🤯 OMG teething. WHY?

Why did evolution say, “You know what would be fun? Let’s give babies razor-sharp gums and make them chew their way to teeth while their parents slowly crumble.”

If seeing your baby in pain isn’t enough, there’s also the biting, the oceans of drool, and the kind of sleepless nights that make you question every life choice you’ve ever made. But fear not — here are the five things that saved my sanity (or at least slowed the decline).

1. Teething Granules

We use these.

Do teething salts actually reduce pain?…maybe? Possibly? The science is… politely quiet.

But my boy LOVES them. His little eyes light up when he sees the packet, and honestly that tiny moment of joy is enough to keep me going. They’re homeopathic, not medicinal, so you’re not dosing them up unnecessarily — not that I wouldn’t happily administer anything short of a tranquilliser dart if I thought it’d give me one quiet minute.

2. Teething Popsicle

Absolute. Bloody. Saviour.

We bought this one.

It’s ridiculously easy: fill it with water, breast milk, or formula (great if baby’s under 6 months). My boy LOVES it. It cools them down in hot weather and gives their gums some sweet relief.

I genuinely cannot recommend this thing highly enough. If it ever goes missing, I will assume he has hidden it under his pillow like a comfort item.

3. Teething Mitten Toy

Also part of the bundle above, but you can buy it separately. This thing is brilliant for babies still figuring out their grip because their whole hand can go inside it. The sides have little teat-shaped bits that are apparently the perfect chew shape — who knew?

BUT, and this is a big but…The material attracts dirt like it owes it money. If it touches the floor, you WILL be washing it. If it touches the sofa, god help you — it’s like every hair, crumb, and mysterious fluff in the house becomes magnetised to it. Buy now on amazon here

4. Ibuprofen + Calpol (1 Hour Apart)

Ah, the heavy hitters.

Calpol alone often wasn’t cutting it for us, so alternating with ibuprofen (one hour apart) was a lifesaver. BUT — I’m just a mum on the internet, so here’s exactly what the NHS says, word for word, because we love safe mums:

Full NHS page: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-children/taking-ibuprofen-for-children-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/

5. Foam Letters

These are one of our favourite “chew toys that are also toys.” They stick to the bath, tiles, shower screen — and even a wet baby. They float, they make the bath look like alphabet soup, and my boy thinks they’re the best thing ever.

The best part? He’s chewed them endlessly and still hasn’t managed to bite any chunks off. Just tiny teeth marks. So I don’t have to panic about swallowed foam letters (small wins).

We were gifted ours but these are very similar if not the same.

6. Bonus: Wet Washcloth

I don’t know if this counts as a teething product, but my boy is obsessed. He chews on a wet washcloth like it’s gourmet cuisine. I can’t even wipe the kitchen sides anymore without handing him a “spare” one to gnaw on.

It’s basically become his emotional support flannel.

💛 Final Note to Fellow Teething-Survivors (Present and Future)

If you’re currently riding the teething rollercoaster with me — drenched in drool, half-chewed, and questioning everything — just know you’re not alone. And according to the seasoned mums I’ve spoken to (who I’m convinced are lying but sound very confident), there is an end to this. Apparently. Eventually. Someday.

Until then, it’s all about survival mode: grab the Calpol, keep the teething toys flowing, and hold on tight until the ride comes to a complete stop… whenever that may be.

You’re doing brilliantly, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Now go make yourself a hot drink you’ll forget about and reheat twice — you’ve earned it. 💛