After a great massage, you practically feel like you’re floating out of the treatment room, and that calmness and tension relief lingers (at least until you get home and someone starts melting down). But adults aren’t the only ones who benefit from a good rubdown. Baby massage has long been believed to be a powerful and naturally therapeutic practice, dating back centuries to the Qing dynasty.  Today, the method has come a long way. While many parents understand that massage can help babies relax, fewer know that it can be a natural aid for many of the most obsessed-about baby ailments, like teething and gas, and offers amazing therapeutic benefits including brain, emotional, social, and neural development.

And that’s not all! A 2023 study in the journal PLOS One found that baby massage has benefits for moms, too. In a sample of 521 women with postnatal depression symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, those who massaged their babies showed significantly reduced symptoms compared with those who stuck to a more typical routine. So it’s truly a win-win.

As with any new treatment, you can discuss starting a baby massage routine with your pediatrician. Offer massages in a warm room that’s cozy for you both, especially if your babe is enjoying some naked time during their massage, and lay your little on a soft towel. Always follow your baby’s cues, because we all know they’ll be the first to tell you if they don’t like a particular stroke or if it’s time to call it a day. Once you’re ready to give it a try, here are a few ways to use gentle massage to help your baby through tough times.

When Your Baby Won’t Sleep

Helping baby sleep independently and through the night takes time and patience, and massage is a wonderful way to relax them and potentially create a deeper, longer sleep cycle. The act of massaging your baby triggers serotonin production, which allows their body and mind to settle in for the night. And it’s not just anecdotal evidence. More and more studies have linked baby massage with improved sleep. Tiffany Field, Ph.D. and director of the Touch Research Institute, found that babies who received a massage from their parents for 15 minutes prior to their bedtime showed a decrease in sleep onset issues and had better quality sleep after one month. In addition, they were more alert and calm throughout their waking hours. This was in comparison to babies who were just read a bedtime story before going to bed.

Baby Massage Tips: Combine massage with a warm baby bath as a daily nighttime ritual. Dim the lights, turn on some relaxing music, and place baby on a soft towel, then do a full-body massage using edible-grade, organic oils such as coconut, sesame, jojoba, or avocado oil. Try to always massage in the same order your little knows what to expect since they love predictable routines so much. After a week your baby will hopefully learn to associate sleep with this calming nighttime routine.

When Your Baby Has Gas or Is Constipated

Baby constipation, colic, reflux, and gas can pose some of the biggest challenges for new parents since an infant’s digestive tract is still very immature. This is why so many of us practically become professional poop inspectors during the newborn stage and completely obsess over how to help our babe’s make as many ground-shaking toots as possible. Expelling gas and poop can be more difficult for some infants, which is why baby massage can be so helpful for kickstarting their digestion. In one study of children with chronic constipation, parents were asked to provide abdominal massage for 20 minutes per day for a month. The results? Reduced constipation symptoms in 88% of patients, reduced laxative medication use in 58%, and an improved diet for 41%.

Baby Massage Tips: Tummy massage and foot reflexology are believed to help alleviate the pressure on the bowel. Once you’ve discussed them with your doctor and are ready to start, they’re very easy to master. The trick is to do these massages and stretches proactively and daily so that baby’s digestion is running at full speed consistently. Start by paddling their tummy with your hands, moving down from the top of the belly to the pelvis. Next, use your fingertips to make circles in a clockwise motion. You can also gently move their hips from side to side and bicycle their legs to help their stomach muscles and intestines move more efficiently. Just make sure to wait 30-40 minutes after feeding. For the feet, concentrate on the center of the foot below the pad and apply medium-pressure strokes with your fingers to help the large and small intestines do their thing.

When Your Baby Is Teething

Teething (and the drooling and sleep disruptions that go with it) is a painful stage that all parents and babies will have to deal with. Teething can start anywhere from 3 months of age and will come and go through the first 2 years of life. While the many remedies for teething include cold washcloths, over-the-counter medicine, and teethers, teething pain can be naturally alleviated with a simple facial massage that will help babies reduce inflammation in their gums.

Baby Massage Tips: Babies hold a lot of tension in their faces and jaws during teething. To help them relax and reduce teething-related inflammation, make small circles with your fingertips along baby’s face, jaw, and gums. You can also try giving them a gum massage. With clean hands, use your forefinger to gently rub your baby’s gums. You shouldn’t face too much resistance—after all, babies rarely meet an object they don’t want to put in their mouths. But if they do resist, respect their wishes and try again later.

When Your Baby Has a Cold & Is Congested

There’s no worse feeling than watching your baby struggle with a cold. Massage can be ideal for these times because it may help your little one expel some of that pesky phlegm, reduce sinus congestion, and relieve coughs naturally. Some studies have shown some immunity benefits of regular massage, though more research is needed.

Baby Massage Tips: A gentle facial massage can help loosen and remove some of the congestion clogging your little one’s sinuses. Use two fingers to gently rub down the area next to the bridge of baby’s nose. You can also use your fingers to gently stroke around baby’s eyes and right below their eyebrows. Chest massage can also help relieve congestion. When massaging the chest, start with the “open book” stroke holding both hands at the center of the chest and stroke out as if you are opening the pages of a book. You can also rub from shoulder to opposite side of chest, which is called the “butterfly” stroke.

Elina Furman is the Founder & CEO of Kahlmi, the first baby massage tool and educational platform to help promote the mission of baby massage. As a certified infant massage instructor and baby product expert, she is excited to spread awareness of the scientific evidence-based benefits of baby/child massage.  

Teething has turned your sweet baby into a drooling, clingy, cranky mess, and none of your go-to remedies seem to be working. You’re giving them all the extra cuddles (the best treatment for most baby drama), extra boob or bottles, you panic-ordered the iconic banana teether toothbrush, and you’re now best friends with Sophie La Girafe, but your little one is still a disaster. Luckily, there are so many other ways to help soothe a teething baby. Try these teething tips to ease your babe’s discomfort fast—and don’t forget to keep wiping that waterfall of drool pouring out of their mouths! (The last thing you need is irritated skin on top of teething pain.)

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1. Rub baby’s gums. After washing your hands, give your baby a gentle gum massage. The pressure from your fingers will counter the pressure of the teeth breaking through. It will feel good and offer your little one some relief from sore, swollen gums.

2. Refrigerate a pacifier. Chilling a pacifier makes it even more soothing by lightly numbing gums to dull the pain.

3. Wear baby-safe teething necklaces. Teething necklaces (jewelry for mom with chewable silicone pieces) give your child an easy-to-grab item to gnaw on when you're holding them. Just don't put any jewelry (e.g. amber necklaces) on your baby—these are choking and strangulation hazards

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4. Try a mesh feeder. Freezing some fruits in a mesh feeder can be a lifesaver for cranky kids and their equally cranky parents. Not only does it chill and soothe sore gums, but your baby or toddler will be occupied for a solid chunk of time before they get through all that frozen goodness.

5. Make milk/formula popsicles. Some babies and toddlers refuse to eat while teething, mostly out of discomfort. Popsicles keep your little one fed and hydrated while soothing those gums. Use silicone popsicle forms to make them, and fill with breastmilk or formula. When eating, slip a bib on your babe or place them on a washable towel or blanket since popsicles can get messy.

6. Wear your baby as much as possible. Strap your clingy child into a structured carrier or wrap, facing inward. They'll feel comfort from being close to you, and you can still get things done. Win-win.

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7. Freeze a wet, textured washcloth. Moisten a textured washcloth, wring it dry, and place in the freezer before giving it to your baby. Terrycloth or a ribbed texture will offer added relief by creating friction as baby gnaws on it.

8. Refrigerate a small spoon. A spoon is something your child can hold on their own, chew on, push against their gums, and even play with to distract themselves from teething pain. Keep a few spoons in the fridge so you always have one at the ready. Those new teeth can really sneak up on you.

9. Serve chilled purees. Chill pureed foods prior to feeding your baby so the food is cool on their gums. It will feel nice and may encourage your child to eat more.

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10. Become a chew toy. Wash your hands in cold water and then offer a chilled pinky for your child to gum on. You can also show your child how to gum on their own fingers, to help them self-soothe.

11. Give your child a foot massage. Studies in reflexology have identified connections between toes and the head and teeth. Gently massage your child’s toes for comfort and a distraction from their pain.

Make sure to capture all the pics of those adorable new teeth—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

You’ll find more than just relief for baby’s sore gums with these homemade teething biscuits for babies

Once your child hits the one-year mark, soothe their sore gums with baby teething biscuits and snacks that also give them a nutritious boost. This magical remedy is known by many names—teething biscuits, teething crackers, or baby rusks—and they’re easy to make yourself with these quick recipes, including no-bake versions, wheat-free biscuits, and sugar-free teething biscuits too. So the next time you see baby gnawing, you’ll be prepared with a homemade option.

1. Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits

Oats, banana and coconut oil are all you’ll need for these teething crackers. Add vanilla and spices like cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg for extra flavor, or keep them plain. Super Healthy Kids has the recipe.

2. Quinoa Teething Crackers

Protein-rich quinoa is the only ingredient in this crispy cracker. Cradle Rocking Mama blends the nutritious grain in three forms (cooked flakes, uncooked flakes and quinoa flour) to get a consistency kids like.

3. Sweet Potato and Chamomile Teething Biscuits

These flavorful biscuits from My Kids Lick the Bowl cleverly include chamomile from a tea bag to relax a child who’s suffering from teething pain, along with sweet potato and oat flour.

4. Apple, Banana, or Pumpkin Teething Biscuits

Mama Natural shares three recipes, highlighting apple, banana and pumpkin. All three are gluten-free, thanks to a combination of rolled oats and steel-cut oats as the base. They also include maple syrup and baking spices for sweetness and baby-friendly flavor.

Related: 30 Best Baby Cups, Bowls, Plates & Utensils

a baby with a big smile sits in a crib waiting for a baby teething biscuit
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5. Oat & Banana Drops

Momtastic offers up this classic vegan recipe full of oats and mashed bananas. Choose overripe bananas for sweetness and add a few spices like cinnamon and cardamom. In 15 minutes, you’ll have a tasty teething biscuit.

6. Fruit & Vegetable Teethers

Teething biscuits don’t get any healthier than these fruit and veggie snacks from Weelicious. Thinly slice fruits and veggies like sweet potato and kiwi, and then put them in a dehydrator. If you don’t have a dehydrator, this banana leather version requires only an ovenand is a hit with older kids too.

7. Pear-rific Oat-tastic Teething Biscuits

The name of Everyday Champagne‘s recipe says it all. Pears plus oats=awesome teething treats. Mix together oat flour, baby cereal, pear puree and allspice to make a sweet biscuit that’s free of added sugar or salt.

8. Grain-Free Teething Biscuits

Created by a nurse, these grain-free teethers from Real Food RN are packed with nutrients. The ingredient list is longer than some: coconut and cassava flour, applesauce, maple syrup, molasses, egg yolk plus spices. But the extra effort is worth it, as each ingredient packs a nutritional punch. The recipe also includes clove, a spice that some say soothes teething pain. When stored in the freezer, the biscuits last for months and offer a cool treat for your little one’s gums.

Related: Banish Bland: 10 Spiced-Up Baby Vegetable Recipes

9. Sugar-Free Baby Rusks

You probably have the ingredients in your kitchen right now for these sugar- and salt-free teething biscuits from the Welsh-Italian Chiapa sisters: eggs, flour, baking powder and applesauce (or another fruit puree). Add cinnamon, orange zest or Parmesan for extra flavor.

10. Healthy Homemade Teething Biscuits

Boys Ahoy‘s recipe calls for rice cereal, flour, coconut oil, cinnamon and banana (or applesauce). Roll out the dough and cut with your favorite cookie cutter to create crisp mum-mums in fun, baby-friendly shapes.

11. The Natural Mum’s Super Easy Rusk Recipe

With only two ingredients, you can whip up these teething treats from the Natural Mum anytime. All you need is a fruit or veggie puree and a few cups of spelt flour. Because the puree choice is up to you, the flavor options are endless. Try sweet potatoes one day and peaches the next.

Make sure to capture all those toothy grins—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids. 

Few things bring on more tears—for babes and parents alike—than a teething baby! Fear not, we’ve rounded up more than 20 top baby teething toys. From classic designs to teethers with innovative features, find the perfect teething toy to soothe those aching gums.

Oli & Carol Veggie Teethers Gift Set

Oli & Carol

Start 'em young with eating their veggies! This set contains teethers shaped like broccoli, kale, a radish, mushroom and carrot. They're made from natural rubber, are easy to grip and have a variety of shapes and texture to soothe sore gums. With every Oli & Carol toy purchased, a portion of the proceeds goes to help fund the education of underprivileged kids in India. 

MORI Wooden Star, Heart & Cloud Teethers

MORI

We love these beech wood teethers from MORI's Playtime collection. The hole in the middle gives little hands something to hold on to, and the sustainable wood has soft edges so it's comfortable to grab and gnaw.

Available at us.babymori.com, $14 each.

Fridababy Not-too-Cold-to-Hold Teether

Fridababy

If your little one likes chilled teethers in their mouth but not in their hands, you'll love this clever new teether. Freeze the silicone inserts and then pop them into the room-temperature silicone handle. The handle is also silicone, so it's ripe for chewing too. Two inserts means you'll always have one chilling, and the inserts have unique shapes to target different teeth, from incisors and canines to molars. The two inserts have four different textures to massage both front and back teeth for customized comfort.

Available at amazon.com, $9.99.

Infantino Stainless Steel Teethers

Infantino

Chill the stainless steel part of this teether quickly under cold water or in the fridge for a gum-soothing treat. The easy-to-hold handle is made from silicone and has three brightly colored disks for baby to explore and play with. The disks make a clacking sound, so there's lots to entertain and distract a child from teething pain.

Available at infantino.com, $5.99.

Perry Mackin Soft Silicone Baby Teether

Perry Mackin

The cute fruit teethers from Perry Mackin are easy for little hands to grip and stand upright to keep the chewing surface clean. There are textures on the fruit and bottom of the teether, for added comfort on sore gums. Suitable for babies starting at 5 months, these silicone teethers are dishwasher-safe and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. They come with a carrying case and in three fruit shapes: watermelon, grape and strawberry.

Available at perrymackin.com, $9.99.

The Evolved Parent Co. ChewBox

Evolved Parent Co

An awesome baby-shower gift, the ChewBox from The Evolved Parent Co. features six supercute teethers in a variety of textures and colors, with shapes that little hands can hold. These soft, BPA-free teethers are made from food-grade silicone and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Also comes in fruit shapes.

Available at evolvedparentco.com, $14.99 for a set of six.

Loulou LOLLIPOP Lemon Silicone Teether

Loulou LOLLIPOP

When teething pain strikes, you’ll turn lemons into lemonade with this adorable teether. The lemon face has a variety of textures for your child to touch and gnaw on, and the back is filled with gum-soothing nubs. Pop this food-grade-silicone teether in the fridge for added pain relief.

Available at louloulollipop.com, $14.

More Toothsome Baby Teethers We Love

Amazon

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe
Imported from France, Sophie the Giraffe (above) is the iconic teether that has been adored by generations of parents and babies around the world. She’s made from natural rubber and food paint with lots of gripping and chewing surfaces, plus a fun squeaker.

Available at amazon.com, $23.72.

Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush
This two-in-one teether and toothbrush is shaped like a yummy banana and is dishwasher safe. This award winner has “peel” handles and thick bristles for soothing gums or brushing teeth.

Available at baby-banana.com, $8.95.

Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether
No teething list would be complete without a classic ring-shaped one! With a variety of textured surfaces and cooling gel tips, baby will never lack for a soothing chewing sensation.

Available at nuby.com, $4.99.

Amazon

Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether
Inspired by babies themselves, the four silicone prongs of the Comotomo teether (above) mimic those oh-so-chewable fingers! It’s safe in a microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers for many cleaning options.

Available at amazon.com, $6.80.

ZoLi BUNNY
The soft bunny “ears” of this uniquely shaped teether reach baby’s back molars, and the ergonomic handles are easy to grasp.

Available at zoli-inc.com, $12.

Chewbeads Baby Mulberry Teether
The ring of silicone beads is gentle on baby’s gums and perfect for little hands to grip. It can clip on a diaper bag for when you’re on the go and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Available at chewbeads.com, $16.50.

Manhattan Atom Teether Toy
This award-winning teether is sure to stimulate baby’s senses while offering relief from teething pain. Bright colors, the 12 bendy arms, and the clacking rings offer a multi-sensory experience.

Available at manhattantoy.com, $10.

 

Green Sprouts

Green Sprouts Cooling Teether
The classic look of this water-filled teether (above) is a throwback to your own childhood, but it’s safer than ever with silicone free from BPA and PVC and distilled water inside. Keep in the refrigerator, so it’s cool and ready to soothe.

Available at amazon.com, $3.99.

Infantino Good Bites Textured Carrot Teether
Get your tots chomping their “vegetables” with this dishwasher-safe carrot teether. The leaves act as handholds and the carrot tip is textured and soft for the ultimate chewing satisfaction.

Available at infantino.com, $4.99.

Mochi Teething Plate
Made in Japan from sustainable rice-plastic, the teething plate contains no paints or adhesives for a safe chewing experience. The thin shape and thumb hole fit nicely in little hands.

Available at peopletoy.co, $14.99.

Bright Starts Snuggle Teether
Whether your little one gets the elephant or the giraffe, they’ll love snuggling this teether toy. The feet are textured for soothing sore gums, and the body is soft with a crinkle belly for extra comfort.

Available at amazon.com, $6.47.

Loulou LOLLIPOP

Loulou LOLLIPOP Bubble Silicone and Wood Teether
Your little one will look stylish holding this easy-grip teether while gnawing away. Made in Canada, the food-grade silicone offers one biting sensation, while the beech wood provides another. The wooden rings also make a satisfying rattle.

Available at louloulollipop.com, $25.

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew
With a variety of reversible designs and adjustable sizing, the Neckerchew is one versatile teething bib. The attached teether is made of food-grade silicone and the whole bib can be machine-washed.

Available at cheeckycompersus.com, $19.99 – $21.99.

RaZ-Berry Teether
Is it a pacifier or fruit? Neither, it’s a hands-free teether! Made of medical-grade silicone with a nature-inspired texture, this berry-shaped teether soothes tender gums.

Available at myrazbaby.com, $4.99.

Malarkey Kids Munch Mitt
The Munch Mitt offers a great teething solution for babies who are too little to hold teethers on their own. It comes with a storage/washing bag that allows the mitt to be cleaned in the washing machine.

Available at malarkeykids.com, $14.99.

HABA

HABA Kringelring Clutching Toy
The beechwood beads of the Kingelring (above) are responsibly sourced from forests in Germany, and the rainbow coloring is water-based and solvent-free, making this clutching toy safe and sturdy for little teethers.

Available at habausa.com, $14.99.

Chomp ‘N Chews Teether
The unique finger-puppet design of the Chomp ‘N Chews teether can be worn directly on a finger. Choose from three colorful animal designs of a lion, elephant or butterfly.

Available at chompnchews.com, $13.99.

Toofeze Teething Ring
The stainless-steel disk surrounded by silicone offers cool comfort that can be enhanced by placing it in the refrigerator or cold water. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and made from non-toxic, food-grade ingredients.

Available at toofeze.com, $23.

GNAW Teething Tether
Using design elements from Chinese finger traps and a one-handed clip attachment, this teether is clean comfort. It clips to any fabric and stays off the ground and within reach.

Available at tomy.com, $6.49.

Munchkins Orajel Massaging Teether Toy
A bite-activated massaging action gives your toddler relief from sore gums, while the rattling beads offer playtime fun. This is a great option for teething toddlers.

Available at munchkin.com, $9.

—Katie L. Carroll

RELATED STORIES:

Teething Bites: 15 Tips to Help Ease the Pain

Baby’s First Ice Pop: 13 Easy Recipes for Cool & Healthy Popsicles

Drink Up, Baby: 18 Innovative Baby Bottles

 

Finally, we can start traveling again! If you have a baby, you know how much gear you need to make your trip as smooth as possible—if you have a teething baby, you have an extra challenge. Well—challenge accepted because we have the perfect #MomHack for on-the-go families with cranky babies: Camilia Teething Drops! Read on for five reasons why these sore-gum soothing drops are going to be the best thing you’ve discovered all summer.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

1. Easily Portable

Camilia comes in pre-measured liquid doses, so you don’t need to stress about mixing or measuring. They’re so tiny they can even fit in your pocket, which makes them ideal on the go (hello, plane travel!). Just twist the plastic top and squeeze Camilia into your baby’s mouth and goodbye cranky pants!

 

2. Mess-Free (& Hygienic!)

The small amount of liquid in each dose is quickly absorbed so no sticky mess. Unlike other teething products, you don’t need to rub it on their gums using your finger or an applicator—just open the vial, squeeze the clear, tasteless liquid into the baby’s mouth, toss the plastic vial in recycling and done!

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

 

3. Clean Formula

Nothing artificial—just what works to relieve painful gums, irritability, and minor digestive upsets sometimes associated with teething.* Camilia Teething Drops are made with plant-based active ingredients like chamomile for teething pain relief. And they’re free of benzocaine, preservatives, flavors and sugars.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

 

4. Trustworthy

Camilia has been soothing babies for 25 years and is a Mom’s Choice Awards winner and recipient of the Moms Meet seal of approval. Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are made by Boiron, world leader in homeopathic medicines, so you can rest assured these are the real deal.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

 

5. Widely Available

Out of town and away from your usual shopping hub? No problem! Camilia Teething Drops are available at all major retailers nationwide. Deal alert: Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2.00 on Camilia Teething Drops!

Get Your Coupon

 

*Disclaimer: Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

Healthy, homemade popsicles are a cool treat and a clever way to up your child’s intake of fruits and veggies. Keep them in the freezer for hot days, teething pain, sniffles and any other time your child can use a boost. Make extra; you’re going to want some too!

Pin all 13 recipes for baby-friendly popsicles.

Dole Whip Popsicles

One Lovely Life

If you can't travel to Disneyland for a Dole Whip, these Vitamin C-rich popsicles are the next best thing. These pops from One Lovely Life are made with just two ingredients: diced pineapple and coconut milk, but you can add a sweetener like maple syrup or honey if you'd like (avoid honey for babes under age 1). 

Wild Blueberry & Almond Butter Yogurt Popsicles

The View from Great Island

If you're introducing your child to nuts, these filling and flavorful popsicles are a great way to let them snack on almond butter in a baby-friendly form. Blended with yogurt and blueberries, they offer a nutritional boost along with kid-friendly flavors. Head to The View from Great Island for the recipe.

Blueberry Pomegranate Popsicles

Gimme Some Oven

Superfoods for your super babe! Made with just blueberries, pomegranates and Greek yogurt, these super cute popsicles from Gimme Some Oven are tangy, creamy and sweet. Freeze them in Dixie cups to get this baby-friendly shape.

Swirly Strawberry Creamsicles

Mama Papa Bubba

This fruit-sweetened frozen novelty is packed with protein and calcium. Mix them with your favorite berries (fresh or frozen) to create this picture-perfect, yummy treat. This recipe from Mama Papa Bubba uses medjool dates for sweetness, instead of honey, so it's safe for kids under a year old. 

Veggie Pops

Wanderson1 via Pixabay

Babies get their daily dose of vegetables with these colorful popsicles. The Kids Activities Blog shares recipes such as Berry Red Veggie, Orange Carrot Mango and Lime Green Popsicles (spoiler: this one includes iron-rich spinach!).

Yogurt & Veggie Popsicles

LiveSimply.com

These popsicles are full of calcium and vitamins, thanks to the yogurt, veggies and fruits. Kristin from Live Simply has created three popsicle recipes: Orange Delight (carrots, strawberry, mango), Green Dinosaur (spinach, bananas, pineapple) and Tickle-Me-Red (beets, strawberry, banana). If your child is under age one, swap out the honey for maple syrup.

Rainbow Popsicles

TheFirstYearBlog.com

Taste the rainbow with these beautiful frozen treats. There's prep work involved to blend and then layer smoothies in each of the rainbow colors, so save this one for a special occasion like a birthday or holiday. Get the recipe at The First Year Blog.

Breastmilk Pops

Amazon

Here's a tasty treat for breastfed babes that also provides instant teething relief. Pour pumped breast milk into the cap of a pacifier (1 to 2 ounces per cap), then insert pacifier and freeze for 3-4 hours. 

Strawberry & Yogurt Popsicles

popsicles are a good thing to add to a summer bucket list

Consider this a baby-fied version of the summer favorite strawberries with whipped cream. Full-fat vanilla yogurt replaces cream in this version and adds a little extra sweetness. Head to Pint Sized Baker for the recipe.

Pea & Spinach Green Smoothie Popsicle

My Fussy Eater

This green machine combines peas, spinach, Greek yogurt, banana and chia seeds for a powerhouse snack that includes vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, manganese and fiber. Head to My Fussy Eater for the recipe.

Super Kale Pops

Super Healthy Kids

Kale has many health benefits, including a high amount of fiber that can aid your little one's digestion. Super Healthy Kids blends the greens with frozen berries to sweeten them up.

Fruit & Veggie Pops

Hello, Wonderful

Hello, Wonderful shares four popsicle recipes that are sure to please your baby’s budding palette. Pro tip: To save on prep time, buy cold-pressed veggie juices to mix with your favorite frozen fruits.

One-Ingredient Fruit Popsicles

Ben Wicks via Unsplash

It’s as easy at sounds, and endlessly customizable. Freeze your babe's favorite fruits for a treat they're sure to love. Slice larger fruits like pineapple and watermelon into long pieces. Keep smaller fruits like strawberries, mangoes, raspberries and bananas whole. Avoid dense fruits like whole grapes that could pose a choking hazard. If you’re feeling fancy, insert a popsicle stick into the bottom of the fruit so it’s easier for baby (or you) to hold. Freeze for 3-4 hours, and then enjoy.

Katie Taylor

featured photo: Wanderson1 via Pixabay 

RELATED STORIES:

Eat the Rainbow with These Toddler-Friendly Healthy Recipes

Beyond Purees: 12 Recipes for Baby’s First Finger Foods

Global Flavors: Discover Baby’s First Foods Around the World

Trying baby led weaning or transitioning your child from purees into more solid foods? Jump right into baby finger foods. Even without many (or any) teeth, you’d be surprised what delicious real-food bites your tiny diner can enjoy. Here are 14 tasty recipes for baby’s first finger foods and kid-friendly baby led weaning foods.

photo: Ajale via Pixabay

1. Oven-Baked Falafel: This protein-rich dish from Pass the Plants is baked for a less-greasy texture, creating bite-size balls that are perfect for tiny fingers to pick up.

2. Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets: Kids love chicken nuggets, and this super-kid-friendly recipe is free of egg, dairy and spicy seasonings young eaters may not like. You’ll find it on Kristine’s Kitchen.

3. Banana Toast: A twist on traditional French toast, this recipe from One Handed Cooks adds potassium-rich mashed bananas to the dipping mixture. Cut into strips, these make a yummy and easy-to-handle finger food.

4. Grain-Free Teething Biscuits: Created by a nurse, these grain-free teethers have a super nutritious ingredient list: coconut and cassava flour, applesauce, maple syrup, molasses, egg yolk, plus spices. The recipe also includes clove, a spice some say soothes teething pain.

5. DIY Yogurt Bites: You could buy similar snacks pre-made at the store, or save some cash and turn baby yogurt into bites with a cookie sheet, waxed paper and your freezer. Learn how thanks to DIY Danielle.

photo: KathrinPie via Pixabay

6. Pumpkin Banana Pancakes: All you need is a ripe banana, pumpkin puree, eggs and baking powder to whip up these healthy flapjacks for your baby. Serve with berries instead of syrup. Find the recipe at Healthy Food for Living.

7. Sweet Potato Chickpea Patties: Blend herbs, spices, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, whole grain flour and oat bran to make these hearty patties for your baby’s dinner. Find the recipe on Momtastic.

8. Banana Oatmeal Fingers: Cook oatmeal and banana together and then shape the mixture into easy-to-hold strips with the help of the instructions on Thrifty Fun.

9. Broccoli and Cheese Muffins: Yogurt, broccoli and cheese come together in these savory muffins that deliver veggies in a fun-to-eat way. Get the recipe at Baby Led Weaning.

10. Carrot Zucchini Parsnip Frittata Fingers: This frittata becomes finger food when baked and cut into strips. The three veggies in this recipe from Taste.com contain important nutrients for baby.

photo: iStock

11. Steamed Veggie Spears: No recipe needed for this one. Cut carrots and zucchini into strips and broccoli into florets. Steam themsofter for younger babies and harder for older totsand serve. The bright colors and interesting textures will encourage baby to take a taste.

12. Apple and Cheese Quinoa Balls: Here’s an easy way for your baby to eat this super grain. Mix cooked quinoa with grated apple, cheese and egg. Brush with olive oil and bake as directed in the recipe by Little Grazers.

13. Baby Turkey & Veggie Meatballs: Spinach, carrots and panko bread crumbs go into these baby-friendly, meaty bites created by Momma Always Knows.

14. Blueberry + Avocado Mini Muffins: You’d never guess these blueberry muffins contain vitamin-rich avocado just by tasting them. Get the genius recipe from Baby Foode.

Julie Seguss

 

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We’ve all been there—both as parents and personally (even if we don’t remember it): teething. The crying kiddo, the pain, and the fact that you’d do pretty much anything to stop the insanity. But what about those teething necklaces and bracelets your mom friends rave about? Well…about that.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a statement recently issued a warning to parents and caregivers of young children about how teething jewelry—worn by your cranky baby or the caregiver—can actually be potentially dangerous.

Photo: Alex Smith via Pexels 

How can parents soothe teething pain, anyway? Teething gels aren’t a great solution, either; the FDA notes that benzocaine-containing products (such as gels, sprays or ointments) can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen.

If you can’t use a gel or cream, what can you use? It’s this very question that leads plenty of parents to teething jewelry. Often marketed as a safe, “natural” alternative to other products, these items look like necklaces or bracelets are typically made from amber, marble, silicone or wood.

Following reports of serious injuries and tragically, strangulation deaths, the FDA now cautions parents to avoid teething jewelry altogether. If you think that adult supervision will reduce the risks, think again. According to the FDA, a seven-month-old infant choked on a wooden beaded teething bracelet—while under parental supervision. Luckily, the child was okay following a trip to the hospital.

The new warning from the FDA stresses using alternatives to soothe teething pain—and of course, avoiding teething jewelry. Instead, gently massage your baby’s gums with clean fingers. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that you can give your kiddo a firm rubber teething ring (but not the frozen kind). Always inspect the teething ring for damage and supervise your child while they’re gumming it.

—Erica Loop

 

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