Teething can be one of the most trying times of early parenting - but it doesn’t have to be! There are tried and true methods all over the internet for relieving teething pain, many of which come from doctors or are basic, textbook solutions. When my 6 month old began sprouting her first tooth, I tried all sorts of trips and tricks. As I write this, she is sleeping soundly in the next room and cutting her third molar! I have finally figured out a few (slightly unconventional) things that have made teething a milestone that someday I will not look back on with disdain!

DO try out an Amber teething necklace:

This has done wonders for my little girl. There is a noticeable difference if we take the necklace off and forget to put it back on. The science behind the necklace is that amber releases into the skin and acts as a natural analgesic. It is recommended that the amber necklace be taken off during bath or pool time and at night (it can be wrapped around their ankle and have a sock placed over it).

DO stash away some boobsicles:

I felt so proud of myself when I invented this brilliant solution. As it turns out, thousands of moms all over Pinterest had already had the same idea. Frozen breastmilk is great for infant teethers. My little one liked to have a small chunk placed into a mesh feeder so that she could suck on it while sitting in her high chair. It was entertaining enough to take her mind off of her teeth, provided her with nutrients, and brought some relief to her achey front gums.

DO buy a rubber toothbrush:

It is recommended that even the newest teeth are brushed daily. The rubber bristled toothbrushes are fun and soothing for drooling, teething, babes. It also may help give a head start in practicing daily dental hygiene. Other teething rings, made for teething, may also be helpful to have on hand.

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DON'T assume its teething:

It is difficult to know whether or not your baby has some new chompers popping through. Make sure to do a mental checklist when your little one has a fever or seems to be acting “off.” Oftentimes they may be fighting sickness, are hungry, tired, or a myriad of other things that make mamas wish these little ones came with owner’s manuals.

Some good (but not exact) indicators that your babe might actually be teething are mouthing hands and objects more often than usual, running a slight fever (up to 101), and swollen gums (especially with molars!)

DON'T listen to your grandmother’s cousin:

It wasn’t uncommon for older generations to use alcohol (specifically rum or gin) to numb baby’s gums. We now know that this is toxic to babies and NOT an effective way to soothe their little gums. While we didn’t try this method, there were quite a few teething suggestions that did more to exhaust and worry us than provide relief for our little babe.

As with all things in your parenting journey, take suggestions from others with a grain of salt, and do what works best for your family.

DON'T lose hope:

While it may seem like your baby is never going to be himself again, hold onto hope! The teething cycle feels never ending, but there are breaks between teeth, and the older baby gets, the easier it is to tell if they are teething and what will work to soothe them. Teething may cause a temporary disruption in their eating and sleeping patterns- but this will soon return to normal.

Use this time as a chance to wear your baby, listen to some soothing tunes, and have a perfect excuse for extra snuggling. Before you know it, you will be greeted with a handful of change from the Tooth Fairy and a toothless grin again!

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By Allie Garcia