Teething. It's the word that strikes fear into the hearts of new parents everywhere. Just when you think you've got this baby thing down, your little one starts drooling like a faucet, chewing on everything in sight, and crying like they’re auditioning for a role in a drama series. Welcome to the teething stage!

Naturally, you want to soothe your baby’s discomfort as fast as possible, but hold up—there are a few things you might want to steer clear of when it comes to teething relief. Let’s go through them, because while your baby is chewing on anything they can grab, there are some remedies you should definitely avoid. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Teething Necklaces – Pretty but Problematic

Let’s start with teething necklaces. They may look cute and trendy, and you’ve probably seen them on other babies or even for sale in baby boutiques, but here’s the thing—they’re risky.

Amber teething necklaces, in particular, are believed to release soothing oils when warmed by your baby’s skin. However, there's zero scientific evidence to back this up, and the potential choking and strangulation risks far outweigh any magical oil that may or may not exist. So, while they might look adorable, it’s best to admire them from afar (or better yet, not at all).

2. Numbing Gels with Benzocaine – The “Quick Fix” That Isn’t So Safe

You might be tempted to reach for a numbing gel when your baby’s gums are driving them (and you!) crazy. But here's the catch: many of those over-the-counter teething gels contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic.

The problem? Benzocaine can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the oxygen in the blood. Yikes, right? The FDA has actually warned against using products containing benzocaine for children under two years old. So, while it might seem like a quick fix, it’s best to skip these gels and look for safer options.

3. Teething Tablets – Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

Ah, teething tablets. You might have heard of them in parenting groups or seen them in health stores labeled as "natural." The thing is, some of these so-called "natural" teething tablets contain belladonna, a plant with potent, and potentially harmful, properties. Yep, belladonna might sound exotic, but it's been linked to serious health issues in babies.

There have been reports of babies experiencing seizures and breathing problems after using these tablets, which has led to recalls and warnings from health authorities. So, just because something’s labeled “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s safe for your little one.

4. Whiskey on the Gums – Grandpa’s Old-School Advice

Some of you may have heard this classic advice from your well-meaning relatives: “Just rub a little whiskey on the baby’s gums!” Okay, let’s clear this up once and for all—don’t do this.

It might have been a go-to remedy back in the day, but we’ve since learned that alcohol and babies are not a good mix. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can be harmful to a baby’s developing brain and body. So, save the whiskey for yourself once the baby is asleep, and keep it far away from those little gums.

5. Frozen Teething Toys – Sounds Cool, But…

A chilled teething toy is great, but a frozen one? Not so much. You might think that popping a teether in the freezer would provide maximum relief, but freezing teething toys can make them too hard. When your baby bites down on a frozen toy, it could actually bruise or damage their tender gums—ouch!

Instead, stick to toys that are chilled in the freezer. That way, they’re cold enough to soothe, but not so hard they could do more harm than good. Plus, nobody wants a teether that doubles as a baby-sized ice cube.  Shameless plug - Toothi is designed to freeze while maintaining it’s soft texture.  Instant (and safe!) cooling relief for your little one!

6. Homemade Remedies That Seem “Easy” But Could Be Messy (and Dangerous)

We’ve all seen those Pinterest posts promising miracle teething remedies, like rubbing essential oils on the gums or offering frozen washcloths soaked in various concoctions. While some homemade remedies can be helpful (like a chilled washcloth), others are best avoided.

Essential oils, for example, should never be used directly on your baby’s gums. They’re super concentrated and can cause burns or allergic reactions. And those frozen items we mentioned? They could end up being too hard or lead to choking hazards. So, approach DIY remedies with caution and consult your pediatrician before trying anything new.

7. Hard Foods – Baby’s First Chompers Aren’t Ready for Crunchy Munchies

While it might seem tempting to give your teething baby something hard to chew on, like a carrot stick or an apple slice, these can actually be a choking hazard. Remember, your baby’s teeth are still coming in, and they might not be ready for something so firm just yet.

Instead, stick to soft, cold options like chilled fruits in a mesh feeder or a teether specifically designed for babies. And always supervise your little one while they’re gnawing away on anything, whether it's food or toys.

So, What Can I Use for Teething Relief?

Glad you asked! While there are plenty of things to avoid, there are also some tried-and-true remedies that can safely soothe your baby’s teething discomfort:

• Teething toys: Look for safe, BPA-free teethers that can be chilled in the freezer, like the super-handy Toothi from Frolik+Co (you knew we’d get in a cheeky plug, right?). It’s easy to attach to anything and provides a soothing texture for your baby’s gums.
• Cold washcloth: A simple wet washcloth, chilled in the fridge, is a safe and soothing option for your baby to chew on.
• Teething biscuits: If your baby has started solids, teething biscuits can provide a yummy and safe way for them to chew and soothe their gums (just make sure to supervise!).
• Gum massage: Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby’s gums. It’s simple, it’s free, and it works!

Final Thoughts: Avoid the Risky Stuff and Keep It Simple

Teething is tough—for both you and your baby—but you’ve got this! Avoiding these potentially harmful remedies will make the process a little smoother (and safer). Stick to the tried-and-true methods that have been proven to work, and don’t hesitate to check in with your pediatrician if you’re unsure about anything.

And remember, when in doubt, keep it simple. A cold teether, a little extra love, and maybe even a glass of wine for yourself after baby’s bedtime might be all you need to survive the teething stage with your sanity intact!

Hey there, new parents! If you're reading this, chances are you've recently discovered that having a baby comes with a lot of mysteries. One of the biggest? Trying to figure out if your little bundle of joy is suffering from a cold or just cutting a tooth. We know – the struggle is real!

Let’s dive into the world of snotty noses, dribbling chins, and sleepless nights to help you decode whether your baby’s crankiness is due to a pesky cold or teething. Get ready, because it’s time to sharpen those detective skills!

Symptom #1: Runny Nose

The Cold: A runny nose can be the first sign that a cold is crashing the party. The mucus might start clear but can turn yellow or green as the days go by. Yep, it's gross, but this is parenthood!

Teething: Ah, the dribbles! A teething baby will often have a waterfall of drool cascading down their chin. But here’s the twist – teething drool is more like a river of saliva, without the thick, colorful stuff. If you’re going through bibs faster than laundry day, it’s probably teething!

Symptom #2: Coughing

The Cold: Coughing during a cold is usually from postnasal drip or a sore throat. It’s persistent and can sound a little rough, like your baby just took up a pack-a-day habit (don’t worry, they didn’t!).

Teething: Teething can cause coughing too, but it’s more of a dainty, occasional cough. Think of it as a polite "ahem" from all that drool trickling down the back of their throat. If the cough is gentle and only happens when the drool is flowing, you might just be dealing with some teething drama.

Symptom #3: Fever

The Cold: A low-grade fever (think 100-101°F) can come with a cold. But if your baby starts looking like they could fry an egg on their forehead (over 102°F), it’s time to give your pediatrician a call!

Teething: Teething can also cause a slight rise in temperature, but it’s typically a “don’t-even-bother-with-the-thermometer” kind of fever – usually under 100°F. If your baby is feeling a bit warm but still wants to chew on everything in sight, they’re likely just gearing up to show off some shiny new teeth.

Symptom #4: Crankiness

The Cold: A cold makes everyone grumpy – babies included. If your little one is fussy, clingy, and just generally unhappy with life (aren't we all sometimes?), they might have a cold.

Teething: Crankiness is also a classic sign of teething, but there’s a difference! With teething, you’ll see bursts of irritation, especially when they’re trying to nap or eat. If your baby calms down after gnawing on a cold teether (like the ultra-fantastic ‘Toothi’ from Frolik+Co – shameless plug alert!), then teething is likely the culprit.

Symptom #5: Sleep Troubles

The Cold: If your baby has a cold, they might struggle to sleep through the night due to congestion or a cough. It’s like having a tiny, restless roommate with a constant case of the sniffles.

Teething: Teething can cause sleep disturbances too, but it’s often more of a “wake up, whimper, chew, sleep” cycle. They’ll wake up fussy, chew on something (hopefully that amazing ‘Toothi’), and then drift back to sleep.

Symptom #6: Appetite Changes

The Cold: If your baby has a cold, they might not feel like eating much. Who wants to drink milk when their nose is all stuffed up, right?

Teething: Teething babies might go on a hunger strike when it comes to solid foods, but they’ll often still nurse or take a bottle because sucking feels soothing. If they’re chewing on everything like they’re auditioning for a role in “Jaws,” it’s likely teething.

The Final Clue: Timeline

The Cold: A cold typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. So, if symptoms linger and gradually improve,
you’ve got your answer!

Teething: Teething can feel like it’s going on forever because, well, it kind of does. Those teeth can take weeks or even months to fully break through, so if your baby has on-again, off-again symptoms, it’s probably teething.

The Verdict

In the epic showdown of Cold vs. Teething, there’s one big takeaway: you’re a superhero parent who’s learning to decode the mysterious language of babyhood! Remember, when in doubt, give your pediatrician a call. They’re the sidekick you never knew you needed. 

And if teething is the culprit, don't forget to check out ‘Toothi’ from Frolik+Co – because why not make the experience a little less drool-filled and a lot more manageable?

Hang in there, you've got this! 🌟

Ah, teething! One of the great mysteries of babyhood. Right up there with "Why is my baby crying?" and "Will I ever sleep again?" As a new parent, you’re probably wondering, “When will my baby start teething?” Will it happen tomorrow, next week, or just when you've managed to finally get into a good sleep routine (spoiler: it’s probably the latter).

Don’t worry, teething doesn’t have to be a mystery forever. We’re here to break down the teething timeline, so you can be ready when those pearly whites start making their debut. Let's dive in!

So, When Does Teething Begin?

Most babies start teething somewhere between 4 to 7 months old. But before you panic because your 3-month-old is already gnawing on your fingers like a tiny T-rex, know this: teething can begin earlier or later for some babies. In fact, there’s a wide range of “normal” when it comes to teething. Some babies may start showing signs as early as 3 months, while others might not pop a tooth until their first birthday.

Yes, babies love keeping us on our toes, don’t they?

The Early Signs of Teething

How can you tell if your little one is gearing up for their first tooth? Here are a few classic signs that your baby is about to join the teething club:

1. Drooling (and Lots of It!) If you suddenly feel like you’re living with a tiny Saint Bernard, teething might be on the horizon. Babies start drooling more when their teeth are coming in, and we’re talking serious amounts of drool – enough to make you wonder if they’ve got a secret side job as a fountain.
2. Chewing on Everything If your baby starts gnawing on their toys, their hands, your hands, the cat… yep, they’re probably teething. Chewing helps relieve pressure on their gums as the teeth push their way through. Time to break out the teethers (like the awesome Toothi from Frolik+Co, if we do say so ourselves)!
3. Fussiness Your baby might be a little (or a lot) crankier than usual. Those first teeth can be uncomfortable as they work their way up through the gums, so don’t be surprised if your baby is a bit clingier or fussy.
4. Swollen Gums Take a peek inside your baby’s mouth. If their gums look swollen or you can see a little white spot where the tooth is about to break through, congratulations! That tooth is on its way!
5. Changes in Sleep Patterns Just when you thought your baby’s sleep was improving, teething swoops in to remind you who’s boss. Babies might wake up more frequently when they’re teething, which means you might be waking up more frequently too. (Sorry, new parent life comes with so much excitement, doesn’t it?)

Which Teeth Come in First?

The first teeth to make their grand entrance are usually the bottom front teeth, also known as the lower central incisors. These tiny teeth typically show up around 6 to 10 months. A few weeks later, their upper front teeth, the upper central incisors, will follow suit.

After that, the other teeth start appearing in pairs – two on the bottom, two on the top, and so on. The full set of baby teeth (all 20 of them!) usually fills out by the time your child is 2 to 3 years old. That’s a lot of teeth in a short time, so get ready for an extended teething saga.

Does Teething Hurt?

Now, you might be wondering: “How bad is this teething business?” The truth is, it varies from baby to baby. Some lucky little ones sail through teething with barely a peep, while others… well, let's just say you’ll know exactly when they're teething.

For most babies, teething is uncomfortable, especially when those first few teeth break through. The good news is that it tends to get easier as more teeth come in – or at least, that’s what we like to tell ourselves!

What Can I Do to Help My Teething Baby?

Here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to soothe your teething tot.

• Teethers to the Rescue! Teething toys are a baby’s best friend during this time. Look for ones that are safe to chew on and can be chilled in the fridge (like our beloved Toothi – yep, shameless plug again, but it really is a lifesaver!). Toothi can also be clipped to any bib, blanket or lovey that your little one gravitates to, ensuring that they get ultimate teething support in a way that works for them.
• Cold Comfort: Anything cold will help numb those sore gums. A chilled washcloth, a cold spoon, or even a teething ring from the fridge can provide some relief.  Toothi was designed to be frozen, and is the perfect solution to cold teething relief.  Simply throw i the freezer, take out and attach to your baby’s bib and watch them enjoy cold relief for hours.  It doesn’t get soggy and minimizes water leaks onto their clothes.  Toothi’s no longer cold?  Here’s a tip: keep a spare one in the freezer at all times, and swap them out whenever needed.  The simplest, quickest way to ensure ongoing cold relief.  Now, can any other teether do that?............
• Massage Time: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease some of the discomfort. Just be prepared for your little one to give you a nice chomp back with those incoming teeth.  If you take a close look at Toothi, you will see that it comes with a variety of sensory nodules on it’s surface - specifically designed to massage your baby’s gums, and allow them to direct the relief to the source of their pain easily.  
• Extra Cuddles: Sometimes, a little extra comfort is the best remedy. Hold your baby close and give them lots of love. You’re their safe place, especially when those teeth are causing a fuss.

Teething Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month

Here’s a quick look at the teething timeline, so you know what to expect (and when):

• 3-6 months: Signs of teething might begin, but teeth may not appear yet. Drooling, fussiness, and chewing begin.
• 6-10 months: The first teeth usually arrive, starting with the lower front teeth.
• 8-12 months: The upper front teeth break through.
• 9-16 months: The top and bottom side teeth (lateral incisors) start coming in.
• 13-19 months: The first molars appear. (Oh, joy – these are the big ones!)
• 16-22 months: The pointy canines show up.
• 20-33 months: The second molars, and the final set of baby teeth, make their appearance.

By the time your child is around 2-3 years old, they’ll have a full set of 20 baby teeth. And guess what? You’ll have survived teething like a total pro!

Final Thoughts: Prepare for Drool, Stay for the Smiles

Teething is just one of those milestones that every baby (and parent) goes through. While it can be challenging at times, it’s also exciting – those teeth are a sign that your baby is growing up! And while the drool, crankiness, and sleepless nights might make you feel like you're in teething purgatory, just remember: this too shall pass. And soon, your baby will flash you a gummy grin with those adorable little teeth poking through, and it’ll all be worth it.

So, hang in there, teething warriors! You’ve got this. And don’t forget – for a little extra help, grab a Toothi (or two) from Frolik+Co and make teething just a tiny bit easier (for you and your baby)!