Has your baby gone from happy and gurgling to grumpy, drooling, and gnawing on anything they can grab?
If this sounds familiar, you have likely entered the teething period. It is a milestone for every infant, and a test of patience and fortitude for parents.
Teething is when your baby’s primary, or baby teeth appear from their gums.
Most babies get their first teeth between four and seven months of age, but some may start teething as early as three months, while others may not get teeth until after a year.
Teething symptoms may be quite subtle or more obvious, depending on your little one.
Keep an eye out for these baby teething symptoms, and consider these ways to help soothe your baby’s teething pain:
Symptoms of Baby Teething
The first step in helping your baby with teething is recognizing the symptoms. Here are some of the common signs of teething:
Fussiness
Perhaps the most well-known symptom of teething is fussiness. Your baby may be irritable, cry more frequently, and have trouble sleeping.
Drooling
Excessive drooling is a common sign of teething. Your baby may drool more frequently, irritating the mouth and chin. You may notice their face and clothing are constantly wet.
Chewing and Biting
As your baby’s teeth grow, they may try to chew on everything within reach, including their toys, fingers, and household objects. It is an instinct for babies, and helps alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by teething.
Changes in Eating Habits
Teething can cause discomfort in the mouth and make it difficult for your baby to eat. You may notice that your little one is not eating as much as usual, or is having trouble breastfeeding.
Fever
In rare cases, teething can cause more severe symptom, including fever. A slight temperature rise is common and usually not a cause for concern, but if your baby has a fever of over 101°F, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician.
Soothing Techniques for Teething Babies
You can use several techniques to soothe your baby’s teething discomfort:
Teething Tablets
If your baby is feeling fussy during teething, consider trying a soothing tablet like Dr. Talbot’s Gentle Chamomile Teething Tablets.
They’re made with safe and natural ingredients to help calm, relax, and soothe fussy babies dealing with teething pain.
Cold Objects
Cold can help reduce swelling and numb the gums, making it one of the best ways to soothe your baby’s teething pain.
You can use a teething ring that you keep in the fridge or freezer, or a soft cloth that has been soaked in cold water.
You can also offer them healthy, cold snacks like cucumber or frozen fruit to help ease the pain.
Gum Massage
Gently rubbing your baby’s gums can help to soothe the pain.
Wash your hands thoroughly, then use your finger to gently massage the gums. The pressure can help to relieve the pain of teething.
Distraction
Keeping your baby’s mind off the pain can be a simple and effective way to soothe them. Try distracting your baby with toys, books, or music.
You can also take your baby for a walk, play with them, or bath them. Distraction can help reduce their discomfort by shifting their focus from the pain.
Breastfeeding
If your baby is still breastfeeding, feeding them during teething can be a great way to soothe them.
The act of feeding can help to calm and distract your baby, and the sucking motion can help with the pressure on their gums.
Gum-Numbing Gels
Over-the-counter gum numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine can help to soothe your baby’s gums by numbing them.
However, consult your pediatrician before using these gels, as some may contain harmful ingredients.
Teething can be a challenging period for both parents and babies.
Remember, it’s a normal phase that every child goes through, and as parents, we can only find ways to make their journey more comfortable.
The signs of teething can vary greatly from baby to baby, so keep your eyes open and use your own intuition to help you decide if your baby has teeth on the way.
Above all, remember that teething is just a momentary phase in your child’s life, and your compassion and patience will go a long way in making the process easier.