Teething is one of those milestones that every baby goes through, but no one really prepares you for just how much it can disrupt your little one’s (and your) life. One minute, they’re happily cooing away, and the next, they’re fussing, drooling, and gnawing on anything within reach.
I still remember the first time my baby’s teething pain hit and nothing—rocking, feeding, singing—was helping. Infact, I did not even know he was teething. He just kept whimpering, drooling and chewing on his fingers. Thankfully my mum was visiting, and she quickly spotted that teething might be the issue. After that night, I went into full research mode, trying every trick in the book to ease his discomfort. Some things worked, others… not so much.
So if your little one is in the thick of teething, don’t worry—I’ve got you. Here are five quick and effective teething relief hacks that actually worked for us.
How do I know if my baby is teething?
This is a very common question because most parents want to be sure they are dealing with teething and not something else more medically serious. If you want to be sure if your child is teething, here are the most common signs:
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on anything and everything
- Irritability and fussiness
- Swollen or red gums
- Changes in sleep or feeding patterns
- Some babies also get a slight temperature increase, but if your baby has a high fever or other symptoms, it’s best to check with your doctor.
When does teething start and How long does it last?
This depends on a lot of factors and is not the same for every baby. Some babies start as early as 3 months, while others don’t get their first tooth until closer to a year. Once the first tooth breaks through, the rest tend to follow over the next couple of years.
Here is a rough timeline for when you can expect teething to occur?
🦷 4-7 months – First teeth (usually bottom front) start coming in
🦷 8-12 months – Upper front teeth appear
🦷 9-16 months – More teeth (incisors) come in
🦷 13-19 months – First molars erupt
🦷 16-23 months – Canines (pointy teeth) come in
🦷 23-33 months – Second molars (back teeth) complete the set
The fussiness usually lasts for a couple of weeks until the teeth cuts through. As babies get old, they tend to get less fussy when new teeth come in.
5 Quick Teething Pain Relief Hacks
So how can you relieve the pain your little one is going through during teething? Here are 5 tips that actually work and are recommended by moms.
1. Use Something Cold
This one is a no brainer. Cold helps numb sore gums, and it’s one of the quickest ways to ease teething pain.
You can try a cold muslin cloth (just wet it, twist it around your finger and use it to massage baby’s gums. Alternatively, you can pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before letting your baby chew on it.
A chilled teething ring they can chew on also works wonders. Just ensure it’s fridge-cold, not frozen solid, to avoid hurting their gums.
2. Massage the Gums
Sometimes, a little pressure is all it takes to relieve the discomfort.
I started using a clean finger to gently rub my baby’s gums, and to my surprise, it actually calmed him down. If you want to take it up a notch, you can also try using a silicone finger toothbrush or a gum massager.
3. Offer Something Safe to Chew On
Babies love to chew when they’re teething, and having the right teething toy can make a huge difference.
I personally like Silicone teething toys – they’re soft yet firm enough to soothe sore gums.
Other great options are wooden teething rings, teething mittens (great if your baby keeps trying to chew their hands) or this banana-shaped teething toothbrush—it is soft, easy to hold, and doubles as a great distraction!
4. Try Teething-Friendly Snacks (For older babies)
If your baby has started solids, certain snacks can double as teething relief. Three snacks that worked for us were:
- Chilled cucumber sticks (cool, soothing, and easy to hold)
- Cold apple slices (for babies who have already started eating fruit)
- Frozen yogurt melts (fun and soothing for little gums)
Just be sure to supervise closely and avoid anything that could be a choking hazard!
5. Use a Natural Teething Remedy
When teething gets really tough, sometimes a little extra help is needed.
Some parents swear by teething gels, but make sure to choose one that’s benzocaine-free and baby-safe. A more natural option? Chamomile teething drops or gripe water, which can help relax baby’s gums and settle fussiness.
If you’re unsure, always check with your pediatrician before trying a new remedy!
Final Thoughts
Teething can feel endless (especially during those sleepless nights), but it does get easier. Every baby is different, so you might have to try a few different tricks before finding what works best for your little one. In the meantime, stock up on teething toys, keep the fridge full of chewable snacks, and remind yourself—it’s just a phase.
Have a go-to teething trick that worked wonders for your baby? Share it below—I’d love to hear what worked for you!
