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Intro:
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| Soft, cotton cloths Gauze Chilled foods (see Step 4) Some teething rings or toys
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| Teething can last for two years or so. Its symptoms occur in waves about one to three months before each group of teeth that comes through. Once you figure out what soothes your baby best, however, relief is instantaneous.
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| 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. Beware of brittle plastic teething items that have small parts or can break easily. Look for thick, bendable items instead. Some studies have shown that teething items made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are potentially toxic to children and pets, so be sure to check all labels. If you decide to freeze rather than refrigerate something, remove it from the freezer before it becomes rock hard, or it can bruise the baby's gums. To prevent choking, it's important to make sure the baby is sitting up when you give him or her food, and that you're there to supervise the entire time. Do not give your child anything for teething that is small enough to be swallowed. Ask your pediatrician to show you what to do if your baby starts to choke, or take a class in basic first aid. Clean new teeth with wet gauze or a wet washcloth wrapped around your finger. Keep your baby from chewing on surfaces that may be covered in lead-based paint (such as older furniture or toys). |
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Take a bite out of teething Sleep? Who needs it! For many new parents it's more of a rarity than a reality. This becomes increasingly apparent when your baby's drool faucet turns on and the first set of teeth begin to show. Teething can be painful in more ways than one. Aside from interrupting sleep, it can make your baby irritable, inspire a constant desire to chew on anything and anyone within reach, and cause a host of other symptoms. On the other hand, some babies just glide right through the process with hardly a peep. It all depends on the infant (and maybe a little luck). Fortunately, there are many tried-and-true ways to help your baby--and yourself--through this potentially trying process. We'll help you find one that works for everyone involved, even the sandman.
While the average age teething begins is six to seven months, it can happen as early as two months or as late as 12. Heredity often determines when it occurs. Once teething starts, you can expect about four to six new teeth to come in every four months or so, until all 20 teeth have arrived (usually by the child's third birthday). The first teeth most commonly seen are the two bottom-front, followed by the two top-front. The rest tend to follow a similar pattern, working their way back toward the molars. However, individual variations should be expected. The guidelines we'll show you will offer a range of soothing possibilities. You may find the way your child responds to a remedy depends on his or her age. But remember, if your child seems particularly miserable at any point, teething may not be the problem, so consult your pediatrician.
P> 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:
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.
A teething baby pretty much wants to gnaw on whatever's available. He or she is basically seeking the relief that comes from counterpressure against the gums. Having a variety of items to offer will help you determine what the baby will like best. One of the most popular teething remedies is the refrigerated or frozen teething ring or toy. Many babies take to these rubber, gel-filled or plastic items quite easily. Another well-known remedy is a homemade version of the same. Just take a clean washcloth, wet it, twist it and place it in the refrigerator or freezer. Some people like to moisten the cloth with chamomile tea, which is an herbal tea known for its calming effects, prior to refrigeration. When that gnawing urge surfaces, just hand over one of the refrigerated items and let your baby go to town.
If teething rings or washcloths don't do the trick, don't give up on the kitchen-based resources yet. Food such as thick-crust French bread and frozen bagels are known to work quite well. The key is to make sure the bread has a crust that's tough enough so the baby cannot bite off a chunk. Remember, we're going for gnawing action here, not culinary delights. You can also try frozen bananas (keep whole or cut in half) or wrapping an apple slice in a cloth and then securing it firmly with a rubber band (like you would a pony tail). When feeding time does roll around, go for cold foods such as apple sauce, puréed fruit, pudding, yogurt and the like. Cold teething bisquits (available where health foods are sold), which melt in the baby's mouth, are also helpful and nutritious when used sparingly--but too many can cause decay to teeth that are already in. To quench your baby's thirst, go for ice-cold beverages (without ice). The cold will feel great on your baby's gums.
If there's just no soothing your child with the previous measures, sometimes medication is the answer. However, before using any of the following, it's extremely important to consult your pediatrician. Local anesthetics: Some parents choose local anesthetics such as Orajel or Anbesol to rub on the gums as a numbing agent. While popular, these items only provide temporary relief, as they wash out of the mouth quite quickly (but sometimes a few minutes of serenity are worth it!). Homeopathic teething tablets and liquids: These natural pain relievers are made with herbs and natural oils, and they melt in the baby's mouth. They are offered by Hyland's, Nature's Way, Bioron and other companies. Acetominophen: Some pediatricians will prescribe a small dose of children's pain reliever (such as Children's Tylenol) for teething. Clove oil: You can use your finger to apply clove oil, which serves as a numbing agent, to your baby's gums a few times a day. Chamomile tea: Give your baby a few teaspoons of this caffeine-free tea every two hours for a calming effect.
Remember the importance of self-care. If your baby is waking up at night, you will be, too. But if everyone's missing out on sleep, the situation only worsens. Talk with your spouse, another family member or a friend about sharing late-night duties. Some people alternate nights, so at least one person gets a good night's sleep. Others split the duties involved. Still others give the baby a few minutes to calm down on its own. The important thing to remember is that different things work for different people. And if you work as a team, everyone benefits (and even gets some sleep along the way!). -end- 
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Learn the symptoms
Offer a teething ring, toy or washcloth
Offer bread or chilled food and drinks
Head for the medicine cabinet
Take care of yourself, too
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