Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. As those little teeth start to emerge, babies often experience discomfort and irritability. To help your little one find relief no matter where you are, it’s essential to have safe teething remedies at hand.
Here, we explore the top “on-the-go” teethers and remedies that can provide comfort to your baby, even if you’re out and about or taking a trip with your little one.
Silicone and Wooden Teethers
Silicone and wooden teethers are a popular choice for on-the-go relief because of their convenience and effectiveness. Silicone teethers are made from soft and safe materials that are gentle on your baby’s gums—look for medical-grade silicone if possible.
Wooden teethers are another good material, as they are non-toxic and do not require chilling or freezing before use. The textured surface of both these materials helps massage the gums, providing relief from teething pain.
Chilled Teethers and Pacifiers
Cold can offer soothing relief to teething pain, making chilled teethers and pacifiers a great choice for on-the-go use [1].
You can chill them in the refrigerator or freezer, then by the time you get where you’re going, they may be thawed enough for use. Remember, teething toys shouldn’t be frozen solid to prevent injury to your little one.
The cold temperature helps numb the gums and provides relief from inflammation. If you’re taking a longer trip, consider carrying a small cooler or insulated bag to keep the chilled teethers cold and easily accessible.
Teething Toys with Attachments
To keep teething toys within reach, consider choosing ones with attachments. These toys often have a clip or strap that can be attached to a stroller or a baby carrier, ensuring they won’t get lost or fall onto the ground.
Look for teething toys made from safe materials like silicone, natural rubber, wood, or durable BPA-free plastics. The various textures and shapes of these toys can provide different sensations for your baby’s gums, helping to alleviate discomfort.
Gum Massage
A gum massage is a quick and easy way to help relieve your baby’s discomfort on the go. Make sure your fingers are clean and gently massage your baby’s gums where the tooth is coming in—the pressure will help reduce teething pain. You can also use a piece of ice wrapped in a cloth or paper towel to gently massage the gums [2].
Teething Toys and Remedies to Avoid
There are a few teething toys to avoid for your child, whether on the go or at home.
- Teething necklaces. Although these necklaces may seem like a convenient, on-the-go option for infants, they pose a choking hazard and are best avoided as a teething remedy [3].
- Liquid-filled teething toys. Liquid-filled toys have the potential to pop and cause harm to your baby. Always choose solid toys or objects for your infant to chew on [4].
- Plastic teethers. Some plastic teethers may be durable enough for your baby to use, but avoid flimsy ones that can break and present a choking hazard for your baby. It’s always best to check your child’s teething toys to see if they need to be replaced.
- Numbing gels and medication. Numbing gels and OTC medication are available for teething babies but are not recommended for infants of any age. Although it may be tempting to use these as a “quick fix,” avoid them [5].
Remember Teething Is Temporary
Teething can be a challenging phase, but with the right teethers and remedies, you can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort, even when you’re on the go. By keeping these top teethers and remedies handy, you can ensure that your little one finds relief wherever you are, making teething a more bearable experience for both of you.
Sources:
1. https://www.chop.edu/news/teething-pain-risky-remedies-avoid
https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/teething/
2. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-
education/700childrens/2023/05/the-dangers-of-amber-teething-necklaces
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething
4. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-soothing-teething-pain-and-
sensory-needs-babies-and-older-children
