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!