Teething Symptoms
and Relief Tips
Loading
Signs and Symptoms
Teething can be a nightmare for some babies and parents. How your baby handles this milestone will just depend on your baby. Some will sail through with hardly a whimper while others will cry and fuss on and off for months. - Your baby will probably begin cutting his first tooth between 6-8 months. Some babies cut teeth earlier and others might be as old as 1 year before you see a tooth. The range is normal so don't fret if your little one is still toothless on his first birthday.
- The first teeth to come in are usually the two front bottom then the four front top teeth.
- Gums will appear red and swollen when teeth are beginning to cut through.
- Drool production will go up by buckets.
- Your baby will chew on everything he can get to his mouth. This is a tricky time for nursing mommies(Ouch!).
- Your baby might undergo a personality change by being irritable or fussy.
- Pulling at or poking in the ears is another clue that teeth are coming in but it can also mean ear pain from infections so watch him closely.
- Your baby might have a low grade fever(not over 100 degrees) and even loose stools when cutting teeth.
Relief Tips
Relieving teething pain can be a juggling act. I know I never was without Tylenol and Baby Ambesol for the whole time my son was cutting teeth. Just when you think you made it through another tooth starts it's painful descent to the surface. - Infant pain and fever reducer can help to get your and your baby past the pain of cutting teeth. Buy two bottles one for the house and one for the diaper bag. Make sure your pediatrician recommends the products you use.
- Topical pain relievers help but only for a short time.
- A frozen wet wash cloth was one of my son's favorite gum soothers.
- Have on hand a collection of small flexible chew toys.
- Your baby might favor cool foods during this time like yogurt or apple sauce.
Teething and Tooth Care
Baby Care Basics
Home Page
|
