Daily Vegas: Molar Monster~Tyrannosaurus Teether

Whether you have a Molar Monster or a Tyrannosaurus Teether, chances are you have already had many sleepless nights, a few crying jags, a clinging crabby baby, and possibly even a bite mark or two. There are so many old teething tips out there, each seeming more ridiculous then the next. I have been told to rub alcohol on my baby’s gums, or even to give him a stick of beef jerky. While I haven’t tried the previous two suggestions, nor do I intend to, but I have tried more than my fair share of teething remedies. Here are my favorites, or I suppose I should say Squishy’s favorites.

1. Ice Chips or Frozen Fruit: Be sure that the chips are small enough that they won’t choke on then. You can freeze a small amount of water in your ice trays if you don’t have a crushed ice dispenser. Squish also really enjoys frozen fruit. Pears are a favorite, but I have pretty much done it all. You can use a mesh feeder, or if you have an older toddler, try cutting it into small pieces and then freezing.
2. Stuffed Animals: Squish has a handful of small stuffed animals that always seem to be in his mouth. Poor animals; I bet they didn’t think they would have their faces eaten when they were purchased!
3. Clover Oil: Clover Oil is a natural remedy that numbs your babies’ gums without all the chemicals. Be sure to dilute it with a little bit of edible oil, such as almond or olive oils, so that the clover oil isn’t as intense. Applying it without diluting it can cause blisters.
4. Hyland’s Teething Tablets/Gel: I don’t know if this works, or if it just distracts, but either way I will take it. They have been slightly controversial due to one of the main ingredients. But as long as you follow the directions, the chances of issues are slim.
5. Amber Necklaces: According to www.amber-teething-necklaces.com “Amber is a natural analgesic and when worn on the skin, it releases healing oils that helps babies and young children to stay calm and more relaxed throughout teething. Amber necklaces are a great natural remedy and can eliminate the need for over the counter drugs.” The jury is still out on this one for me, but I finally gave in and ordered one so I will let you know what I think of it later!
   
6. Teething Necklaces: Unlike the Amber teething necklaces, these are intended to be worn by mom. They are made of rubber and most are stylish. Often times my teething necklace was mistaken for regular jewelry. I really like www.smartmomjewelry.com. (Thanks Alex for the recommendation!!) Squish loves these necklaces, especially when he was smaller. Now he usually rips it right off of me, but it has a breakaway clasp so this isn’t really an issue.
7. Frozen Washcloths: This is an oldie, but goodie. Try tying your washcloth in a knot, and dipping one end in water, and then freezing it. This will give your baby a dry warm place to hold onto, while the cold part goes in to relieve the pain.
8. Wooden Teethers: I don’t know why these work, but I have heard that they really do. We have no personal experience with this. Just make sure you purchase an actual baby safe product. Splinters would not help the situation.
9. Orajel: We aren’t a super fan of this here. Especially after Squish figured out how to twist the cap off. Talk about a scare. It seems just to easy to give too much of this. We have officially switched to clover oil, but in a pinch this may help you through the night.
10. Your finger: If you really have no other option, you can let your little one nibble on your finger, but beware; the more teeth your child gets, the less likely this will be an option, unless that is you don’t mind losing a digit!

I hope my tips will maybe provide you with at least one less minute of tears, and one more minute of sleep. At the very least these have to be better than sticking a hunk of beef jerky in your babies mouth, or rubbing some whiskey on their gums… What’s next a toddler sized shot glass?