Reaching the teething milestone is not always simple, considering your little one’s fussing, crying and sleeplessness. Before sharing those cute baby photos showing their first tooth, you need to get ready with all the essential tips and information.
Babies typically start teething aged 6–13 months. The bottom or top front teeth show up first before the canines. Eight molars appear between 1–3 years old, just when it’s time to shop for bigger baby boy and baby girl clothes. Read on to discover things no one tells you about teething, especially if you are a first-time parent or nanny.
1. Common Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Teething symptoms may vary depending on the baby. Some may even only show signs without any teeth emerging. Symptoms may include one or a combination of the following:
- Red, swollen gums
- Lack of appetite, mainly because of the sore gums
- Drooling: Babies drool a lot when they are infants because they are starting to learn how to swallow saliva. When a child is teething, the drooling resumes (or sometimes doesn’t stop). When a baby is teething, their mouth produces more saliva than usual; it helps to lubricate the sore and enlarging gums.
- Rubbing chin and cheeks and pulling ears: Babies are highly resourceful and can massage themselves. They exert counterpressure by tugging and massaging the area around their jaw, lessening discomfort and throbbing.
- Fussiness: Babies who previously slept through the night begin to wake up numerous times for comfort when they experience these teething symptoms. A newborn frequently experiences teething pain more during the calm hours of the night because there are fewer distractions.
- Trouble sleeping: Babies who are teething take fewer naps and awake earlier in the day.
- Rashes, diarrhea, coughs and fever: Since the extra drool accumulates in the back of the throat, it can cause face rashes, irritation and sneezing. Even diarrhea and diaper rash might occur.
- Excessive sucking and biting
2. Kids Will Test Their Teeth on Almost Every Object
You might notice your child trying to bite the remote control, plastic bottles, sunglasses or shoes. Give them teething toys, such as plastic gel toys and teething necklaces, in distinct materials and designs. Biting and chewing relieve gum pressure, so encourage these behaviors with proper toys.
Choose a nontoxic material you can easily clean to prevent mold growth inside. Silicone and latex are safer than plastic since they are not hazardous.
3. Take Note of the Fussing and Crying
Children who experience soreness while teething and may be irritable as a result. Be patient with your little one’s short temper and crying during this time. Rocking, hushing and going out on drives can be especially soothing. You could also dress them in cute baby girl or baby boy clothes to distract them from the soreness.
Giving your child a pacifier between feeding times can help reduce their pain. Choose one that can absorb bite damage. Breastfeeding and teething rings are other safe options to calm your baby. You can choose unique bodysuits with special attachments for teething toys and accessories for your child’s safety and comfort.
4. Cold Drinks and Food Can Relieve Soreness
Cold water and food relieve soreness and discomfort in the mouth. Keeping teething toys in the refrigerator might help to provide additional relief when they chew them. Here are some treats you could serve to soothe your little one’s aching:
• Cool water for babies older than nine months
• Frozen berries or banana
• Yogurt
Letting your child gnaw on a clean, wet washcloth after keeping it in the freezer for about 20 minutes is also beneficial.
5. Consult a Doctor for Medical Teething Remedies
Sometimes teething gets intense, and you may struggle to find relief for your baby. If this sounds like you, then you can seek a doctor’s counsel. Your pediatrician can make sure nothing else is going on and then recommend additional ideas for relief. They may even prescribe medication.
6. Check Teething Accessories For Safety
Some teething accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets, can be unsafe for babies as they might break and become a choking hazard. Thoroughly check your teething accessories for safety and try to stick to the ones that are just one piece. Even if you feel the item is safe, only let your child wear them around an adult, and never put them to bed with teething necklaces or bracelets.
7. Avoid Numbing Agents and Homeopathic Remedies
Numbing gels may contain benzocaine or lidocaine, which are toxic to children under 2 years old. They may cause blood disorders, and there is no proof yet that they are effective despite the risks. Homeopathic treatment can also be toxic for babies because it contains certain unregulated products. If you feel your baby needs one of these to find some relief, talk to your baby’s doctor.
8. Proper Oral and Dental Care
You should look after your baby’s teeth as soon as the first one appears. Use a damp, clean facecloth or gauze at least twice a day if your child is under 2 years old. You can find soft baby toothbrushes for when your child is finally ready. Starting good dental hygiene at an early age sets up your child for life.
Firm massage pressure applied to the gums may reduce swelling. Rub the baby’s gums after cleaning your fingers. Massage for several minutes if the infant doesn’t cry or reject the finger.
Here are tips for cleaning your baby’s teeth:
• Put your infant in a safe position where you can view their mouth. It may be helpful to sit on a bed or the floor with your child on your lap with their head on the mattress.
• With their head resting on your body, cup your infant’s chin in your palms.
• To clean your baby’s teeth, lift their lip and use gentle, circular movements.
• Every tooth’s front, back and gum line should receive attention.
Conclusion
A child’s development normally includes teething. But it may be stressful, particularly if the baby has severe symptoms. You can use safe teething toys, gum massage, nursing and other natural therapies to ease discomfort. Seek medical advice if your little one requires special attention or if symptoms persist.