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If you’re caring for a teething baby, you’ll be all too familiar with the tell-tale signs of teething pain. Red cheeks, drooling, irritability, fussiness, sleeplessness and discomfort that no amounts of cuddles can cure. You’ve probably heard fellow parents recommend teething powders as a miracle cure. But what are teething powders and are they safe for babies?
First things first, how do you know if your baby’s teething? The onset of teething varies from baby to baby, but according to the NHS, most babies start teething around six months old.1
Before trying teething powders, you could first give your baby a rubber teething ring or toy – something for them to chew and press their gums against for relief. If they’ve started solid food (and provided you can supervise in case of choking), you could give them something hard and healthy to munch. For example, try carrot sticks, apple slices or breadsticks.
But if these methods don’t work, homeopathic teething powders or other products including teething gels may help soothe the discomfort.
Teething powders are homeopathic or herbal remedy granules used to symptomatically help relieve pain. Packaged in single-use sachets and pre-measured for convenience, they’re easy and convenient to use. Simply empty the sachet directly into baby’s mouth.
Alarmingly, not all baby teething products are considered suitable for babies. Some unlicensed products have been linked to serious side effects including seizures, difficulty breathing, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, and agitation. Whilst these unlicensed products are not readily available in the UK, they could be available through online pharmacies, so it’s important to ensure you only ever give your baby appropriately approved options.2
To help you decipher what’s safe and what’s not, this list of homeopathic products licensed by the MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) is a good starting point.3
In addition, some licensed teething products have been found to contain potentially harmful ingredients, including sucrose, alcohol and/or lidocaine (a local anaesthetic).4 It goes without saying that it’s important to always read the label to check product ingredients and limit the use of any potentially harmful substance.
Whilst you’ll want to check the label for your own baby’s needs, these are our customer favourites – tried and tested products regularly rated 5 stars. All licensed by the MHRA, these are a good place to start when choosing the best teething product for your baby.
This teetha powder is produced in a single-dose sachet product and is consistently rated 5* by our customers. A big plus of these teetha granules is convenience – simply empty contents direct into baby’s mouth.
Customer review: 5 stars
“Great product, seems to help reduce the pain and discomfort. With a calming effect.” - Wendy Christmas
Nelson’s Teetha Teething Gel is a sugar-free homeopathic gel for symptomatic relief of teething pain. Simply apply a dab with your finger to baby’s sore teeth and gums.
Customer review: 5 stars
“I use this product for my baby and I am so happy and recommended” - Cvetka
This teething powder, which is homeopathic, contains soothing chamomile to help relieve teething pain. Simply dissolve the granules directly in the mouth, or dissolve in boiled and cooled water for young babies. Regularly rated 5* by our customers and Gold Winner in the Project Baby Awards 2020.
Customer review: 5 stars
“Amazing these made such a difference to my daughters teething, will defo buy again.” - Carlyb
This chamomile and calendula soothing gel for teething babies is non-medicated and a big plus is how easy it is to apply. Spread a pea-sized amount directly over gums where required.
Customer review: 5 stars
“This actually works!! I've tried so many teething gels and this one actually seems to soothe my babies gums. Finally!! So easy to use too and it actually tastes nice.” - LeahW
According to the NHS, “there’s a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective.”5 But that’s not to say they aren’t worth trying. After all, there’s plenty of positive feedback from real parents who’ve tried and tested the products on our shelves. However, it’s important to make sure you choose a product that’s licensed as safe for babies and is age-appropriate with no potentially harmful ingredients.
Last updated: 4 March 2021