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Anyone else feel like teething is way worse than expected? The symptoms (fussiness, sleep disturbances, drooling, feeding issues) are not quite “medical enough” to justify an office visit, but can still majorly disrupt your daily life and routine.
In nurse practitioner school, I learned alllll about tooth eruption—which teeth come in first, when the molars start to pop through, and proper dental hygiene for those new baby teeth. In the school of parenthood, I learned that what seems simple in the textbook is not—and is a WAY longer/more painstaking process than I expected. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years as a mom and NP to manage the teething era.
1. Attach teething toys to a pacifier clip!
- Teethings toys are wonderful, and also very easily get lost or dropped (thrown) on the dirty floor. Find a few good options that are able to be tied to a pacifier clip and affixed to baby’s clothes, car seat, etc. I’ve linked a few here that I’ve used with my own children:
- *Special note about teething toys, specifically the hollow tube ones that most babies love—make sure you’re giving them a thorough cleaning as saliva/who knows what else can get into the tube and turn it into a science experiment 🙂
2. “Froyo” tubes: I discovered this hack on the later end of my oldest’s teething journey, but it came in CLUTCH for my youngest.
- We use the Stonyfield yogurt tubes, but you can use any yogurt in a “Go-Gurt” style tube.
- Throw them in the freezer overnight and they become the BEST teething treat for baby!
- Disclaimer: please only offer once your baby has been approved by their pediatrician to start solid foods, and ALWAYS observe your baby when they are eating 🙂
3. It is OKAY to give medicine for pain control if needed
- Teething hurts! Babies gums get swollen, they may not want to eat, and they may have difficulty sleeping. A safe dose (see below) of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Motrin or Tylenol) can improve your child’s eating/drinking/sleeping issues during those rough teething days. I personally recommend doing it as needed and not automatically giving it around the clock, but always defer to your child’s provider for further guidance.
- Once your baby hits 6 months of age (usually around the same time those first teeth are busting through) they can have ibuprofen/Motrin (prior to 6 months of age, only acetaminophen/Tylenol for pain or fever)
- Medication for babies is based on their weight, so make sure your child’s weight is up to date and call the office if you have dosing questions!
All of this to say, you’re not alone in thinking that teething is your least-favorite milestone in your baby’s first year of life! Give yourself and your little one some grace, it doesn’t last forever (even though it feels like it).
Patients & Parenting 
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