Toothaches are not fun! Imagine what our little babes feel like when their mouths are battling with an emerging tooth. A first tooth is a big milestone, but it is hard to celebrate when someone is in pain! We as parents want to do everything we can to soothe any discomfort for our babies.
Babies begin teething on average between the ages of 6 to 8 months, but this can vary depending on your child. Signs that your baby may be getting ready to teethe are red or swollen gums, extra drooling, putting their fist-or anything-in their mouth, and decrease in appetite, increased fussiness and disrupted sleeping.
Unless you give your baby something to chew on, he will put just about anything within reach in his mouth-that's just what they do! There are endless remedies to try from homeopathic and natural ingredients, to over the counter medicines. Finding the one that works for you and your baby takes patience and courage. I have never liked trying new medications, myself and have always been hesitant to have my babies be the guinea pig! Just be sure to always check with your pediatrician before beginning any new medication.
HOMEOPATHIC IDEA- I love the idea of anything natural or homeopathic. There is a great product called teething sprinkles, which is a medicine that is in very fine powdered form and can be easily rubbed on babies' gums and dissolves almost instantly. Babies like this because it usually comes in yummy flavors and can be given without the baby even hardly noticing that you've given them anything! Rubbing vanilla extract on the gums is something that works great too. Just pour a couple of drops into the lid of the extract, then dip a cotton swab in the vanilla.
COLD IDEAS-Putting a teething toy in the freezer to make it cold is a tried and true method of soothing painful gums. Wet the corner of a soft cloth and freeze it for your baby to suck on. Be sure to just wet a corner of the cloth so that your baby doesn't become drenched as the ice melts. An ice cube wrapped in a cloth works well. A whole carrot is something that my babies loved to gnaw on and it stayed cold for quite a while.
DISTRACTIONS-Doing things your baby loves-singing, massage and baths are ideas to distract a baby in distress. Going for a walk or car ride or just playing might help. Babies don't understand pain, but they do recognize familiar activities and will appreciate most any distraction.
OTC PAIN RELIEF-Gels and drops have worked for many teethers. Be very cautious about the correct dosage when giving any types of medicines. Check with your doctor about dosage and if any unnatural reactions occur.
SOMETHING TASTY-Frozen bananas are yummy and helpful. Teething biscuits are another option. Crusts are very popular too, just be sure to find crusts that are free of sugar. Most grocery stores have many different kinds of "teether foods" in their baby food section.
Whatever remedy ends up working for you, just remember, this too shall pass! Before long, you will be giving assistance in pulling out the loose teeth in preparation for the tooth fairy!
Author Resource:-
Teething is no fun for baby, use a baby sling to make it easier and to keep your baby close. Kat Hafen is a staff writer for HugaMonkey, makers of baby slings.
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