For most babies, teething happens sometime in the first year, often near 6 months. Teething pain can turn even the most relaxed baby into a hot mess. And who can blame them? Sharp teeth pushing through tender tissue sounds, well, uncomfortable. So what can you do for your sweet baby? You have many options that are safe and effective at reducing pain and inflammation during those tumultuous teething days.

Teething Signs

Knowing if your baby’s irritability is due to teething can give you a heads up on how you can help. Here are some signs to look for:

> Excessive drool
> Chewing on objects
> Irritability or sleeplessness
>Sore or tender gums
>Decreased appetite
>Pulling ears or rubbing chin or cheeks

What’s the best way to soothe sore gums?

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these simple tips:

Rub your baby’s gums. Use a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can ease your baby’s discomfort.

Keep it cool. A cold washcloth, spoon or chilled teething ring can be soothing on a baby’s gums.

Try hard foods. If your baby is eating solid foods, you might offer something edible for gnawing — such as a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot. Make sure you keep a close eye on your baby, as pieces that break off might pose a choking hazard.

Silicone teething rings. Made of safe silicone, rather than latex or plastic, this teether is a safe choice.

Wooden teethers. What works for one baby may not work for the next, so if silicone and rubber don’t do it, try a wooden teether. The texture might be just right for your baby.

Dry the drool. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to dry your baby’s chin. Consider applying a moisturizer such as a water-based cream or lotion.

Herbal remedies. Parents have been using herbal remedies for hundreds of years to help ease their baby’s teething pain. Consider rosehip, chamomile, catnip and cloves for making a relieving and relaxing tea, which can then be used to dampen the wash cloths before freezing them. It can also be given to a baby as a beverage or rubbed directly on the gums.

Natural teething remedies: so simple!