Cuddling your baby, rocking him or walking with him often can make him feel better. Supply a washcloth to chomp on . Chewing can make tender gums feel better, agree doctors. Give your baby a clean washcloth to chew on, suggests Linda Jonides, R.N., a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Chilling the cloth in the refrigerator beforehand may make it feel even better.
Ice is nice .
Wrap a piece of ice in a bit of cotton cloth, says William Kuttler, D.D.S., a dentist in Dubuque, Iowa. Be sure that the ice itself doesn't touch the gum, however, and that you keep the wrapped ice moving rather than holding it in one place. Supply a teething ring . Teething rings with liquid centers intended for freezing are great for gum relief, says Dr. Steiner. But instead of freezing the ring, chill it in the refrigerator.