How to Help a Teething Baby

Teething is no picnic for babies—there’s drool, crankiness, and gnawing on anything they can get their tiny hands on (including your fingers). Their gums can become sore and swollen, causing discomfort and making every day feel like a new challenge.

From baby teethers to gum rubs, we’re here to arm you with tips and tricks for learning how to soothe your teething baby without losing your sanity in the process. With a few effective strategies, you’ll find it easier to navigate this phase together.

How to Soothe Your Teething Baby

We've got the lowdown on how to soothe your little one when teething gets tough. These simple steps for learning how to help infant teething pain will help ease the discomfort and bring some calm back into the chaos. After all, you deserve a little peace while your baby works on that winning smile.

Baby Teething Toys

When your baby’s gums are on fire, a teething toy or pacifier can be a lifesaver. These little wonders are designed to be chewed, chomped, and drooled all over, providing just the right amount of pressure to soothe those sore gums. If bedtime is becoming a teething nightmare, offering a teething toy before lights out can solve the problem of how to soothe a teething baby at night and help everyone wind down for some much-needed rest.

Teething tantrums can hit out of nowhere, so having a toy or pacifier ready is essential—but keeping it clean while you’re on the move? That’s where The Pod comes in.. This compact, stylish case clips right onto your bag or baby carrier to keep pacis clean, accessible, and always ready for action. No more digging through the depths of your diaper bag only to find a paci covered in purse gunk.

Massage Your Baby’s Gums

Wondering how to soothe your teething baby? One effective method many parents love is a gentle gum massage. Using a clean finger (or a cool, damp cloth for a bit of extra relief), gently rub their swollen gums to ease the pressure and discomfort. It’s like giving your little one a tiny, soothing spa treatment during their teething turmoil.

Cooling Treats

When your baby’s teething, cooling treats are a must-have—both at home and on the go. Whether you’re running errands or just out for a stroll, having something chilled on hand is key for alleviating those sudden gum pains. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier makes it easy to keep these soothing essentials close by—with five spacious storage pockets, you can stash baby teethers, frozen snacks, and even ice packs right on your hip as you carry your little one, so you’re ready to tackle teething troubles anywhere.

If you’re struggling with how to help a teething baby sleep, cooling treats can work wonders. Whether it's a chilled baby teether, a frozen washcloth, or even some DIY breast milk/formula popsicles, these cool snacks help soothe your little one while keeping them busy. The cold sensation numbs the gums and reduces inflammation, giving your baby a moment of relief—and giving you a moment of peace.

Signs Your Baby is Teething

Wondering if your baby’s sudden fussiness is the beginning of their teething journey? Get ready for the signs—because when those tiny teeth start pushing through, your baby will let you know. From excessive drooling to an unexplained desire to gnaw on everything in sight, teething brings its own set of clues. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs, so you’ll be ready to soothe and comfort as those first teeth make their debut.

Increased Drooling

If your baby suddenly seems like they’ve turned on the drool faucet, it’s time to prep—increased drooling is one of the first signs that those little teeth are on their way. You might find yourself changing bibs and shirts more often, but that extra saliva is just your baby’s natural way of soothing their irritated gums. While it’s a bit messy, all that drool is a clear signal that teething has officially begun.

Gum Rubbing

When your baby is suddenly on a mission to rub their gums on everything in sight, teething is likely the culprit. This new obsession with gnawing on baby teethers, fingers, or anything they can get their hands on is their way of handling the pressure of those tiny teeth pushing through. While it might seem a bit intense, it’s a telltale sign that those pearly whites are on the way, and your baby’s just trying to find a little relief.

Reduced Appetite for Solids

Teething might be to blame if your baby suddenly starts giving their favorite solids the cold shoulder. Sore gums can make chewing uncomfortable, turning mealtime into a bit of a battle. Don’t worry—it’s normal for their appetite to dip when those tiny teeth are causing trouble. Stick to softer foods, offer plenty of cool, soothing treats, and know that your little one will be back to their enthusiastic eating habits once their teeth have settled in.

Baby Teething Remedies to Avoid

When your baby’s in the thick of teething, it’s tempting to try anything to ease their discomfort if you’re lost for how to help a teething baby. But not all remedies are created equal—in fact, some can do more harm than good. Before you reach for that teething gel or home remedy you heard about from a friend’s cousin’s neighbor, let’s talk about what to avoid. Keeping your baby safe while soothing their teething woes is the priority, so steer clear of these no-go remedies.

Teething Necklaces and Beads

Teething necklaces and beads might look like a good option if you’re wondering how to soothe a teething baby, but they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Sure, they promise relief, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. Teething necklaces and beads can become choking hazards or even lead to strangulation if they break or get caught on something. When it comes to your baby’s safety, it’s better to stick to tried-and-true teething toys that do the job without the danger. Keep the beads for the jewelry box, and opt for safer ways to soothe those sore gums.

Numbing Gels and Creams

When you’re learning how to help your teething baby, it’s tempting to reach for a quick fix like a topical gel or cream—but those numbing agents can do more harm than good. Not only can they wash away before doing much, but they can also numb the back of your baby’s throat, leading to serious risks like choking. It’s best to skip the topical meds and stick with safer, more effective remedies like cold baby teethers or gentle gum massages. When it comes to teething, slow and steady wins the race—without the risks.

Teething Biscuits and Food

Teething biscuits and snacks might seem like a handy way to soothe your baby’s gums, but these treats can crumble into chunks that pose a choking hazard—and the added sugars can set the stage for tooth decay before those little teeth even fully emerge. Instead of reaching for these edible distractions, opt for safer alternatives like chilled baby teethers or breast milk/formula popsicles. Your baby will get the relief they need without the risks of teething biscuits—because their comfort shouldn’t come at a cost.

Teething may be a rite of passage, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a nightmare. Armed with the right tools—whether it’s a soothing gum massage, snuggles or cold snacks—you’re more than ready to tackle those teething troubles head-on.

When teething hits, it’s like your baby’s favorite pastime becomes clinging to you for dear life. Irritable, fussy, and desperate for comfort, they’ll want to be held more than ever—that’s where the Tushbaby Hip Seat carrier comes in! With built-in lumbar support, you can keep them close to calm those teething tantrums without breaking your back. It even has five storage pockets to hold all the essentials—teething toys, pacifiers, snacks, and your personal items—without juggling an extra bag. It’s a win for them and a win for you.

Shop Tushbaby for the essentials that make surviving the teething stage a little easier—and a lot more stylish.