Monday, April 19, 2010

Natural Teething Remedies...

The word "teething" is terrifying, but I'm here to help! Most babies sprout their first "toof" anywhere from 3-14 months. You can expect; tons of drool, the need to chew, ear pulling, and crankiness. We're surviving teething with minimal discomfort, and absolutely no medicine! Some of you may think, "Is this woman crazy, grab the damn Orajel!?" I won't do it, and let me tell you why...
Benzocaine (the main ingredient in Orajel) is an anesthetic. Even though applied directly to the gums it may unintentionally numb the throat and tongue, thus enabling your baby's gag reflex. This is a serious choking hazard especially for a teething baby producing excessive saliva.
If you look up Orajel on The Cosmetics Database you will find it scored a 7 out of 10 for toxicity. Siting this product for: Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Neurotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), and Data gaps. Now that I've (hopefully) scared you away from Orajel , I'll share what soothes onelovebaby safe and naturally.

1. Baltic Amber Teething Necklace:

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Amber is fossilized resin, which warms against the skin. It has been used for centuries all over Europe for it's healing capabilities. It's natural anti-inflammatory properties make it sublime for a teething baby. These necklaces are made specifically for babies, which means it is knotted between each bead, so that if the necklace breaks beads won't go flyin'. Plus it's adorable!

2. Sophie the Giraffe:
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/ White

This teether is a miracle! It does cost quite a bit more ($17) but it's worth every stinking penny. She is 100% BPA free, made of all natural rubber and food paint. Her knobby head and long legs are idyllic for your baby getting those hard to reach places.

3. Wet Frozen Wash Cloth:

This one doesn't need much explanation. Leave one end dry so it's easy to grip and the frozen cloth will numb her gums (naturally), while she gnaws away.

9 comments:

Show Me Mama said...

Thanks for the information. I have used the wet cold cloth on my daughter teeth when she was little, which works just great. And your right is naturally numbs the teeth indeed :)

I am your new follower from MBC. You can visit me at http://showmemama.blogspot.com Great info and i"ll be back. :) Like Arnold :)hahaha

Bethany said...

thanks for the ideas.. i've heard bad things about orajel

found you on mbc so im following you =)

Tara V. said...

The frozen wash cloth worked miracles with my 4 kids. My 5th baby is starting to get teeth now and has been super cranky and not interested in it at all. I am going to look into the Teething Necklace.

Anonymous said...

those beads totally work, and we don't leave the house without Sophie even now. Sophie saved my nipples, thank-you for that Sophie.

M @ Betty Crapper said...

DD loves Sophie. Where did you get the amber necklace?

Unknown said...

I got mine from Inspired By Finn.

Kari said...

I'm with you on the orajel. I'd do whiskey before that - haha! But seriously. I never used any orajel on either of my two kids. I did use teething tablets and I always noticed the crankiness would cease. Wet washcloths were awesome. That and mama's finger was always a favorite. I'm glad other people see the dangers of conventional methods that we are told are safe!

Never heard of the teething necklace. Sparked my interest.

RealMommy365 said...

Thanks for sharing the info on the necklace! Our 8th(!)is teething right now and over the years we've tried almost every natural rememdy out there except this one. I'm going to have to check it out, I know he would like it :)

Visiting & following from MBC!
http://www.realmommy365.com

Tracy said...

I'm going through this now with my 10 month old....no teeth yet though. I would never do the orajel thing. Besides it tastes horrible, I couldn't imagine putting it in my babe's mouth. Definitely wet clothes and teething rings for my kidlet :O) I'm glad I am not the only one who doesn't use the stuff!

Take care,
Tracy

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