It’s one of the most helpless feelings as a parent … when you can’t help your baby who is in pain. And as we all know, one of the biggest pain culprits is teething. You may have tried just about everything to help ease teething pain, but a new warning from the FDA says parents should stop using those homeopathic teething tablets and gels. So, what can you do to alleviate their pain? We are here to help.
The FDA has been looking into the over the counter homeopathic teething remedies for several years. And just days ago, they released a statement asking parents to stop using all types of these remedies and to throw them out immediately. They are investigating health issues that have been reported by parents and say if a child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, constipation, or agitation after using the products, seek medical care immediately.
The FDA even went a step further and asked parents to seek out advice from doctors on natural teething pain remedies. Here are a few ideas we find helpful…
- Chilled Washcloth :: Freezing a wet washcloth and giving it to your child brings great relief to teething pain. The cold fabric helps sooth swollen gums.
- Frozen Teething Rings :: Buy a pack of CPSIA-compliant teethers and keep them in your freezer. It will provide instant relief to aching gums.
- Cold Foods :: If your child is refusing foods or having a hard time eating due to teething discomfort, try chilling their foods first or offering them age-appropriate cold/frozen foods. Some ideas include greek yogurt, frozen bananas, etc.
- Jewelry :: Here is a good excuse to buy new jewelry – it’s good for the baby! Several companies including Chewbeads, Teething Bling, and Nixi provide fashionable jewelry that doubles as a teething distraction for your baby. They are all non-toxic and tested for safety.
- Gum Massage :: Just applying pressure to the gums will help soothe pain. Of course, make sure your hands are clean and let your baby chew away on your finger. Apply gentle pressure to the gums.
- Breastfeeding :: If you’re still nursing, then breastfeeding is often a great source of comfort – both for those aching gums and for them emotionally.
