The Teething Survival Guide: 15 Tips and Tricks for Helping Your Baby (and You!) Get Through It

Teething is a significant milestone in your baby's development, but it can also be a challenging time for both you and your little one. The discomfort and pain associated with teething can make life difficult for everyone involved. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can navigate this phase more smoothly. In this teething survival guide, we'll explore valuable tips and tricks to help your baby—and you—get through it.

Understanding the Teething Process

Before we dive into the survival strategies, let's start by understanding what happens during the teething process. Babies typically start teething around 6 months of age, though it can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year. During this time, your baby's first set of teeth, also known as primary teeth or baby teeth, will start to emerge through their gums.

Teething is often associated with several common symptoms, including:

Irritability: Your baby may become fussier than usual and may cry more frequently.
Drooling: Excessive drooling is a typical sign of teething, and you'll likely notice your baby producing more saliva.
Chewing: Babies often seek relief by gnawing on anything they can find, such as teething toys or their fingers.
Swollen Gums: The gums may appear red and swollen where the new teeth are emerging.
Sleep Disturbances: Teething can disrupt your baby's sleep patterns, leading to more nighttime awakenings.

8 Tips for Soothing Your Teething Baby

Now that we have a better understanding of what teething entails, let's explore some effective strategies for soothing your baby during this challenging phase:

Teething Toys: Invest in teething toys made from safe materials like silicone or BPA-free plastic like Jet by the Clever Baby. These toys provide a safe outlet for your baby's chewing instincts and can help alleviate discomfort.

Gentle Gum Massage: Using a clean finger, gently massage your baby's gums. The pressure can help soothe the discomfort. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.

Teething Biscuits: When your baby starts solids, offer teething biscuits that are specially designed for this purpose. Ensure they are age-appropriate and safe for your baby to chew on.

Cold Washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth and place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Then, let your baby gnaw on the cold washcloth. The texture and coolness can be comforting.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Consult your pediatrician before using any over-the-counter teething gels or medications. If recommended, use them sparingly and strictly follow the dosage instructions.

Distraction: Sometimes, simply engaging your baby in playful activities or offering extra cuddles can be effective distractions from teething discomfort.

Proper Hydration: Ensure your baby stays well-hydrated, as teething can lead to increased drooling. Offer water in a sippy cup to prevent dehydration.

Consult Your Pediatrician: If your baby's symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by a fever, consult your pediatrician. These could be signs of an underlying issue.

7 Ways to Support Yourself as a Parent

Teething can be challenging not only for your baby but also for you as a parent. Lack of sleep, increased stress, and managing a fussy baby can take a toll on your well-being. Here are some self-care tips to help you navigate this period:

Accept Help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or family members. Having someone you trust to help with childcare for a few hours can give you a much-needed break.
Rest When Possible: Whenever your baby naps or goes to bed early, take the opportunity to rest yourself. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate stress.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining your energy levels and overall health.
Connect with Other Parents: Join parenting groups or online communities to share your experiences and learn from others going through the same phase.
Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Incorporate stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
Maintain a Sense of Humor: Sometimes, humor can be the best coping mechanism. Laughing at the absurdity of certain situations can help alleviate stress.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with trusted sources on teething and parenting advice to ensure you're well-prepared for each stage.

Teething is a challenging but temporary phase in your baby's life. By understanding the teething process and using the tips and tricks outlined in this teething survival guide, you can help your baby find relief and make this journey as smooth as possible. Remember, you're not alone in this; many parents have gone through teething with their little ones and have come out stronger on the other side. Stay patient, stay informed, and cherish the moments of comfort and joy in between the teething troubles.

Tricia Meyer is a serial entrepreneur, business lawyer and mom of 6! Tricia is the Co-Founder at The Clever Baby. The Clever Baby recently launched its first product Jet - a patented, innovative teether and dispenser all-in-one, and is committed to developing clever products for parents and creating magical moments for babies and kids. Tricia has been featured in many publications including Inc., Crain’s, Chicago Tribune, NBC Chicago, American Express OPEN Forum, and more! Tricia has also received 30+ awards over the course of her career including being recognized by Crain’s Chicago as one of the most influential lawyers in Chicago and by Forbes on the Next1000 list! Learn more about The Clever Baby at www.thecleverbaby.com.