The teething phase is a milestone that all parents eagerly await and simultaneously dread. As a mom in India, I’ve encountered a lot of advice from well-meaning aunties, each with their own remedies and suggestions. But when my daughter began teething, it was a whole new experience filled with surprises and challenges. In this article, I’ll share my personal journey and the strategies I discovered to help my little one navigate this biting and chewing stage with relative ease.

Understanding the Teething Process: Teething is a natural developmental phase during which a baby’s teeth begin to emerge through the gums. This can cause discomfort and irritability for both the baby and the parents. While some babies may start teething as early as a few months old, others may experience it later. Each child’s teething experience is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for your little one. My daughter started teething at 10 months old, other than her biting me, she would end up biting her fingers as well.

Chew toys for the relief! Chew toys, such as the popular Sophie Chew toy, can provide relief and comfort. Look for toys that are BPA-free, easy to hold, and have different textures to massage the gums. While chew toys were initially a lifesaver for my daughter, she eventually lost interest as she became more mobile and sought new ways to explore her surroundings.

Then came home made teething snacks. As a mom who values homemade, preservative-free food, I initially tried my hand at making teething biscuits and cookies for my daughter. Recipes like Ragi biscuits and Peanut butter cookies seemed promising, providing a healthy and natural alternative for her teething needs. However, as I returned to work after my maternity leave, I could not afford time, making it challenging to consistently prepare homemade snacks.

In my search for teething snacks that were both safe and convenient, I turned to fellow moms for recommendations. Many of them suggested trying mum-founded startups that offer teething snacks with consciously sourced ingredients and minimal preservatives. These snacks provide a balance between convenience and nutrition, ensuring that my daughter could enjoy tasty treats without compromising on her health.

Here are my daughter’s (current) favorites, offering her relief while giving me peace of mind:

1. Ragi sticks by Early Foods: These nutritious finger foods made from ragi (finger millet) are easy to hold and soothing for teething gums. They claim to be made with Jaggery.
2. Whole wheat and Ajwain sticks by Timios: These sticks dissolve easily in mouth and ajwain helps in digestion. I found them best while out for a vacation to keep my daughter engaged and less fussy during travel.
3. Frozen Breast milk popsicles: These are a game changer in summer. So easy, express and collect, opt for a BPA free mold and pour, freeze and wait and let the little one enjoy while you monitor.
4. Organic fruit popsicles: Made with pureed fruits and no added sugars, these frozen treats provide a cooling effect on the gums while introducing new flavors.

The teething phase may bring its share of challenges, but with the right strategies, it can be a manageable and even enjoyable experience for both parents and babies. From chew toys to homemade snacks and support from mum-founded startups, there are various ways to provide comfort and relief during this milestone. Remember, every baby is unique, so be patient and open to exploring different options until you find what works best for your little one. Together, we can survive and thrive during the teething journey, knowing that this phase is just a small part of the beautiful and rewarding adventure of parenthood.