If your little one is starting to teethe this fall, pull up a chair. This one's for you.
When Hazel was teething, I learned pretty quickly that there's no magic fix. What got us through were the simple things: slowing down, getting outside, and leaning into comfort for both of us. Now our sweet Juniper will be starting her own teething journey in a few months, so all of this is fresh on my mind again. I wanted to share the favorites that carried us through, along with a little of the why behind each one.
First, a Few Teething Basics
Every baby is different, but most cut their first tooth somewhere between 4 and 7 months. The signs often show up weeks before you see anything poking through: extra drool, fussiness, chewing on fists, and wanting to gnaw on anything within reach.
That chewing isn't random. Counter-pressure on the gums simply feels good, which is why babies instinctively bite down on whatever they can find. A chilled (not frozen) washcloth or teether is a simple, time-tested go-to.
One important note: teething can make babies cranky and a little off, but it shouldn't cause a high fever, diarrhea, or a baby who seems truly sick. If you see those, call your pediatrician rather than chalking it up to teeth.
A Cozy Cup of Coffee
I tried to romanticize this as much as I could. A warm mug won't fix a hard night, but when you're running on three hours of sleep, a slow moment to yourself matters more than we give it credit for.
Here's the part that surprised me: babies read our nervous systems. A mama who takes a minute to breathe and reset is better able to help a fussy little one settle. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of them.
A Fall Candle
Something about a good fall scent changes the whole feel of the house. When the atmosphere softens, we soften too, and when our breathing slows and our shoulders drop, our babies often follow.
That's called co-regulation, the way a calm caregiver helps a little one's body find its own calm. It's one of the most underrated comfort tools we have. Just choose a clean-burning candle, keep it well out of reach, and never leave it unattended.
Visits to the Barn
Taking my girls to see the horse was one of our favorite resets. Fresh air just hits different at the barn, and something about big animals makes our problems feel small.
It helps the babies too. A change of scenery is one of the oldest teething tricks there is. New sights, sounds, and smells give little ones something to focus on besides their sore gums, and sometimes that's all it takes to turn a rough afternoon around.
Playing in the Leaves
Nature is the best sensory bin, and fall hands it to you for free. Crunchy leaves, bright colors, cool air, and all those textures keep curious hands and minds busy.
Outdoor play gives babies gentle stimulation without the overload of screens or noisy toys. Just keep a close eye out, because leaves have a way of ending up in little mouths.
All the Snuggles
Teething babies often want more closeness, especially at night. It can feel like they want to be held every minute, and honestly, that's okay.
That extra contact isn't spoiling them. It's helping them feel safe while their bodies do hard work. So pull out the soft sweaters and cozy blankets, and let yourself lean into the slow moments. They won't be this small for long.
My Absolute Favorite: The Buckaroo Chew
I saved the best for last. The Buckaroo Chew was Hazel's go-to, and it's already waiting for Juniper.
I created it because I wanted a teether made from something real. It's crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, giving little ones a firm, natural texture to chew on, with no plastics or synthetic coatings. It fits easily in a diaper bag and holds up to real life, from stroller rides to barn visits.
Teething Isn't Always Easy Peasy
But it can still be full of sweet and simple moments. Some days will be long, and some nights will be longer. Give yourself grace, mama. This season passes, and we're right there with you.
If you're looking for a natural teether for your little one, you can find the Buckaroo Chew at buckaroochew.com.