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10 Things I’d Buy Again for a Teething Baby

Hannah Ange
Sep 9
8 min read

Updated: Sep 10

Teething has a way of turning a normal day into a guessing game. One minute my baby was happy, and the next there were red cheeks, soaked bibs, frantic chewing, and that tired little cry that says, “Something hurts, but I cannot tell you where.”


I tried a mix of simple, practical, and comfort-based options. Some worked better during the day. Some helped more at bedtime. A few became regular favorites because they were easy, safe, and fast to grab when the fussing started.


This list is based on what helped soothe my teething baby, from Earthley Wellness Teeth Tamer to chamomile soothing tablets. It is not medical advice, and every baby is different. For medicine, supplements, or anything new, I always think it is best to check with a pediatrician, especially for babies under 6 months or babies with allergies or health concerns.


Eye-level view of a baby teething basket with soft toys and washcloths
Keeping a few teething options nearby made fussy stretches easier to handle.

What helped most during the early teething signs


The first signs of teething were not always obvious. Sometimes my baby wanted to chew everything. Other times, sleep got worse before I saw any swelling on the gums. Drooling, red cheeks, clinginess, and sudden nursing changes were usually the clues.


I learned quickly that no single teething product fixed everything. What helped was having a few options ready, then rotating through them based on the moment.


For us, the best teething soothers had a few things in common:


  • They were easy to clean.

  • They were safe for supervised use.

  • They gave my baby something satisfying to chew.

  • They offered cold pressure without being too harsh.

  • They fit into normal daily routines.


The biggest lesson was simple. Teething relief worked best when I responded early, before my baby became overly tired and hard to settle.


Simple chew and cold options we reached for every day


These were the items I used most often because they were quick, inexpensive, and easy to keep in rotation. Most of them were not fancy, but they made a real difference.


1. Silicone teething toys


Silicone teething toys were one of the first things I bought, and they stayed useful through several teething stages. I liked that they were soft enough for tender gums but firm enough for chewing.


The best ones for us had different shapes and textures. A smooth part helped when my baby just wanted to mouth something. A bumpy or ridged part seemed better when the gums looked swollen.


I kept a few around the house so I was not constantly washing the same one. One stayed near the changing area, one stayed in the diaper bag, and one stayed near the play mat.


Practical tip: Choose silicone teethers that are labeled for babies, easy to grip, and simple to wash. I avoided anything with tiny parts or hard-to-clean crevices.


2. A wet cooled washcloth


This was one of the simplest tricks, and it worked surprisingly well. I would wet a clean baby washcloth, wring it out, and place it in the refrigerator for a little while. Once cool, I let my baby chew and suck on it while supervised.


The texture gave a little gum massage, and the coolness seemed to calm the intense chewing phase. I preferred the fridge instead of the freezer because frozen cloths can get too hard.


This was also helpful before naps when my baby seemed uncomfortable but not quite ready for anything stronger.


Practical tip: Use a clean washcloth each time, and stay nearby. Once it gets warm or dropped on the floor, swap it out.


3. Handheld chewable toys


Handheld chewable toys were great once my baby got better at grabbing and bringing things to the mouth. These were different from basic teethers because they often had handles, loops, or shapes that made them easier to hold.


My baby liked ones with a ring shape or little side grips. They gave some independence, which helped during stroller rides, tummy time breaks, or cranky moments in the high chair.


I also liked that handheld chew toys made teething less of a constant “hold the baby and soothe” situation. Sometimes my baby just needed something safe to focus on.


Practical tip: Look for toys that are lightweight. A teether that is too heavy can bonk a baby in the face when coordination is still new.


4. Mom’s simple clean finger


This one sounds almost too basic, but my clean finger was sometimes the only thing my baby wanted. After washing my hands well, I would gently rub the gums with light pressure.


This helped when my baby was too upset to take a toy or pacifier. It also helped me feel where the gums seemed tender. I kept the pressure gentle and stopped if my baby turned away or seemed done.


There was something comforting about the closeness too. Teething is not just a gum problem. Babies often want connection when they hurt.


Practical tip: Keep nails short and hands freshly washed. Use gentle pressure and treat it like comfort, not a deep massage.


Close-up of a cooled baby washcloth beside silicone teething toys
Cold texture and safe chewing were the most useful daytime tools.

Pacifiers and frozen options that gave extra comfort


Pacifier-style teethers were helpful because my baby already found sucking soothing. Adding texture or coolness made them even more useful on rough days.


5. Textured binkys


Textured binkys were a nice middle ground between a pacifier and a teething toy. My baby could suck for comfort and chew around the edges when the gums felt sore.


I liked textured pacifiers most for car rides and fussy evenings. They were familiar enough that my baby accepted them quickly, but they offered more gum contact than a smooth pacifier.


They were also easy to keep in the diaper bag. I always packed extras because pacifiers somehow end up on the floor at the worst possible time.


Practical tip: Check pacifiers often for cracks, stickiness, or wear. Replace them when they start looking worn.


6. Nippii freezable teething pacifier


The Nippii freezable teething pacifier was helpful when my baby wanted cold relief but did not want a regular teething ring. The pacifier shape made it easier to accept.


I liked this option for supervised daytime use, especially during those stretches when chewing became constant. The cold sensation seemed to help take the edge off, and the shape felt familiar.


I was careful not to use anything that felt rock solid or painfully cold. With any freezable teether, I checked it first with my own hand and lips. Babies have sensitive mouths, and colder is not always better.


Practical tip: Follow the product directions for freezing or chilling. Always inspect it before use, and supervise closely.


7. Breast milk pops


Breast milk pops were one of my favorite soothing ideas during teething. They felt comforting, familiar, and cooling all at once. I used small baby-safe molds designed for infant feeding and made sure the size and shape were appropriate.


This worked best once my baby was developmentally ready and able to handle that kind of feeding with close supervision. The cold helped with the gums, and the breast milk made it more appealing than plain ice.


They were messy, but in a cute, worthwhile way. I usually offered them in a high chair or with a bib and towel nearby.


Practical tip: Use safe molds, store breast milk properly, and supervise the entire time. If there are any feeding concerns, ask a pediatrician first.


Overhead view of breast milk pops in a baby-safe feeder mold
Breast milk pops were soothing, familiar, and best saved for supervised moments.

Natural-style remedies and medicine I used with care


Some teething days needed more than toys and cold cloths. When my baby was especially uncomfortable, I reached for options that required more thought, label reading, and caution.


8. Earthley Wellness Teeth Tamer


Earthley Wellness Teeth Tamer was one of the wellness products I tried during teething. I liked having something on hand that felt easy to use during fussy daytime stretches.


As with any herbal or wellness product for babies, I paid close attention to the ingredient list and directions. Natural does not automatically mean it is right for every baby. Babies can react to herbs, oils, or other ingredients, so I used caution and watched for any changes.


For us, it fit best as part of a wider teething routine, not as the only solution. I used it alongside chewing toys, cuddles, and cold options.


Practical tip: Read the label every time, use only as directed, and ask your pediatrician if your baby is very young, has allergies, or takes any medication.


9. Infant Tylenol


Infant Tylenol was something I reserved for the roughest teething moments, especially when my baby seemed truly uncomfortable and could not settle. I did not treat it like an everyday teething tool.


This is where pediatrician guidance matters. Infant acetaminophen dosing is usually based on weight, not just age. I never guessed the amount, and I used the measuring tool that came with the medicine.


I also paid attention to the bigger picture. If my baby had a fever, seemed unusually sleepy, refused feeds, had fewer wet diapers, or acted very different, I would not assume it was “just teething.” Teething can cause discomfort, but illness can show up at the same time.


Practical tip: Ask your pediatrician for the correct dose before you need it, so you are not trying to figure it out at 2 a.m.


10. Chamomile soothing tablets for daytime and nighttime


Chamomile soothing tablets were another option I kept around for teething support. I liked that there were daytime and nighttime versions, because teething fussiness can feel very different depending on the hour.


I treated these with the same caution as any supplement or homeopathic-style product. I checked the label, followed directions, and watched how my baby responded. I also avoided mixing too many products at once because then it becomes hard to know what helped or what did not agree with the baby.


Nighttime teething was the hardest for us because everyone was tired. A calming routine mattered just as much as any product. Dim lights, a fresh diaper, nursing or a bottle, gentle rocking, and one soothing tool at a time worked better than frantic trial and error.


Practical tip: If using daytime and nighttime versions, keep them clearly separated and stored safely out of reach.


How I built a teething routine that actually helped


The most helpful routine was not complicated. It was a small rotation of comfort tools, used at the right time.


During the day, I relied on:


  • Silicone teething toys

  • Handheld chewable toys

  • A cooled washcloth

  • Textured binkys

  • Breast milk pops when we had time for mess


In the evening, I kept things calmer:


  • A clean finger gum rub

  • A textured pacifier

  • The Nippii freezable teething pacifier

  • Extra cuddles and a quiet room

  • Medicine or soothing tablets only when it felt appropriate


I also learned to watch my baby instead of watching the clock. If chewing helped, I offered a teether. If my baby wanted closeness, I held them. If nothing worked and the crying felt different, I considered whether something else might be going on.


The best teething soother was rarely one product. It was comfort, cold pressure, safe chewing, and patience stacked together.

Wide-angle view of a calm bedtime setup with teething pacifiers and baby blanket
A calm setup made nighttime teething feel a little less overwhelming.

A few safety habits I would not skip


Teething products are only helpful if they are used safely. These are the habits I kept coming back to:


  • Supervise anything used for chewing. Even simple items like washcloths and feeders need close watching.

  • Skip teething necklaces for chewing or wearing. They can pose strangulation or choking risks.

  • Avoid numbing gels unless a pediatrician specifically recommends them. Some oral numbing products are not considered safe for babies.

  • Inspect teethers often. Toss anything cracked, sticky, torn, or damaged.

  • Keep products clean. Teethers hit floors, car seats, strollers, and high chair trays.

  • Do not assume every symptom is teething. Fever, rash, diarrhea, poor feeding, or unusual behavior may need medical advice.


Teething can make babies miserable, but it should not make caregivers feel helpless. A small basket of trusted options made a big difference for us. Some days that meant Earthley Wellness Teeth Tamer. Other days it meant a cold washcloth, a silicone teether, or my clean finger and a long cuddle.


My biggest takeaway is to keep it simple. Start with safe chewing and cold comfort. Add wellness products or medicine thoughtfully. Pay attention to what your baby likes, and do not be surprised if their favorite changes from one tooth to the next.


 
 
 

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