Teething...the word alone can make mamas cringe. It’s a battle that takes a lot of fight, but one that we are determined to win for ours and our babies sakes. Your baby's first tooth may appear as early as three months or as late as a year or more. The average age is usually around six months.
Effects and Symptoms
The first sign of teething that many parents notice is their child being sulky and irritable. But there are more common teething symptoms to look out for.
Biting and drooling. This is one of the earliest signs of teething. Babies spilling out puddles from their mouths and stuffing their fists or anything else in sight into their mouths. Usually starting around 3 months old.
Gum rubbing. This is when babies start doing a lot more to combat the teething pain and discomfort. They will start using all of those items in sight and their hands to rub their gums in attempt to soothe.
Increased/decreased nursing. Some babies prefer to nurse more often during teething for the comfort it provides, while for others the sucking action can make the pain worse. The increase probably being the hardest part of teething on breastfeeding mamas. Suddenly their boobs are used as a pacifier throughout the day and night, especially at night. But it’s because the liquid gold provides another source for comfort and relief for you baby.
Disrupted sleep. Thanks to teething...normal routines take a back burner. Your baby may seem more bothered by teething discomfort at night when there are fewer distractions. They may start waking up crying, screaming, and/or moving around in their sleep.
Fussiness. Not only is the pain to blame, but everything that it brings in it’s wake. All of the sleepless nights, constant discomfort, and, of course, is mamas wiping their face every minutes doesn’t help out much.
Teething rash. If your baby has sensitive skin, they may even end up with a rash all around their mouth. Usually due to the excess drool irritating the skin.
Food aversions. If you’ve already started them on solids, you may even see that they are preferring to drink rather than eat, having a like to different foods, or just not having such a big appetite. Some babies may find eating uncomfortable when their gums are swollen, while others may want to eat more often to feel the counter-pressure on their gums. This is all on account for how they react to foods that will help soothe their gums more.
Fevers. A temperature ranging from 98-100 degrees. It can be caused by an infant putting their unclean hands in their mouth.
Diarrhea. Many believe that the increased saliva produced during teething can cause stool to become slightly loose.
Ear pain. This is caused by pain in the gums, which can travel to the cheek and ear, especially when the molars are erupting. Infants will rub those areas. If your baby has a some of these symptoms together, it's likely due to teething, but that may not be the only cause.
How to Help Soothe the Pain
I personally try to not use too many products on my children due to their sensitive skin and reactions to everything, but don’t be afraid to use some of your own products and tactics to help soothe your own baby’s pain.
Infant Motrin/Tylenol. I only really used it if my kids caught a fever or had so much teething pain that it kept them awake. It helps them break those fever and catch up on a little bit of sleep...at least for the next few hours for the next dose.
Teething gel. Gels are really great for providing some instant relief, but they are a little more short-term therefore only providing temporary relief.
Teething tablets. This one is great for the older kids because it looks more like a sweet treat. But just like the gel, they are more short-term and provide temporary relief as well.
Cold Items. Something about the cold feels so amazing on their gums. You could use a cold rag, toy, or even snacks. They are great ways to safely chew on something that provides instant relief.
Teething toys. There are a lot of options here. My son loves his Sophie the Giraffe - a lot of people are worried about the mold that could build up but I always use a hot glue gun to plug holes in toys that could have this problem. There’s also teething Jets, brushes, necklaces, and bracelets. You can also help by giving a little gum massage. Gently rubbing the sore areas giving it some counter pressure for relief.
Cuddles. One thing that provides the most comfort of them all is just your mama touch on your baby. You don‘t necessarily need to break your normal routine, but you can adjust it a little to give your baby a little more loving. Such as baby wearing, carrying, and sweet cuddle times.
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