It’s hard to know what your baby is feeling when they are teething. They seem like they are in pain, but you can’t ask them how they feel or if it hurts. It can be difficult to figure out the best way to help them cope with their discomfort. That is why we have put together this article on the basics of teething and tips for helping your little one while their teeth work their way through the gums. We hope that these ideas will help you find ways that will work for both of you during this time!
What is teething, and what are the signs?
Teething is the process during which infants grow their first teeth. Babies get their primary or “baby” teeth between 6 to 12 months of age.
The first signs of teething can be subtle, your baby may become sensitive or irritable at certain times of day, drool more than usual, have swollen gums, or have a low-grade fever. There are also physical symptoms that you might notice when they are teething.
A common sign of teething is when mild swelling occurs in the gums surrounding the teeth. This swelling can make it difficult for babies to swallow, which is why they may seem irritable during times of day that are usually more relaxed, like at night or in the morning after waking up.
How long does teething last?
Teething can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The entire process of teething usually lasts between three and eight weeks, but it can take longer. It all depends on when your baby gets its first tooth. The average time is six months, but some babies get their first teeth later than others.
How are teething babies comforted?
Teething babies are often soothed by being held in their parent’s arms. Giving them something to eat is also helpful, because even if they still have some discomfort from the teeth, at least they can satisfy their appetite.
You might notice that if you hold your baby and give them something to suck on, it will help them feel better. This is because when babies eat or chew, they send a message to their brain telling it that everything is going well. When they are teething, this message doesn’t go through, which is why their discomfort levels are high.
There are also teething toys that can help babies feel better. You can find pacifiers made of different materials, like rubber or silicone, and many have knobs on them, so you can soothe your baby’s gums with them while they are getting something to eat. However, it can happen that your teething baby won’t eat or chew on something designed for that purpose. If your baby is really fussy and nothing you do seems to help them, it’s a good idea to have an alternative toy that you can give them as well.
How can you tell if your baby is in pain?
Your baby’s behavior is the best way to tell if they are uncomfortable or hurting. Look for signs that they are uncomfortable, like crying when their diaper is being changed, turning their head away from something they usually want to eat, irritability at certain times of day like morning or before bedtime, and drooling more than usual.
Ways to help your baby if they are in pain?
Some things that parents have found that help their babies feel better while they are teething is giving them something cold to chew on like a clean washcloth that is dampened with cold water. There are also many different types of teething toys that you can buy in stores that might help. The important thing is to experiment and see what works best for both of you!
What about teething toys?
There are three types of teething toys, those that help babies feel better by having something to chew on, those that help with the pain of teething by numbing their gums, and those that can help with both. It really depends on your baby’s preferences. You know your child best, so you are in the best position to judge which teething toy will soothe your baby the most. Just remember, just because your child likes one type of teething toy doesn’t mean that they won’t like another. It is all about trial and error until you find something that really works for them.
Is there anything else parents can do when the teething process is happening?
Yes. It is important to make sure that your baby is getting enough fluids, so they don’t become dehydrated. It is also a good idea to monitor their temperature and watch for signs of infection like diarrhea or vomiting. If your baby is very irritable, restless, and uncomfortable during teething, there are products out there designed to help them feel better. Just remember, the best way to tell if your baby is not feeling well is their behavior. If you are unsure of anything or have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
What do doctors recommend?
The best thing for your baby is to be held and comforted. Doctors recommend that you let your baby continue its natural process of teething. They recommend rubbing or massaging your infants gums with a teething toy or toothbrush to help alleviate their discomfort. Babies can chew on most teething toys and massage their gums practically by themselves, with the supervision of parents of course, but if you don’t have a teething toy nearby, using a clean, new, toothbrush can offer pain relief to the baby, although parents do have to hold it themselves and closely monitor the baby to avoid any potential issues.
Doctors do not recommend giving teething gels or numbing agents as they may pose danger such as poisoning or seizures. A fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or coughing and vomiting also indicate something more serious than teething and should be brought to your child’s doctor immediately.
If your baby is having trouble eating, drooling excessively, or crying during diaper changes, and you think they might be teething, it’s important to consult with a doctor. They will give the best advice on how to help your child feel better while their teeth are making an appearance. It can also be difficult for parents to know which type of teether would work best for their little one, as there are so many different options out there. The most important thing is that you try something new if what you’re currently doing isn’t working well enough, this way, you’ll find relief sooner!