
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Learn the symptoms Step 2: Offer a teething ring, toy or washcloth Step 3: Offer bread or chilled food and drinks Step 4: Head for the medicine cabinet Step 5: Take care of yourself, too








	Teething doesn't cause fevers. If your child has a fever above 101F (38C), consult your pediatrician. The worst discomfort usually occurs with the first teeth and the molars.

2torial 0730 - Step1:
Learn2 Learn2 Soothe a Teething Baby (Continued)

Learn the symptoms

Symptoms may precede actual teething by one to three months, and may continue in waves throughout the process. Knowing the symptoms of teething is the first step toward comforting your baby. Indications include:

Heavy drooling
Coughing due to excess saliva
A drool rash on chin or face
Chewing on everything and anything
Sensitive, possibly swollen gums
Flushed cheeks
Nasal discharge
Interrupted sleep
Refusal to eat
Pulling of his or her ears
Cheek rubbing
Irritability; crying more than usual

Even if there isn't a visible tooth quite yet, you can still alleviate the baby's pain by rubbing his or her gums with a clean finger (moisten with cold water), a small cool spoon or some wet gauze. Do this just before bedtime when the baby is getting ready to sleep for a calming overall effect. You may also want to put a clean cotton cloth between baby and bedding to soak up excessive drool during sleep.

Step 2