Life with toddlers is so intense. One day it’s all candy canes and roses, and the next day the bottom falls out and you have a shrieking toddler following you around crying and wanting to be held all day long. I know this can be frustrating as a mom, even more so when you just want five minutes to yourself. On those days, when I get to that point, I take a deep breath and try to remember that my current WANT is so much smaller than my children’s NEEDS.
The shrieking toddler (currently, for us, Harper) just doesn’t understand why her mouth is killing her and wants to feel better just as badly as I want her to! In times like these we stick to the teething basics and just wait out the storm. I really hope by sharing some of my secret voodoo magic, I’ll be able to help you and your little one through the teething process.
1. Teethers
These are great for all ages! I cannot tell you how many times it has helped Harper just by having something to knaw on. We have several favorites that I’ve made sure to keep up with so in desperate times we aren’t up the creek without a paddle. We go for the non-toxic kind, and I’ve linked the kids’ favorites below. Harper really likes ones she can hold herself, but we also like the necklaces, and this is a great way to switch it up!
Clockwise: Raz Berry Teether • Lexy Plexy Sunglasses Teether • Banana Teether • Little Lemon Shop necklace
2. Oils
If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you know I swear by essential oils. We use them for numerous things throughout our day and especially at night. I’ve made a teething blend for Harper that consists of Roman chamomile and lavender Young Living essential oils + coconut oil in a roller ball bottle. I apply on the outside of her cheeks and the pad of her big toe before she goes to sleep or when she is in general discomfort.
The first time I rubbed lavender on the bottoms of her toes she slept THROUGH the night. We woke up and I knew I dreamed about her sleeping all night! If she ever gets really upset, I take the lavender oil bottle and just let her smell it under her nose for a few minutes and it instantly calms her down.
Another essential oil that we love for teething is Gentle Baby. This is a Young Living blend that helps relieve surface pain and tension, heals and calms the skin, reduces irritability in children, promotes health and physical energy, and uplifts and soothes during elevated stress levels. We use this in a rotating combination of the lavender and Roman chamomile oils during teething times. When using oils with the kids, it’s not even necessary to spend the money to get a high-priced diffuser. Instead, a great diffuser for kids is their favorite stuffed animal. I normally drop a few of each of these oils onto Harper’s mermaid when she has her, so when she loves on the mermaid she inhales the oils.
|| Please email me at amanda@littlesouthernwife.com with any oil questions! ||
3. Babywearing
I cannot stress this enough. When you have a crying baby that is your little shadow and wants to be held, don’t let yourself get frustrated because your sweet baby can sense that frustration. This is a perfect time to break out the baby-wearing contraption. So many times, Harper calms down just by mama holding her, and baby wearing allows me to keep my hands free so I can continue with what ever else I have that needs to be done because mamas are busy people! I have walked many babies to sleep during mopping my floors, hanging up clothes, and even doing yard work. Another win win is that you’re burning extra calories by carrying your nugget around!
We keep our Mama Mermaid ring sling close, and I even used it at the beach last week because I had so much to carry and I knew that the sand would be too hot for her little tootsies. I also love our Ergo! I’ve carried Nolan and Harper as small little sugar bears in my Ergo, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! You can front, back or side carry depending on your baby’s wants and needs.
Mama Mermaid Ring Sling – seafoam
Ergo Baby Carrier – basic cotton navy
4. Teething Necklace
Another LIFECHANGER! I found out about this amazing must-have when Nolan was around 6 months old. I researched Baltic amber teething necklaces and ordered one for him the same day! He wore it every single day until he was 2 and a half years old, and now Harper wears one for her teeth. You know that scene in Jurassic Park where the mosquito lands on the tree an the sappy liquid rolls down the tree and covers the mosquito and hardens? That’s Baltic amber!
Baltic amber acts a lot like a natural Ibuprofen, relieving pain and inflammation, and is used by many as a teething pain remedy. It is extremely effective for pain relief and reducing inflammation. It must be placed near the source of pain, directly on the skin. Baltic amber is meant to be worn, NOT chewed! Within hours of my babies wearing their necklaces, they became less fussy, stopped drooling profusely and were able to function as if their teeth were not bothering them. The lighter the amber the more intense the healing properties, so I always get my kids the lightest stones.
I recently purchased a few necklaces for Harper from Shop Born Savage. There is a sale on their necklaces right now so take advantage and get yours.
I hope that I’ve shared useful knowledge that can help lead you out of frustration and into comfort with your teething baby. If you have any questions about any products I listed please email me at amanda@littlesouthernlife.com!
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