Teething can be distressing for some babies, but there are ways to make it easier for them. Every baby is different, and you may have to try a few different things until you find something that works for your baby.

 

How do I know if my baby is teething?

Your baby may sprout her first teeth with no problems at all, but it could be a long and painful process. She’s going to need lots of cuddles!

If your baby’s teeth are on their way, you may notice the following signs of teething:

• red and swollen gums
• red, flushed cheeks or face
• heavy drooling
• gum-rubbing, biting or sucking
• rubbing her ear on the same side as an erupting tooth
• sleepless at night and wakeful during the day
• not feeding as well
• irritable and unsettled

 

Your baby may also develop a temperature or diarrhoea just before a tooth breaks through. However, you should never assume that these symptoms are caused by teething. If you’re worried, see your doctor.

My baby has a rash on her chin from dribbling. How should I treat it?

Gently wipe the drool off your baby’s chin as often as you can with a soft cotton cloth. Be careful not to rub her chin as it may be sore. You could also smooth a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly, on her chin at bedtime and before you take her out and about. This may help protect her skin from further irritation.

Why does teething hurt so much?

Your baby’s teeth started developing while she was in your womb (uterus), when tooth buds were formed in her gums. Now her teeth are pushing through her gums. This is what’s causing them to be painful and perhaps swollen. It’s the same kind of pain as when your wisdom teeth came through.

Pressure on your baby’s teeth from chewing may relieve her pain. Nonetheless, your baby’s gums will be particularly sensitive at this time. This is why she may turn away from your breast or a bottle when she’s teething.

 

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting your baby’s first tooth, seeing a tiny pearly white pushing its way up and out will be a sight for sore eyes. For your baby, though, it’s bound to be a source of sore gums. Teething seems to hurt some babies more than others, but for most little teethers, the pain’s definitely worst at night and during feeding. Here are some ways to ease the ache:

Give baby something to chew. Let her chew on it. Babies will chomp down on just about anything they can get their hands on when they’re teething. That’s because the gumming action provides soothing counter pressure. But not all little ones are fans of teething rings or devotees of the same type of ring. Some like their teething toys soft and pliable, some like them harder. Some prefer plastic, others wood, others cloth. A textured, bumpy surface can offer more relief than a smooth one, and squeaky sounds can offer a dose of distraction — but again, let your baby vote on the winner.

Rub baby’s gums. Give her gums a rub down. Some of the best teething tools are the ones attached to your baby’s hands — those yummy fingers, of course. But your bigger, stronger fingers can actually be even more effective pain relievers. Wash one thoroughly, and use it to firmly massage your baby’s sore spots. Just don’t be surprised if your little barracuda bites back.

Freeze teething toys. Ice that pain. Chilling your baby’s gums numbs them — while easing inflammation and swelling. Keep a stash of teething rings in the freezer, try a frozen wet washcloth, chill your baby’s favorite binky, or serve her a sippy or bottle of icy cold water. A mesh feeding bag filled with frozen banana, applesauce, or peaches can spell relief at supervised mealtimes — or just chill whatever’s on the menu before serving. And if all she wants to gnaw on is the spoon, that’s fine too.

Try pain medication. No more teething tricks up your sleeve — and a very fussy baby in your arms? Check with the pediatrician about occasionally dosing your tiny teether with an infant pain reliever.

 

 

There’s no set date when your baby’s first tooth will arrive. Most babies start at around six months, but it can happen at any time, from before birth to after her first birthday. Teething could carry on for a year or more. Your little one should have all her milk teeth by the time she’s two-and-a-half years old.

 

You also won’t know how long it will take for a tooth to push through that little gum. Your baby may be troubled for just a few days before a tooth emerges. But she could also show all the symptoms of teething for months with nothing to show for it.

The good news is that your baby’s first few teeth will probably be the worst. Her next few teeth may come through more easily.

Your baby may go through another tough time when she’s about a year old and her molars come through. Molars are the teeth at the back of her mouth, and they’re the largest, so may cause her the most trouble when they appear. But until then you’ll both have time to recover from this difficult stage.