Don’t want to put orajel in your baby’s mouth? Here are 8 natural teething remedies to try instead!
This post is as much for me as for anyone else. Baby Girl will turn 1 in less than 2 weeks, but she still only has 2 teeth!
Little Girl really didn’t put up too much of a fuss as she slowly cut her teeth. (She didn’t cut her first one until 11 1/2 months!)
But Baby Girl is a little more sensitive. At 9 1/2 months, I thought her chill little personality had changed overnight.
But, no…it was the teeth!
So far, here’s what’s worked for us–and I’d absolutely love to hear what’s worked for you. With just two teeth at a year old, Baby Girl still has a ways to go!
8 Alternatives to Orajel (Holistic Teething Remedies)
1. Hyland’s Teething Tablets
Even though Little Girl didn’t have a huge problem with teething pain, I absolutely loved these holistic tablets for when she did. You can get these at most any drugstore!
2. Mesh teething feeder
We put ice chips or frozen fruit in these feeders, and Baby Girl chows down! The ice is cooling on her gums, and the mesh keeps it all contained.
3. Frozen wash cloths in chamomile
Soak a wash cloth in freshly-brewed chamomile tea and stick it in the freezer. Once frozen, let your baby chew on it. Both the tea and the coldness of the cloth will soothe sore gums.
4. Non-toxic teething rings
Why not try an old-fashioned teether? While plastic teethers abound, stores like Jack Be Natural and Amazon sell unfinished maple teething rings, which serve the same purpose–without all the chemicals from plastic or paint.
5. Teething Bling
You can make a fashion statement and help soothe sore gums with a teething necklace. I love my Smart Mom Teething Bling Necklace–and so does Baby Girl! It’s the one necklace I don’t have to worry about her breaking, and I can actually feel good about her chewing on it!
6. Earth’s Best Organic Teething Biscuits.*
I have used this organic version of classic teething biscuits, but I am now a little more cautious since Little Girl’s gluten intolerance issues. I put a * because I’m not quite sure I will continue using these since we have no idea if Baby Girl is tolerant of gluten or not.
7. Homemade remedies
I haven’t tried these, but The Holistic Mama lists two great-sounding teething remedies: Rose Hip Syrup and a Chamomile Tea Infusion. Check out her post on holistic teething remedies here.
8. Lavender essential oil
I’m determined to try this one this weekend: Katie at Kitchen Stewardship just tipped me off that she recently read that straight lavender essential oil on the gums or jawline helps alleviate teething pain.
Did your child have a hard time teething? Do you have any holistic teething remedies to share?
Disclaimer: I am not a health professional. I am just a mom who loves to use natural remedies. Please consult your trusted healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. I cannot be held liable or responsible for your health decisions. These remedies are shared for entertainment and educational purposes only and are not meant to diagnose or cure any disease. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
Crystal
I use clove oil with my kids, a little dab on the gums numbs them right up. This has been especially useful because my kids can’t stand anything cold.
Erin
Thanks so much for the tip, Crystal!
Alanna
We use Children’s brand teething relief because my sweet boy had a reaction to the Hylands. It’s a liquid so the dropper is not as convenient as the tabs but it works well and he likes the taste.
Erin
Never heard of it. Thanks for letting me know!
Hannah
Clove oil acts as a numbing agent – one drop of clove essential oil in 20 drops of a carrier oil (I use fractionated coconut) rub a tiny amount on the gums and it numbs the skin temporarily.
Kris
Better than Hylands: Oragel baby naturals sugar-free dissolving teething tablets use chamomile w/o other ingredients that some like my girls prob’ly allergic to.
& orajel baby naturals teething gel- uses clove.
& gentle naturals teething relief drops.
Frozen waffles too.
Erin
Thanks for the tip!
Christina
I heard Hyland’s has Belladonna, which is toxic to babies. For medicinal relief, I use Boiron’s Camilia, which is homeopathic – it comes in small liquid vials. It is very effective. I just bought a Comotomo teether – it is made of medical-grade silicone, which is very pure, so I trust it. I would also like to get Natursutten’s star teether – it is made of 100% natural rubber and made in Germany.
Pauliina
If we are talking about the same Hyland’s that i know, it is a homeopathic remedy so there is actually no risk of being poisonous even if it contains homeopathic Belladonna.
With love, from Finland – Pauliina
Tami
We’ve used natural vanilla extract for all 5 of our kids. Even now at 16,13,13,11, and 10 if they have a tooth ache that’s the 1st thing they want. The imitation will work, but not nearly as well as the natural
Bethany
That’s what I use too! The vanilla is also soothing to their tummies, which get upset easily while teething, according to livestrong.
Rhonda
How do you give the vanilla?
Maria MAIDANOU
Have u ever heard of amber teething bracelet? I have not used it ,as I found out about it toooo late, but a friend is really pleased with its properties.
Cheryl
So I take it whiskey on the gums is out? 😉
My friend’s babies love cold grapes! The cold and crunch I guess.
Jen
Use caution when using essential oils on children. They should never be used undiluted (without a carrier oil), especially orally. Clove infused oil (not clove essential oil) can be used safely.
Fawne
Orajel has a natural gel that has camomile. Although I will admit that at the present moment I am using the regular orajel. I have tried everything else, however, nothing else has been working with my son. He has all 4 of his one year molars coming in at the same time.