Your child’s first teeth is a key milestone in their development. Teething can also be a very uncomfortable and distressing time for some babies and parents. Especially for first-time mums and dads.
This article will look at different ways you can help provide relief and comfort your child while they’re teething. But first...
How do I know if my Baby is Teething?
For new parents, it can be difficult to tell when your child is teething or uncomfortable for other reasons. Here are some common signs that your baby has begun teething:
- Swelling in the gums
- Gums becoming very sensitive
- Drooling
- Teeth becoming visible below the gums
- Irritable or fussy
- Refusing to eat
- Trying to bite, chew and suck everything
One of the biggest indicators is your baby begins chewing on their fingers, toys, blankets or anything they can get their hands on. While this is normal for teething infants, it is important to keep an eye on what they’re putting in their mouths and keep them away from choking hazards.
These may just last a few days as new teeth begin emerging. Though it is not uncommon for these symptoms to remain as long as several months. This is normally due to a number of teeth coming in.
That said, some babies do not experience any of these symptoms or show any noticeable signs of teething, which is very fortunate for mum and dad.
How to Comfort a Teething Baby?
There is a wide range of products and approaches to soothing your teething child. It is important to remember no child is the same and every baby will experience teething differently. It is why, as parents, you need to work out what is the best approach for your child.
Teething Gels
It is recommended that parents should try teething gels for their babies. These are widely available at your local chemist or pharmacy. If you are unsure which product or brand to use, the onsite chemist or pharmacists should be able to advise you, or you can speak with your healthcare provider.
These gels or ointments are gently applied directly to the gums to provide relief.
Though it is important to note that there is a lack of evidence that shows these gels are effective, especially homeopathic treatments.
Most parents are recommended to try a non-medical option first, such as teething rings.
Oli & Carol Chewable Teether - Pepita The Apple
Distracting a Teething Baby
Distracting and playing with your baby can help comfort them and take their mind off their gums. As simple as it is, comforting them and giving them attention can help relieve them of their teething pain.
Teething Rings
Teething rings are the ideal distractions for your babies. They allow them to chew, suck and bite something safely and to their heart's content. This can offer some relief to any pain or discomfort they may experience. These are a common approach to teething.
When looking for the ideal teething ring for your teething baby, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. While, naturally, you are looking for a teething ring that is made of safe materials, you should also look at its texture. Popular teething rings such as the Sophie la Girafe Teething Ring comes with a range of different spots, ridges and textures across the product. As no baby’s teething is the same, this gives children a selection of shapes to chew and bite.
A handy tip is to chill your teethers in the fridge, which can help soothe your baby’s gums and relieve their teething pain. It is important to never chill your child’s teether in the freezer as it can freeze and damage their emerging teeth.
Sophie la Girafe So Pure Texture Teething Ring
Modern TeethersWhile teething rings are the go-to for babies and their new teeth, these products now come in different shapes and sizes that are better designed and made for infants.
One example is Done by Deer’s Teething Rattles are designed to support your baby throughout their teething and development. These teethers are made up of both a ring and cloth, both are made with safe, durable materials. The idea behind this is to have products which keeps up with your child development as well as their teething. From 2 months old to 6 months old, this series of teething rattles are designed to stimulate their play and growth with its shapes and colours as well as help with teething.
Done by Deer Tiny Teething Rattle - Deer Friends
Preventing Teething Rashes
When your child goes through teething, your child would dribble and drool more than usual. It is important to ensure that you keep their faces clean as this may cause a rash. Simply being vigil and gently wiping their face will prevent this.
