Teething Baby Natural Remedies
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 23
Clove Oil
Clove oil has been traditionally used for teething because it contains eugenol, a compound with mild numbing and anti-inflammatory effects that may temporarily soothe gum discomfort. Studies have shown to work as well as benzocaine. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help limit oral bacteria.
Because clove oil is very potent and can irritate sensitive tissues, if you are using pure EO it should only be used in extremely diluted, properly formulated products, and with extra caution for infants.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a low-dose, individualized approach meant to support the body by stimulating it’s own healing response. Common remedies include chamomilla or belladonne, since they match common teething signs such as irritability, gum pain, or flushed cheeks.
Aconite: When baby has much pain with restlessness and biting fingers, sleeplessness, crying, fever, and head of the head.
Belladonna: when baby is crying with intense pain that’s worse at night and awakens from sleep and looks frightened. Staring eyes. Face and eyes are red with dilated pupils, and they have a hot head.
Chamomilla: Baby insists on being carried everywhere, and only carrying the child seems to relieve him or her. One cheek may be red and the other pale. Can have diarrhea that is watery, slimy, and green.
Chamomile
Chamomile is great for teething because it has natural calming, anti-inflammatory, and mild analgesic properties. It can help soothe irritated gums while also promoting relaxation, which may ease fussiness and support better sleep during teething. Chamomile is gentle and well tolerated by most babies.
Rowe Casa's teething oil contains chamomile (ALEX20 for 20% off).
Amber Necklaces
Amber teething necklaces are based on the theory that Baltic amber releases succinic acid when warmed by a baby’s body, which is believed to have pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory effects.
While many parents report positive experiences, these are anecdotal rather than proven. Due to lack of evidence and real safety concerns like choking and strangulation risks, most pediatric experts do not recommend their use. Or at the very least remove when sleeping - this is what we do.
Anything COLD
Cold things can help numb sore gums, reduce inflammation, and constrict blood vessels, which can temporarily ease pain and swelling. The pressure from chewing on a cold teether also counteracts discomfort by stimulating the gums.
Nervous System Regulation
Teething isn’t just gum pain, it’s nervous system overload. As teeth push through the gums, babies experience ongoing discomfort while their nervous systems are still immature and easily overwhelmed. This can show up as fussiness, poor sleep, and difficulty self-soothing. Supporting the nervous system can help babies tolerate teething discomfort more effectively, not just manage the pain itself.
Consider things like:
infant massage
chiropractor / craniosacral therapy
magnesium (oral or topical)
red light therapy
skin to skin
baby wearing
Infant Body Work
Bodywork like chiro care or craniosacral therapy can be helpful for a teething baby, because of the stress placed on the jaw, head, neck, and overall nervous system. Baby bodywork is extremely gentle, and can help release tension and support nervous system regulation. While it doesn’t treat teething itself, it can make teething symptoms feel less intense.
Magnesium
When babies are in a heightened state of stress, magnesium can help calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tightness - making the pain feel less intense. Magnesium can be given orally, or applied topically.
Red Light Therapy
There is fairly strong research showing RLT promising for oral pain. However, teething specifically is limited. Plus you would have to take immense caution using RLT directly on a baby’s face. I would, instead, focus more on using it for nervous system regulation.
Directing the light on the back while having skin to skin is a perfection way to use RLT for a teething baby. The LUMEBOX is the only red light device I know of that measures EMF at 0cm, which is why I feel comfortable using it so close and using on babies.
LUMEBOX $260 off code: THENATURALMINDEDMAMA
Comments