Did you ever find anything that actually soothed your little one at night, or was it just a waiting game?
I felt like it was mostly a waiting game for us, honestly. We tried all the usual suspects—cold washcloths, those little silicone teethers, even frozen fruit in those mesh feeders. Sometimes they helped for a bit, other nights nothing worked and we just had to ride it out. I remember sitting on the floor at 2am with my son gnawing on the remote (gross, but he was happy), thinking "well, at least he's quiet..." You're definitely not alone in letting things slide when they're teething. It does pass, but man, it feels endless in the moment.
I remember sitting on the floor at 2am with my son gnawing on the remote (gross, but he was happy), thinking "well, at least he's quiet..."
That totally made me laugh because I've definitely handed over some questionable objects in the middle of the night just for a few minutes of peace. Did you ever try any of the teething gels or are those not really recommended anymore? I keep seeing mixed opinions and I'm not sure if they're safe or just not worth it.
Did you ever try any of the teething gels or are those not really recommended anymore? I keep seeing mixed opinions and I'm not sure if they're safe or just not worth it.
You’re right, there’s a lot of back and forth about teething gels these days. Honestly, I get asked about this all the time. Most of the gels you see at the store—especially the ones with benzocaine—aren’t really recommended anymore, mainly because of rare but serious side effects (like methemoglobinemia, which is a mouthful and honestly pretty scary). The FDA’s been pretty clear about avoiding those for little ones under two.
I’ve seen some parents swear by the “natural” gels, but even those can be hit or miss. Personally, I found that cold washcloths or those water-filled teething rings (chilled, not frozen) worked way better for my own kid. It’s not as instant as a gel, but at least I didn’t have to worry about what he was swallowing.
It’s tough in the middle of the night when you’re desperate for anything that works. I get it. Sometimes I’d just let my son gnaw on my knuckle for a bit—probably not textbook parenting, but hey, whatever gets you through.
Sometimes I’d just let my son gnaw on my knuckle for a bit—probably not textbook parenting, but hey, whatever gets you through.
Haha, I’ve totally done the knuckle thing too—sometimes it’s the only thing that buys you a few minutes of peace. Did anyone try those silicone teething mitts? I keep seeing them online but can’t tell if they’re genius or just another thing to wash. Also, has anyone had luck with those mesh feeders and frozen fruit, or is that just a sticky mess waiting to happen?
Did anyone try those silicone teething mitts? I keep seeing them online but can’t tell if they’re genius or just another thing to wash.
We used the mitts, but honestly, my kid just pulled them off and chewed on the strap instead. The mesh feeders with frozen fruit were good for a few minutes...but yeah, sticky mess. Has anyone noticed if certain teeth coming in seem to bother babies more than others?