Teething is a normal part of a baby’s development, but it can be a difficult and painful experience for both babies and their parents. As a new parent, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of teething and know what you can do to help your little one through this process. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to tell when your baby is teething and what you can do to make it a little easier for them.
Signs of teething:
- Drooling: One of the most common signs of teething is excessive drooling. As the teeth start to push through the gums, they can stimulate the salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production. This can result in a lot of drool, which can soak through your baby’s clothes and bibs.
- Chewing: Babies often chew on things when they’re teething as a way to relieve the pressure and discomfort in their gums. You may notice your baby gnawing on their hands, toys, or other objects more frequently when they’re teething.
- Irritability: Teething can be a painful experience for babies, and they may become more irritable or fussy as a result. They may also have difficulty sleeping or be more resistant to being handled or held.
- Redness and swelling of the gums: As the teeth start to push through the gums, you may notice redness and swelling in the affected area. You may also be able to see the white tip of the tooth emerging through the gums.
- Low-grade fever: Some babies may develop a low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit) when they’re teething. This is generally not cause for concern, but if your baby’s fever is higher or they’re showing other signs of illness, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
What to do when your baby is teething:
- Offer a teething ring: Teething rings are a safe and effective way for babies to relieve the pressure and discomfort in their gums. Look for a teething ring that’s made of a soft, pliable material and is safe for your baby to chew on. Avoid teething rings that are too hard or that have small parts that could break off and pose a choking hazard.
- Use a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your baby’s gums can help numb the area and provide some relief from the pain. You can use a clean, damp washcloth or a special teething cloth that’s been chilled in the refrigerator. Just be sure to test the temperature of the compress before giving it to your baby to make sure it’s not too cold.
- Massage the gums: Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething. You can also try using a teething gel or ointment, which can numb the area and provide some relief. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the product and consult with your healthcare provider before using any teething medications.
- Offer a cold, wet washcloth: Babies often enjoy chewing on a cold, wet washcloth. You can wet a washcloth, wring it out, and freeze it for a few minutes before giving it to your baby to chew on. Just be sure to supervise your baby while they’re using the washcloth to make sure they don’t accidentally swallow any pieces.
- Give your baby something to chew on: In addition to a teething ring, there are other safe objects your baby can chew on to help relieve the discomfort of teething. These include a cold spoon or a piece of raw fruit or vegetable (such as a peeled cucumber or carrot). Just be sure to supervise your baby while they’re chewing on these objects and discard them if they become too small or break apart.
- Offer pain relief medication: If your baby is experiencing a lot of discomfort due to teething, you may want to consider giving them a pain relief medication (such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the product and consult with your healthcare provider before giving your baby any medications.
- Keep your baby hydrated: As babies drool more when they’re teething, it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough fluids. Offer your baby plenty of water and other liquids (such as breastmilk or formula) to help prevent dehydration.
Teething can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience for babies, but with a little patience and some simple strategies, you can help your little one through this process. If you have concerns about your baby’s teething or their overall health, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.
