Teething is bound to cause a little crankiness, but these tips will help soothe your baby's gums.

  1. Babies like to chew on things whether they are teething or not. A hard rubber teething toy, teething ring or cold teething toy can help soothe and distract from the discomfort.
  2. Cold can help a great deal! Put a wet washcloth in a plastic bag and toss it in the freezer for an hour, or use a refrigerated pacifier.
  3. Pressure helps too. Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.
  4. Babies older than 3 months of age may be given over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen. Consult your pediatrician before giving any medicine.