Holistic Teething Care: How I Comfort My Daughter Without Pharmaceuticals

Teething is one of those milestones that I think every parent braces for a little—and my daughter has definitely been struggling with it this past week. The drool, the fussiness, the disrupted sleep. It's a lot. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to support her as holistically as possible, without reaching for Tylenol, and instead focus on gentle, supportive care.

This is what's worked for us.

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Comfort Through Presence

One thing teething has reminded me of is how powerful simply being there can be. Extra cuddles, skin-to-skin time, rocking, and nursing on demand have been some of the most effective forms of relief. When babies are uncomfortable, they're not just dealing with sore gums—they're overwhelmed. Our calm presence helps regulate them when their little bodies are working hard.

I'll also gently massage her jaw line or gums with a clean finger when she seems especially uncomfortable. Sometimes the simplest support makes the biggest difference.

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Cold Relief with Breastmilk Pops

Chewing is instinctive during teething, so cold relief has been a staple in our routine. One of my favorite tools is the Haakaa Silicone Feeder / Sucker, which I use to make breastmilk pops.

I freeze small amounts of breastmilk and let her gnaw on them. It soothes her gums while also giving her something familiar and nourishing.

Haakaa Silicone Feeder Link

This has been one of our most-used teething tools.

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Natural Teething Remedies We Use

When she's especially fussy or uncomfortable, I lean on a couple of gentle remedies that have worked well for us:

• Boiron Camilia Teething Drops – These help calm her during particularly rough teething days and feel like a good, gentle option in our toolkit.
• Wellements Organic Tooth Oil – I apply this to her gums to help soothe tenderness and irritation.

Boiron Camilia Drops Link Wellements Tooth Oil Link

I always follow usage directions and use these intentionally—not excessively—as part of a bigger picture of comfort and care.

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Keeping Routine, Adding Flexibility

Teething can throw everything off, but I try to keep her routine as consistent as possible. Same bedtime rhythm, same nap flow—just with extra support when she needs it. More rocking. More contact naps. More patience.

Sometimes teething calls for flexibility without completely changing the structure that makes babies feel safe.

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Nursing for Comfort & Regulation

Breastfeeding has been one of the most effective natural comforts during teething. Nursing isn't just nutrition—it's soothing, regulating, and grounding for her. When her gums hurt, nursing often helps her settle faster than anything else.

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Listening to Her Cues

Every baby experiences teething differently. I've learned to watch for patterns—what time of day is hardest, which tools she prefers, when she needs more closeness versus distraction. Responding to her cues has helped me support her more confidently and calmly.

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Final Thoughts

Teething is hard—but it doesn't have to mean medication for every family. With presence, patience, and a few gentle tools like breastmilk pops, teething drops, and tooth oil, we've been able to support our daughter in a way that aligns with our holistic values.

This is simply what works for us—and I hope it encourages other parents to trust themselves, stay present, and choose what feels right for their family.

Love & Lattes,
Kris