How to Massage Teething Baby Gums

Teething can be painful for a baby. Massaging the gums is a great way to soothe the gums to make it more comfortable for your baby. Luckily there are a few ways to help ease the discomfort of teething baby gums.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean Finger
• Gauze pad
• Damp Washcloth

1. One way to massage your baby's teething gums is just by using your own finger. Make sure to wash it properly before putting it into your baby's mouth. Move your finger back and forth over the gums with just a little pressure. Your baby may close their mouth on your finger, but as long as it doesn't hurt you, the pressure can be a release to the discomfort your baby is having.

2. You can also get a moistened gauze pad to rub on your baby's gums. Do the same as you would with your finger. You can wrap the gauze pad around your finger to help keep it in place when massaging your baby's gums.

3. A damp washcloth is another way you can massage your baby's gums. The dampness of it will have a cooling effect which can help numb the pain.

4. You can massage your baby's gums as many times a day as you see fit. If you aren't always able to massage them yourself, a chilled, not frozen, teething ring can help them ease the discomfort themselves.

5. If your baby uses a bottle and it seems to help take away some of the pain, try filling the bottle with water and let them chew on that.

Tips & Warnings

• To moisten a gauze pad or washcloth, use cold water instead of warm. This can be more soothing for your baby.
• Do not use a frozen teething ring. Extreme cold can hurt your baby.
• Do not give your baby products that contain aspirin. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead if your baby is having a hard time falling asleep.