You know that moment when your sweet little angel suddenly turns into a drooling, cranky, crying tornado? Yeah… welcome to teething! 😅 If you’re reading this, you’re probably deep in the “why won’t my baby stop crying?” phase, and honestly—been there, survived that (barely).
Teething is one of those milestones everyone warns you about but no one really prepares you for. Sure, doctors say it’s “a normal part of development,” but when your baby’s gums look like they’re on fire and you haven’t slept in two nights, “normal” feels like a cruel joke.
So let’s skip the sugarcoating. I’ve rounded up 15 real teething baby remedies doctors don’t tell you about — the ones parents actually swear by. They’re natural, effective, and best of all, they won’t have you running to the pharmacy at 2 a.m. Let’s get straight to the good stuff.
1. Frozen Washcloths (Your New Best Friend)
Okay, I know this sounds ridiculously simple, but trust me — a chilled washcloth works like magic. Just wet a clean washcloth, twist it, and toss it in the freezer for 20 minutes. When your baby gnaws on it, the cold numbs the gums and the texture gives perfect resistance for relief.
Ever wondered why this works so well? Cold reduces inflammation, and the soft texture massages sore gums. Plus, it’s cheap, safe, and zero effort.
Pro tip: Rotate a few washcloths so there’s always one ready to go — because once your baby figures out how good it feels, they’ll want it nonstop.
2. Silicone Teething Toys (Chew Time = Happy Time)
Forget those old-school plastic rings. Soft silicone teethers are where it’s at. They’re flexible, gentle, and come in cute shapes that babies actually love.
Look for BPA-free, food-grade silicone teethers that you can chill (not freeze solid) for extra relief. Some even have handles perfect for little hands.
And yes, I’ve tried at least five of these — IMO, the banana-shaped teether wins every time. 🍌
3. Chilled Fruit Feeders (Sweet Relief, Literally)
If your baby’s started solids, this one’s a total game-changer. Grab a mesh or silicone fruit feeder, fill it with chilled fruits like watermelon, cucumber, or frozen berries, and let your baby go to town.
The combo of cold + flavor + chewing = pure bliss. Plus, it’s nutritious. Just make sure to supervise closely, because teething + food = a slobbery mess. 😂
Bonus tip: For extra cooling, freeze the fruit feeder for 10 minutes before handing it over.
4. Massage Those Gums (Yes, With Your Finger)
Sometimes, all your baby needs is a little gentle gum massage. Wash your hands, wrap your finger in a clean cloth, and lightly rub their gums in a circular motion.
It may sound weird, but it works. The pressure helps break up the pain, and your baby will love the attention.
Just don’t get bitten — those tiny teeth are sharp, and your baby will 100% test them on you. 😬
5. Cold Metal Spoon (Grandma’s Old Trick)
My grandmother swore by this one — and she wasn’t wrong. Place a metal spoon in the fridge (not the freezer) for 15–20 minutes, then gently press the rounded side against your baby’s gums.
It gives instant cooling relief, especially during those late-night teething fits. Simple, safe, and no fancy gadgets needed.
6. Frozen Breast Milk Pops (For Nursing Moms)
If you’re breastfeeding, this remedy is genius. Pour breast milk into baby-safe popsicle molds (or even ice cube trays), freeze them, and offer a small piece to your teething baby.
The familiar taste comforts them while the cold soothes sore gums. It’s like giving your baby an edible pacifier. Win-win. 🙌
7. Chamomile Tea Ice Cubes (Nature’s Calmer)
Chamomile tea isn’t just for adults. Chamomile has natural soothing properties that calm irritability and reduce gum inflammation.
Brew a weak tea, let it cool, and pour it into ice cube trays. You can wrap a cube in a washcloth or use a mesh feeder to let your baby chew safely.
And FYI — chamomile is known to help babies sleep better. So, yes, this hack can also buy you a few hours of peace. 😴
8. Wooden Teething Rings (Old-School but Gold)
Natural untreated wooden teething rings have made a huge comeback — and for good reason. They’re non-toxic, durable, and babies love the firm texture against their gums.
They don’t chill like silicone, but they offer a satisfying pressure that helps those little teeth break through.
Just make sure to choose unfinished wood (no paints or varnishes) and clean it regularly with warm water.
9. Teething Necklaces — But Not for Wearing!
Okay, before anyone panics — I’m NOT talking about amber teething necklaces worn by babies (those can be dangerous). Instead, wearable teething necklaces made for parents are totally safe.
You wear the necklace, and your baby chews it while sitting on your lap. It keeps them close and occupied — perfect for fussy moments when nothing else works.
10. Pressure from a Cold Spoon or Teether
If you’ve ever pressed your tongue against a sore tooth, you know that pressure helps pain. Babies feel the same.
Offer a cold spoon, teether, or silicone pacifier to let them press down on. That counter-pressure can relieve throbbing discomfort instantly.
11. Frozen Carrot Sticks (Supervised Only)
Here’s one your baby will love if they’re old enough for solids. Peel a carrot, chill it (or freeze for 10 minutes), and hand it over.
It’s firm enough for gnawing but softens with saliva. Just keep a close eye, because once it softens too much, it could break.
Natural, cheap, and full of vitamins — basically a triple win. 🥕
12. Teething Biscuits (The Crunchy Fix)
Teething biscuits are another oldie but goodie. They give your baby something crunchy to chew on while soothing gum pressure.
Just make sure they’re sugar-free and dissolve easily, so there’s no choking hazard. You can even make your own with oats, banana, and coconut oil — easy and mess-friendly!
13. Distraction (Seriously, It Works)
Sometimes, all your baby needs is a good distraction. Play peek-a-boo, go for a walk, or let them splash in water.
You’d be amazed how quickly teething pain fades when they’re laughing or exploring something new. Distraction doesn’t cure the pain, but it totally saves your sanity. 😂
Because let’s be real — a happy baby = a happy parent.
14. Teething Mittens (For the Tiny Chewers)
Babies love chewing on their hands, right? So why not give them something safe to chew on that’s actually made for it?
Teething mittens fit over their little fists, with soft silicone nubs for chewing. Perfect for younger babies who can’t hold teethers yet.
And bonus — it saves you from constantly picking teethers up off the floor. (We’ve all been there.)
15. Comfort & Cuddles (The Underrated Remedy)
Sometimes, no toy or teether can fix it. Your baby just wants you. Hold them, rock them, sing — whatever helps them feel safe.
Teething is painful and confusing for babies, and your warmth can be the best medicine. Plus, those cuddles? They’re fleeting. Someday you’ll miss being their favorite teething remedy. 💕
When to Call the Doctor (Because Sometimes It’s More Than Teething)
Alright, here’s the part most people skip — not every symptom is from teething. If your baby has a high fever, severe diarrhea, or rash, call your pediatrician.
A mild fever and irritability are normal, but persistent issues could signal something else. Trust your gut. You know your baby best.
Bonus: What NOT to Try
Let’s clear the air — not every teething “hack” online is safe. Avoid:
- Teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine – they can cause serious reactions.
- Amber necklaces worn by babies – choking and strangulation risk.
- Alcohol or honey on gums – just… no.
- Frozen solid teethers – they can bruise gums instead of soothing them.
Stick to cold, safe, natural remedies that don’t involve chemicals or risks.
A Few Life-Saving Teething Tips
Before you go, here are a few quick hacks that made my teething phase (somewhat) survivable:
- Always keep multiple teethers in rotation — one in use, one chilling, one drying.
- Stock up on bib cloths — drool will happen. Everywhere.
- Try teething remedies before bedtime, so they’re comfortable enough to sleep.
- Keep a teething emergency kit in your diaper bag — wipes, a teether, and extra bibs.
You’ll thank yourself later. Promise. 😅
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Parent Warrior 💪
Teething can feel like an endless cycle of crying, drooling, and zero sleep — but it does end. Every baby’s timeline is different, but eventually, those little teeth pop through, and suddenly, you’ve got a smiling, chewing machine again.
The key is knowing what actually works (and what’s just internet nonsense). From frozen washcloths to chamomile cubes to good old-fashioned cuddles, these 15 teething baby remedies doctors don’t tell you about can seriously save your sanity.
So hang in there, keep the washcloths stocked, and remember — your baby isn’t crying at you; they’re crying to you. ❤️
Now, go give your little one a cuddle and maybe, just maybe, take a nap yourself. You earned it. 😉
