Girl Mom Edit

For Moms of Stylish Little Ones

Baby Teething Essentials: Tips & Must-Haves for Surviving Your Baby’s First Teeth

Baby Teething Essentials

Baby teething essentials and practical tips from a mom who’s been there. Tips to help soothe your teething baby, from must-have products to gentle relief remedies.

When your baby starts teething, those sleepless nights and tearful days can feel endless. Trust me, I’ve been through it twice – first with my 3-year-old and now with my 4-month-old who’s showing those early teething signs. Instead of just telling you “it gets better” (even though it does, I promise!), I’m sharing every teething essential and tip that actually worked for us.

Quick note: While these teething solutions worked wonders in our home, always check with your pediatrician before trying new remedies or products for your little one.

What you’ll learn in this guide:

  • Must-have teething products that won’t break the bank
  • Proven soothing techniques for day and night
  • Signs that teething is starting
  • When to start dental care (and how to make it fun)
  • Real talk about what worked differently for each of my girls
  • When to call your pediatrician

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.

Signs Your Baby Is Teething

Let’s start with what you need to know right now – how to tell if those fussy moments are actually teething. With both my girls starting to teeth early, I learned that catching the signs early means you can start soothing them before the discomfort gets too intense.

The most common teething signs I noticed with both my daughters were:

  • Increased drooling (time for those cute bibs!)
  • More frequent hand-to-mouth action
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Rosy red cheeks
  • Extra fussiness, especially during feedings
  • A slight temperature (but not a true fever)
baby teething essentials blog post. happy baby staring at camera

Teething Essentials That Actually Work

When it comes to teething essentials, you don’t need to buy everything at the baby store. After going through this twice, I’ve narrowed down what truly makes a difference. The key is having a few reliable options because what works one day might not work the next – anyone else’s baby suddenly reject their favorite teether?

The Game-Changer: Teething Oil

The absolute MVP in our teething journey has been teething oil. I discovered this little miracle during those midnight wake-ups with my first daughter, and it’s been the first thing I reached for with my second. It’s gentle enough for their tender gums but effective enough to provide real relief. Just remember to get the okay from your pediatrician first.

Easy-to-Grasp Teethers

One thing I learned the hard way with my first daughter was that not all teethers are created equal. Those adorable teething toys that look perfect on Instagram? They’re useless if your baby can’t hold them. Look for teethers with easy-grip designs that your little one can actually maneuver to where they need relief. This was especially important during those early months when their hand coordination is still developing.

Here are a few easy-to-hold options: 

Teething Gloves
Strawberry Teether
Freezer Teether
Giraffe Teether

The Freezer Method

Here’s a tip that saved us during particularly rough teething days: the freezer trick. A clean, wet washcloth that’s been in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes works wonders. The cold provides natural pain relief, and the texture gives them something to work their gums against. Just don’t freeze it solid – you want it cold but still pliable.

Remember, what works for one baby might not work for another – even within the same family. My second daughter needs much more soothing than her sister did, proving that each teething journey is unique. The key is having a few reliable options ready to go, especially during those middle-of-the-night moments when you need something that works fast.

Day and Night Survival: Real Tips for Teething Parents

Surviving teething is about more than just having the right products – it’s about adapting your routine to help both you and your baby get through this phase. After navigating teething with two daughters, I’ve learned that having a flexible strategy for both day and night makes a huge difference.

Daytime Strategies

The day brings its own unique challenges when you’re dealing with a teething baby. With my first daughter, I tried to stick to our normal routine, which only led to frustration for both of us. Second time around, I learned that some days just need a different approach.

Contact naps became our sanctuary during peak teething times. If your baby finds comfort in being close to you and it works for your situation, don’t hesitate to hold them for naps. And here’s a real mom tip: babywearing can be a lifesaver during these contact nap phases. It keeps your little one close and comfortable while letting you tackle essential tasks – because somehow laundry still needs to get done, even during teething! I used to worry about creating “bad habits,” but honestly, providing comfort during pain is never a bad thing. These phases pass, and your regular routine will return.

Our favorite carrier for both girls.

I also discovered that distraction can be your best friend during the day. A change of scenery, like moving to the backyard or even just a different room, can help take their mind off the discomfort. Simple activities like water play (supervised, of course) or listening to music often bought us precious moments of relief.

Nighttime Navigation

Nights can feel especially challenging when you’re dealing with teething. With my 4-month-old, we’re experiencing more sleepless nights than we did with her sister. Here’s what’s helping us get through:

Setting up a dedicated teething station near the crib has been a game-changer. I keep teething oil, a clean backup teether, and a washcloth within arm’s reach. This means less fumbling around in the dark and faster relief for baby.

Temperature management also plays a crucial role at night. I noticed both my girls seemed more uncomfortable when they were too warm, so we adjusted their room temperature slightly cooler during teething phases. Just remember to dress them appropriately – a comfortable baby tends to sleep better, teething or not.

The Reality Check

Let’s be honest – some days will be harder than others. There were nights with my first daughter where I paced the floor, trying everything in my arsenal. Now with my second, I remind myself that this phase is temporary. It’s okay if your usual routine goes out the window for a while. Focus on providing comfort and remember that you’re doing a great job, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Setting Up for Dental Success: Beyond the Teething Phase

While you’re in the thick of teething, it’s hard to think beyond surviving the current moment. But having gone through this with my toddler, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about transitioning from teething to long-term dental care. Think of it as building a foundation for healthy dental habits while you’re already focused on their teeth.

Starting Early with Gentle Routines

One unexpected benefit of teething is that it naturally introduces your baby to the idea of oral care. With my first daughter, we turned tooth brushing into a daily ritual as soon as those first tiny teeth appeared. Starting early made it feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of our day.

The transition to toddler tooth brushing was smoother than I expected, mainly because we made it fun. Our pediatric dentist (more on that game-changer in a moment) suggested using a reward system – we went with gold star magnets on a special chart. Now my 3-year-old proudly shows off her “sparkly teeth” after each brush. It’s amazing how a simple star can turn a potential battle into a celebrated routine.

Finding the Right Dental Home

Choosing a pediatric dentist early on was one of the best decisions we made. We did our research and found one who specializes in making dental visits an adventure rather than an ordeal. Yes, there were some tears during the first few visits – my daughter wasn’t exactly thrilled initially. But the right pediatric dentist makes all the difference.

Our dentist’s office has a team that understands how to work with squirmy toddlers. They took the time to let my daughter get comfortable, showing her all the “cool tools” and letting her watch other kids having positive experiences. Now she actually looks forward to visiting the dentist.

Building Positive Associations

The secret to long-term dental success isn’t just about the mechanics of brushing – it’s about creating positive associations with dental care. We incorporate silly songs during brush time, let our toddler “brush” her dolls’ teeth, and celebrate dental victories, no matter how small. These little moments add up to a lifetime of good dental habits.

Remember, every child moves at their own pace with dental care. Some days you might feel like you’re taking steps backward, especially during teething phases or when they’re asserting their independence. That’s completely normal. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Quick Guide: Your Teething Survival Checklist

We’ve covered a lot of ground, and I know firsthand how overwhelming teething can feel, especially when you’re operating on minimal sleep. Let’s wrap this up with the essentials you need to remember.

Your Teething Tool Kit

When your baby starts showing those early teething signs, having these basics ready will help you both get through it:

Remember What Matters

Through my journey with both girls, I’ve learned that teething, like every other phase of parenthood, is temporary. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. You’re doing an amazing job by seeking out solutions and staying attuned to your baby’s needs.

Trust your instincts – you know your baby best. If something doesn’t feel right or your little one seems to be in excessive discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your baby’s well-being.

Looking Ahead

Before you know it, you’ll be watching them proudly show off their full set of teeth and practicing their “big kid” brushing skills. Every phase has its challenges, but they also have their special moments worth cherishing.

For more parenting tips and affordable solutions for girl moms, sign up for my newsletter. I share weekly updates, including my latest finds for making mom life a little easier (and a lot more fun).

Have a teething tip that worked for your little one? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. We’re all in this together!

Note: Always consult with your pediatrician before trying new teething remedies or products. This guide is based on personal experience and should not replace professional medical advice.

Teething Oil
Teething Gloves
Freezer Teether
Strawberry Teether
Favorite Washcloths
Carrier for Contact Naps
Baby to Toddler Toothbrush

Read the Latest

Get on the List

Trackbacks