There comes a time in each baby’s life when they are totally unhappy, even if they’re the happiest of babies who rarely cry – teething really can have that effect on a baby – it hurts.
I can remember with my . . .
first daughter – who was extremely fussy in her first six months of life, my mom started saying, “oh she must be teething” when she was around four months old. In reality I think her first tooth pierced through at around six months, and my mom could finally say she was right. In actuality all children will get their first tooth at different times in their first year, some as early as four months and some not until they’re closer to a year old.
Here are some classic telltale signs that baby might be teething:
Irritability and crankiness;
Chewing on anything and everything;
Excessive drooling;
Slight increase in temperature (but not fevered);
Sore or tender gums, might be more red than normal
Teething is just another example of a time that parents are desperate to help their baby feel better. Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot you can do to take away the pain. The following are suggestions that may help relieve some of the pain.
Soothing a teething baby
1. Give your baby chilled fruit to help with teething relief. This option applies if your child is old enough for solids, however, little mesh feeders are amazing to prevent the worry of choking. This was certainly my saving grace with all three of my kiddos. They all loved this option – it’s messy but keeps them happy.
2. Give your child a cold washcloth to suck on. I remember wetting a baby cloth and then freezing it. This can be a relief and help with numbing the pain that comes with teething.
3. Cool a metal spoon: take a clean metal spoon and let it cool in the fridge. Once it’s cool, rub it along baby’s gums for some relief.
4. Massage sore gums – with clean hands sit down with baby and gently massage in a circular motion baby’s gums.
5. Some doctors might recommend over the counter pain medication to help relieve the pain.
6. Lots of love and cuddles. Babies might just need to be cuddled and held to help them feel better.
7. We used a plastic toothbrush that was for babies gums. Our kiddos loved these and chewed on them happily, even when they weren’t teething. They can pose a choking hazard and should never be given to a baby without adult supervision.
Like all else, it is a phase and will pass. You’re normally happy baby will return. The relief for them and you will be when that little bit of white starts showing through their gums. Until then, just love them and try and help them be comfortable.
