a frozen carrot or celery stick became one of the best teething solutions. The cold helped numb her gums, and the texture gave her something interesting to chew on.
How We Used It:
- I peeled a large carrot or celery stalk, washed it thoroughly, and froze it.
- Once frozen, I gave it to her while holding the other end to make sure she didn’t bite off a chunk.
Why it worked: The natural flavors kept her interested, and the hardness was just right for applying pressure to sore gums.
4. DIY Breastmilk Teething Wafers
If you’re breastfeeding, this one is a game-changer. I had heard of store-bought teething wafers but wanted something simpler and more natural. So, I found a way to make my own using breastmilk and rice cereal—and my daughter loved them.
How We Made Them:
- I mixed breastmilk with baby rice cereal until it formed a thick paste.
- Using a spoon, I spread small, round shapes onto parchment paper and baked them at a low temperature (about 200°F) until they were dry and crisp.
- Once cooled, I stored them in an airtight container and gave one to my daughter whenever she was teething.
She got gum relief, a mild taste of something familiar (breastmilk), and a snack all in one.
5. The “Vibration Trick”
This one happened by accident when my daughter put my electric toothbrush in her mouth (clean, of course!). She loved the vibration, and I realized it must have felt good on her gums.
How We Used It:
- I got a baby-safe vibrating teether(yes, they exist!) that mimicked the gentle buzzing feeling she loved.
- She would hold it in her mouth, letting the vibration massage her gums, and it worked wonders during rough teething days.
If you don’t have a vibrating teether, a regular electric toothbrush (without toothpaste) gently placed against the outside of their cheeks can also provide some relief.
6. Cold Metal Spoon Trick
This was a tip from my mom, and it turned out to be one of the simplest and most effective tricks.
How We Used It:
- I put a small metal spoon in the fridge (not freezer).
- When my baby was fussy, I let her rub the smooth, cold metal against her gums.
It was instantly soothing, and she loved being able to hold and control it herself.
7. A “Teething Necklace” for ME to Wear
I used to think teething necklaces were just another baby product gimmick—until I tried one. A soft, chewable silicone necklace worn around my neck became one of my daughter’s favorite things to gnaw on, especially when I was holding her.
How We Used It:
- I wore it during cuddle times, nursing sessions, or babywearing, and she’d happily chew away.
- It was especially helpful when we were out and about—no dropped teething toys to pick up!
Just be sure to use a baby-safe, BPA-free necklace made for teething (not an amber one, which poses choking hazards).
When Nothing Else Works…
Some nights, despite all the tricks, nothing seemed to help. Those were the nights we went into full survival mode:
- A warm bath before bed to relax her.
- A contact nap on my chest when she was extra clingy.
- A slow walk outside, letting the fresh air soothe us both.
Because sometimes, all they need is extra comfort, extra cuddles, and knowing they’re not alone in the struggle.
Final Thoughts: Finding What Works for You
Every baby is different, and what worked for us might not work for everyone—but teething is a trial-and-error journey. Some days, the cold spoon saved us. Other days, only cuddles and extra nursing did the trick.
But the biggest lesson I learned? Teething is temporary. It feels never-ending in the moment, but one day, you’ll suddenly realize your baby’s smile is full of tiny teeth, and those sleepless, drooly nights will be behind you.
Until then, try everything, trust your instincts, and know that you’re doing great—even on the roughest teething days.
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