Things You'll Need:
- Plastic finger covers
- Teething toys
- Small washcloths
- Teething tablets
- Benzocaine teething gels
- Infant Tylenol drops
- Petroleum jelly
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Step 1
Massage your baby's gums using your fingers. The counter-pressure produced by a gum massage will relieve some of your baby's pain, and will encourage the tooth to erupt. Using clean hands or plastic finger covers, massage your baby's gums by gently rubbing back and forth or by allowing your baby to chew on your hands and fingers.
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Step 2
Freeze a teething toy or a small washcloth, and then let your baby chew on it to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by teething. Some babies prefer frozen washcloths to teething toys, as they are easier to hold and manipulate. Cold foods and drinks, such as chilled water or applesauce, can also provide relief.
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Step 3
Rub a bit of benzocaine gel onto your baby's gum to numb the area. Gels should be used with caution, however, as they have the potential to numb the tongue and throat and cause choking. Homeopathic teething tablets are used by many parents to reduce the pain associated with teething, but should only be used after consultation with your pediatrician.
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Step 4
Give your baby Tylenol if he or she is in pain and the other home remedies are not working. If your baby's symptoms are severe, or if a fever is present, call your pediatrician. Do not assume your baby’s symptoms are caused by teething until you receive medical confirmation.
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Step 5
Protect your baby's skin to prevent irritation caused by excessive drooling. Rubbing a bit of petroleum jelly on your baby's chin and bottom can prevent rashes caused by drool and loose stools. A bib can be used to keep your baby's clothes and skin dry.
