When Does Baby Start Teething?

Teething usually starts between 6 – 8 months with the lower front teeth and continues until 30-36 months of age when the last set of molars appear. Some cases those first teeth may appear earlier or even a little later. It varies from baby to baby as for some; it takes its own sweet time to show up. During the teething period there are symptoms that include irritability, disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, rash around the mouth, mild temperature, diarrhea, increased biting and gum-rubbing and even ear-rubbing.
Symptoms of Teething
• Irritability – This is caused by the discomfort of the teeth erupting through gums. Often the first teeth are the most uncomfortable. Your little one may cry more than usual and might seem a little fussier.
• Disturbed sleep – Teething pain or uneasiness may cause your baby to wake up during the night.
• More drooling – Many babies are drool a lot! It’s common for infant to drool a lot when teething. Experts say the extra saliva can help soothe the tender gums.
• Fever – During teething, your little one’s temperature may be slightly elevated, but teething is unlikely to cause a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be caused by infant putting their unclean hands in their mouth.
• Diarrhea -Many believe that the increased saliva produced during teething can cause stool to become slightly loose. Keep in mind; diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious infection so contacting your infant’s paediatrician is especially important if the diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting or a high fever.
• Coughing – The extra saliva produced during teething can cause a cough.
• Biting and Chewing – When your baby is teething, he or she may gnaw on toys, a teething ring, or even her own fingers to help relieve the pressure they feels on their gums. Chewing on something firm helps massage the gums and helps ease any discomfort as the tooth tries to erupt.
• Cheek rubbing and ear pulling – This is caused by pain in the gums, which can run to the cheek and ear, basically when the molars are erupting. Keep in mind that ear pulling or rubbing can also be a sign of an ear infection. Infants will rub those areas.
• The spot where a tooth is coming through may be tender, red, and swollen.

Tips for Soothe Teething

 

1. Massage the Gums

Applying pressure to your infant’s gums may help ease the pain. Your baby’s gums are irritated and sore, which can explain the night-time fussiness. After thoroughly cleaning your hands, lay your baby on the bed and massage their gums gently with your finger. This may actually help your baby relax and fall asleep. You can try rubbing the gums again if your baby awakes in the middle of the sleep.

 

2. Apply some pressure

Make sure your hands are clean before you stick them in your baby’s mouth. Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure on your baby’s gums. Sometimes simply rubbing the gums will be enough to give your baby sweet relief from pain.

 

3. Cold Cloth

Take a clean cloth and soak it in water. You should wring out the water until it is damp, and then place it in the freezer for at least 30 to 60 minutes. After it is nice and cool, fold the washcloth and give to your baby to chew and make sure that there aren’t any rips or strings. You should never leave your baby unattended if they are chewing on something, even a washcloth. This idea instantly cooling your baby’s gums.

 

4. Chewing Toys

If this is their first tooth, you might let your baby gum at your fingers. Just make sure that your fingers are clean. For added comfort, dip your fingers in cool water.
If your baby uses a pacifier, you can cool it down. You should make sure the pacifier is clean. The coolness may help numb the gums and relieve some pain.
You can follow the same steps with teething toys. You can place any solid teething toys in the fridge.

 

5. Chill Some Fruit

If your baby knows about foods, you could try freezing some types of foods to help soothe irritated gums. Chilled mashed bananas are a great to eat! You can try other fruits in a mesh feeder for your baby to suck on. Some different types of fruit you could try include chilled apples, pears, or strawberries.

 

6. Wipe and repeat

It is helpful to have your baby wear a bib. Babies have a tendency to drool and soak their clothing. Make sure your little baby is as dry as possible during the day so they go into the night more comfortable. You should make it a priority to wipe away drool from your baby’s face to help prevent further irritation.

 

7. Extra Cuddling Time

Cuddle, cuddle, and cuddle! Sometimes the best way to help a baby in discomfort is some extra cuddle time. Rocking your baby in a big chair or carrying your baby around the house is good ideas. The extra time spent with your baby can help alleviate their pain, by providing feelings of being comforted and reassured. The extra cuddle time will help provide both of you with some needed rest.
If you breastfeed, don’t be afraid to give your baby additional nursing sessions for comfort. It is important to provide your infant with a calm environment to help them relax and fall asleep.