Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
Safe and effective natural home remedies to soothe teething pain in babies and toddlers without medication.
Teething can be one of the toughest milestones for babies and toddlers. Sore gums, tons of drooling, irritability, diaper rashes, food refusal, and sleepless nights can cause the entire family to feel exhausted.
Even though conventional teething gels and pain relievers exist, most contain artificial ingredients, numbing agents, or preservatives that may want to be avoided.
This leads many parents to look for effective natural home remedies to help their babies through it without the use of medications.
Signs That Your Baby is Teething
Teething symptoms can start as early as 3 months and continue until around age 3 when the last molars come in. Some babies handle teething with little upset while others experience noticeable discomfort which disrupts their daily routines.
Common signs of teething include:
- Drooling excessively which can cause a rash around the chin and mouth
- Gnawing or chewing on everything, digging their hands in their mouths
- Irritability
- Red, swollen gums where the tooth is pushing up
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low appetite or reluctance to eat solid foods
- Rubbing ears or cheeks. What you think is ear pain could be from a tooth.
- Acidic diaper rashes from excessive drool
- Loose stools
Does teething cause fevers, diaper rashes, or diarrhea?
Every pediatrician I’ve ever met has insisted that teething does not cause fevers, diaper rashes, or diarrhea. Every mother I’ve ever met (including myself) will insist otherwise.
I’m in the camp that teething may cause all three.
My kids will often get a terrible, acidic diaper rash with loose stool in the days leading up to a tooth breaking through or molars pushing further up into the gum.
I’ve also experienced on many occasions the kids having a fever up to 103F just for one night and a new tooth is visible the following day.
Chamomile Soaked Washcloth
One of the simplest and safest teething remedies is a cold, semi-frozen washcloth that has been soaked in chamomile tea. The cold helps numb sore gums, while the texture provides a gentle massaging effect.
Submerge a clean washcloth in chamomile tea, twist it into a log, and freeze it for 20–30 minutes. Once chilled (but not rock solid), let your baby chew on it under supervision.
Wooden Spoon
Teething babies love to chew on firm objects to relieve gum discomfort. A simple wooden spoon is a favorite of ours. It has a smooth but firm texture that provides gentle pressure to aching gums and you likely already have it in the kitchen.
Silicone teethers, although I’ve never used them, can be chilled in the fridge (but not frozen solid) for extra relief.
Look for BPA-free, food-grade silicone options and avoid teethers filled with gel or liquid, which can leak if punctured. If you prefer commercially purchased wooden teethers, buy natural untreated maple or beechwood,
Cold Metal Spoon
If you don’t have a wooden spoon, a chilled (not frozen) metal spoon is another option for sore, inflamed gums. The cold metal creates a soothing effect, while the rounded shape is comfortable for babies to chew on.
Place a clean teaspoon in the fridge for about 15 minutes and let your baby gum it under supervision. It’s quick, easy, and free.
Clove Tea
Cloves have been used in natural medicine for centuries due to their natural pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties.
They contain eugenol which is a natural compound known for its mild numbing effect. It’s extremely effective at safely easing gum discomfort in teething babies.
Here are several different ways to make and use clove tea for teething babies.
DIY Chamomile Teething Gel
Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties making it a great remedy for teething pain. Besides soaking a washcloth in the tea, homemade chamomile teething gel is a family favorite of ours.
You can get the instructions to make the chamomile teething gel here.
Chamomile is safe for babies over 6 months but should always be used in small amounts.
Coconut Oil Gum Massage
Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making it a great natural teething balm. It helps soothe swollen gums and provides a protective barrier against irritation from excessive drooling.
Rub a tiny amount of coconut oil onto your baby’s gums using a clean finger or a soft baby toothbrush. Do this a few times per day, especially before naps and bedtime.
For extra relief, you can make this baby-safe homemade teething balm with coconut oil, crushed clove, and whole chamomile flowers.
Frozen Fruit in a Mesh Feeder
If your baby has started eating solids, a mesh feeder in the shape of a pacifier filled with frozen fruit can be a great way to ease teething pain. The cold numbs the gums, while the gentle chewing motion helps relieve discomfort.
My kids have never taken pacifiers but I have friends and patients who swear by this.
Some great options include:
- Frozen banana slices
- Chilled cucumber slices
- Frozen mango or peach pieces
Avoid fruits that are acidic like citrus. They may cause a burning sensation if there is broken skin in the mouth from tooth eruption.
Homemade Natural Teething Biscuits
Teething biscuits offer a safe, firm texture for babies to chew on while also being a satisfying snack. Many store-bought versions contain added sugar and preservatives. There are natural brands available or you can easily make your own at home.
Recipes for homemade teething biscuits can be found here.
They take about 15 minutes to make and safe for older babies that can handle chewing and swallowing simple snacks. The biscuits are firm to provide relief and gradually soften with saliva.
Amber Teething Necklaces – Not a Fan
Baltic amber teething necklaces are often marketed as a natural pain reliever. The idea is that the amber releases succinic acid when warmed by the skin, which is then said to provide pain relief.
As a compulsive researcher, registered nurse, and natural home remedies blogger I have to be completely honest and say that there is no scientific evidence that amber necklaces work for teething. I’ve searched deep into international archives and have come up dry each time.
These necklaces also pose a choking and strangulation hazard. If you choose to use one, always remove it during naps and bedtime.
Natural Teething Remedies for Babies and Toddlers
Coconut Oil, Clove, Chamomile Teething Balm
How to Use Clove Tea for Teething Babies
Save It For Later!
Always monitor your child’s symptoms and trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, or if you simply feel that something isn’t right, do not hesitate to bring them into the doctor or ER for medical evaluation. Nurses and doctors are always the happiest when we can send home a healthy child within a few hours.
This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance.
