Is your baby keeping you up at night while they’re teething?
As if baby didn’t have enough reasons to keep you up at night, teething is the one gift that just keeps giving, all the way through to three years old.
Luckily there are some great teething gels on the market to help ease littles one’s pain and allow them to get a better night’s sleep, as well as allowing you a better night’s sleep!
With an 11 month old myself, I’m going through this right now so read on for my top picks.
How I Choose - Best teething gel for babies
There are many different types of teething gel with different active ingredients and, as we are going to put this directly into baby’s mouth, we want to make sure we get the right one that will help baby without putting any nasties into their little bodies.
I’ve spent countless hours (half of which I probably should have been sleeping but….teething baby upstairs!) reading through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Mums to find the best products out there for your little angel.
What can I do to help my baby’s teething pain?
There are two main products on the market, teething rings and teething gels.
Teething Rings
These work by allowing your baby to chew on them without harming them selves or leaving bite marks on your silicone cutlery (how do I know this? You should see my silicone cutlery!)
You can pop the ring in the fridge to cool it down which will make it more effective as it will cool gums that are hot due to inflammation, but be sure not to put the teething ring in the freezer though as this cam cause damage to your baby’s gums.
Teething Gels
While the NHS recommend trying a teething ring before a gel, personal experience and the word of many Mums I’ve spoken to is that only teething gel will do the trick, especially overnight.
It’s important to choose one that is specially made for young children and it’s a great idea to speak to your pharmacist beforehand, especially if your baby has any other concerns you need to bare in mind such as lactose intolerance or sensitive skin.
How do teething gels work?
Most gels work by forming a thin layer over the gums. Some also contain ingredients that act as a mild local anesthetic to numb the gums.
So, which teething gel is best for babies?
As a mother who is currently losing sleep with a teething baby, here are my top picks:
BeneVits Gel
Why Parents Love It
Mums love this natural product as it doesn’t contain any nasties, is fast acting and lasts a long time. All night!
Parents said it has a pleasant smell and taste so doesn’t cause baby to get upset when applying it to baby’s gums and
What You Need to Know
BeneVits Gel was developed by a pharmacist for his baby daughter who had issues with teething and it’s active ingredient is a dilute form of clove oil. It can be used safely up to six times per day and has also been found to be effective with mouth ulcers, denture pain, sore tongue and sore gums.
It’s great for babies of all ages as it doesn’t cause any issues if it is accidentally ingested (which, chances are with babies, it will be!)
Bonjela Soothing Teething Gel
Why Parents Love It
This was the teething gel personally recommended to me by my pharmacist and I am very happy with it. It’s the same gel my Mum used on me when I was a baby so has stood the test of time! I also use it as an adult if I get an ulcer as it’s very effective and tastes nice.
Other parents agree that it is fast acting and babies seem to enjoy the taste of this gel.
What You Need to Know
Bonjela Soothing Teething Gel creates a protective film on your baby's gums to help relieve pain and discomfort. It contains no artificial sweeteners, flavours, sugar, alcohol, local anaesthetics or parabens.
Dr. Talbot's Naturally Inspired Soothing Gel for Sore Gums
Why Parents Love It
Parents oved that this combo includes a teething ring as well as the gel, however some noted that the teething ring was large for their baby’s mouths.
A pro tip from parents is to use a small half-pea-sized amount on each side of the teething ring for it to be extra effective.
What You Need to Know
Dr. Talbot's Naturally Inspired Soothing Gel is BPA Free, Benzocaine Free, Belladonna Free and Paraben Free and is suitable from age 3 months.
The Nuby Gum-eez Teether features a unique textured design which soothes baby when they are uncomfortable during the day.
Ashton & Parsons Teething Gel
Why Parents Love It
The favourite thing noted by parents with this fast acting gel is the brush applicator on the end makes it super easy to apply.
Parents reported that their babies seem to really love the taste with a few saying that their babies even get excited when they see the tube!
What You Need to Know
This special formula is lactose free, sugar free and alcohol free meaning that its great for use on babies that are lactose intolerant.
The active ingredient is aloe vera and it is suitable for babies aged 3 month plus and comes with a soft brush applicator.
FAQs
Are you looking for a baby teething gel that is fast acting, contains no harmful ingredients and lasts through the night?
That’s the dream!
I’ve got you covered. There are gels out there that really work and I’ve included plenty of information below to help you make the best decision when looking for a teething gel for your baby.
Is teething gel OK for babies?
It is generally safe to give your baby teething gel, as long as you use the correct dosage and follow the instructions on the label. The NHS recommends trying a teething ring first as teething rings don't let anything be absorbed into your baby's body.
Teething gel can help soothe your baby's gums and relieve some of the pain and discomfort associated with teething. It is important to use only the recommended dosage, and to avoid giving your baby too much gel, as this could cause adverse effects.
If you are unsure about whether or not teething gel is right for your child, be sure to speak with your pediatrician.
What is the safest teething medicine for babies?
The safest teething medicine for babies is a teething ring or teething toys.
The nest safest option would be homeopathic teething gels which contain only natural ingredients, but if you decide to go this route you must ensure you know all the ingredients and have done your research to ensure they are safe for baby.
What do dentists recommend for teething?
Different dentists may have different opinions on the best way to soothe a teething baby's gums.
Some dentists may recommend giving the baby a cold, hard object like a frozen carrot or teething ring to gnaw on. Others may recommend using a numbing agent like benzocaine or clove oil as a mild local anaesthetic to help relieve the pain. And still others may suggest using acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.
Whatever method you choose, it's important to be safe and follow the instructions of your dentist or pediatrician.
At what month do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething around 6 months of age, but some babies may start teething as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months.
There isn't really a good way to predict when your baby will start teething, but there are a few clues that may give you an idea. For example, most babies will start drooling more and chewing on things more frequently in the weeks leading up to teeth eruption. In addition, many babies will get a rash on baby's cheeks or chin called "teething rash". And finally, you may be able to see and feel the teeth starting to come through the gums.
When should I use teething gel?
Some babies seem to find relief from teething pain almost immediately after using the gel, while others don't seem to react much at all. In general, though, it's a good idea to start using the gel to ease gum pain when the first tooth appears, and continue using it until all of the baby's teeth have come in.
If you're not sure whether your baby is in pain, or if the baby seems to be having trouble sleeping due to teething discomfort, it's always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can help you determine whether your baby needs teething gel and can also recommend a suitable brand.
Is gripe water good for teething?
There is no evidence that gripe water does anything to help teething babies. In fact, it might even be harmful, as it contains alcohol and sugar.
How long does it take for teething pain to go away?
It typically takes a few days for the pain to go away. Some babies are more fussy than others and may take a little longer to adjust. In most cases, the pain will gradually dissipate with or without treating teething pain and the baby will start sleeping through the night again.
In general, teething is a difficult process but it's all worth it when those little teeth finally come in!
What are the first signs of teething?
The first signs of milk teeth coming through can vary from child to child, but most infants will start to show teething symptoms between 4 and 7 months old. Some common symptoms include:
-Drooling more than usual
-Chewing on fingers or toys
-Biting down on anything they can get their mouth on
-Poking at their gums with their tongue
-Redness and inflammation of the gums
-Slight fever (usually only if there is also an infection)
If your child is showing any of these symptoms, you may see signs of teeth popping through in the following days, although sometimes the symptoms can come and go for several weeks before you see the actual tooth.
What does teething poop look like?
It can vary, but it usually looks runny and green or yellow. Most babies tend to have a few wet diapers a day during teething, so if your baby's poop suddenly changes color or consistency, it might be because they're cutting a new tooth. If you're ever concerned, though, definitely consult with your pediatrician.
How long do teeth take to come through?
It depends on the child's age, but generally, baby teeth come through between the ages of six and twelve months. For babies, the first teeth to come in are usually the bottom front teeth. The top front teeth usually come in next, followed by the molars and finally the canines (or "fangs").
So, which teething gel is best for babies?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different babies will respond differently to different teething gels so I have read through thousands of reviews from verified customers on Amazon to find the best options for you.
I hope you’ve found the information above useful, as a first-time parent I often wish I had access to information like this so I want to help other parents through the minefield that is parenthood!
All of the teething gels above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which teething gels work best for you.
Thanks for reading!
