Clove Oil for Teething Babies: A Natural Dad’s Guide
So there you are. It’s 2 a.m., and your teething baby is doing their best baby dinosaur impersonation, gums red and puffy, cheeks on fire, and you? You’re frantically Googling, desperate for anything that sounds like relief. Been there. That’s why we’re talking about one of the most old-school, surprisingly effective natural remedies out there: clove oil.
But wait—before you grab your spice rack or go full essential oil wizard, let’s take a dad-level look at what clove oil is, why it might help your baby’s gums, and how to use it safely during the teething phase.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them — at no extra cost to you.
First Teeth: A Rite of Passage (With Drool)
Teething is basically baby boot camp. It can be a tough time for your little one too…Around 4 to 7 months of age, your little one’s first teeth start poking through, and it’s not always pretty. You’ll likely notice more crying, chewing, drooling, and general fussiness—especially at night.
Their sore gums are the culprits. And if you’re like me, you want to offer pain relief without loading your baby up with medication every 5 minutes.
That’s where home remedies come in, and clove oil? It’s been whispered about by crunchy moms, passed down from grandmas, and tested by tired dads like us.
What Is Clove Oil?
Clove oil comes from whole cloves — yep, those tiny brown spice nails you find in mulled wine or holiday hams. They’re not just festive — they’re loaded with eugenol, a natural numbing agent and antibacterial powerhouse.
In the essential oil world, clove is known as one of the best essential oils for oral discomfort. But (and this is a BIG but), it’s also incredibly potent. So you can’t just drip it straight into your baby’s mouth. That’s a one-way ticket to a very unhappy baby and potentially some adverse reactions.
Is Clove Oil Safe for Babies?
Short answer: maybe, but only with caution.
Clove oil is not officially recommended by pediatricians for babies under 2 years of age due to how strong it is. However, many parents (especially fans of natural remedy routes) use a tiny amount of diluted clove oil for topical use only — like rubbing it gently on the baby’s gums using a safe mixture.
That’s why the keyword here is diluted.
How to Use Clove Oil Safely (Like a Pro Dad)
Here’s the DIY breakdown if you want to try clove oil safely on your teething baby.
You’ll need:
- A base oil (like coconut oil or olive oil)
- A small glass container
- 1-2 drops of clove oil
- A clean finger or cloth
Step-by-Step:
- In a small container, mix 1 drop of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of base oil (coconut or olive oil works well).
- Stir it together until it’s nicely blended. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Dip your clean finger or a baby-safe cloth in the mixture.
- Gently massage it onto your baby’s gums using a circular motion.
That’s it. Keep it chill and keep it light — only a tiny amount is needed. This method is only for external, topical use—don’t let your baby swallow it.
And seriously, do a patch test first. Try a small dab on the outer lip or wrist to check for any adverse reactions.
Which One is Good?
When your teething baby is wailing, drooling, and chomping on everything but sleep — you need more than sympathy. You need something that works. Enter: Kukka Clove Essential Oil for Teeth and Gums — a clean, natural solution that’s saved our sleep more than once.
Looking for Alternatives? I Got You.
Let’s say clove oil doesn’t sit right with you (or your baby). That’s okay. There are alternative ways to help your baby through the teething process without stress.
Here are a few dad-approved backups:
1. Chilled Teething Ring
A cold ring straight out of the fridge (never freezer) is a classic for a reason. The cool temperature numbs sore gums and gives your young children something safe to gnaw on.
2. Chamomile Tea
Make a cup of chamomile tea, let it cool to room temperature, dip a soft cloth or pacifier in it, and let your baby suck or chew on it. Chamomile flowers have soothing properties that help calm both the gums and your baby’s mood.
3. Coconut Oil Rub
Even without clove, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties. You can gently rub a small amount directly on the baby’s gums with your finger.
4. Frozen Washcloth
Wet a washcloth, wring it out, and freeze it for 30 minutes. Let your baby chew on it to ease their discomfort. Bonus: it doubles as a drool rag.
5. Essential Oil Blend
You can explore a safe essential oil blend using baby-friendly oils (like lavender or Roman chamomile) but always, always dilute, and consult a professional if unsure. Not all oils are safe for infants.
Article For the Men Reading This…
What to Watch Out For
Every baby is different. What worked wonders for my kid might not work for yours. So always observe closely after trying something new.
Here are a few red flags:
- Excessive drooling and irritability that doesn’t improve
- Fever over 100.4°F (teething shouldn’t cause high fever)
- Rash or swelling after topical application (stop use immediately)
- Bleeding gums or signs of infection
If you’re ever in doubt, your pediatrician is your best friend. Don’t mess around if your gut says something feels off. Dads have instincts too.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
The teething phase can feel like an eternity when your baby’s crying and you’re running on 3 hours of sleep and instant coffee. But remember: this is just a phase — a messy, drooly, exhausting rite of passage.
Using natural home remedies like drops of clove oil, chamomile tea, or a chilled teething ring can make a big difference. The best ways are the ones that keep your baby soothed and safe — and keep you a little more sane.
At the end of the day, you don’t need to be a superdad. You just need to be there — with your finger gently massaging baby’s gums and your other hand reaching for the coffee pot.
Keep calm, carry a burp cloth, and know that those tiny teeth coming in? They’ll be flashing you the cutest grin in no time.
