Every parent eagerly anticipates their baby’s first toothy grin, but the teething process can be a challenging time for both the baby and parents. Every baby is different and can get their first tooth anywhere from 3-15 months of age. However, they typically start teething between 4-9 months.
During this period, babies experience discomfort, irritability, and sometimes pain as their tiny teeth start to emerge. As a parent, it’s natural to want to ease your little one’s discomfort and make this transitional phase as smooth as possible. Here are some of our favourite gentle yet effective strategies to help your teething baby find relief.
- Gentle Gum Massage:
Massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide instant relief. The gentle pressure helps soothe the discomfort and encourages the tooth to break through the surface. Ensure your hands are clean and gently rub your baby’s gums using a circular motion. You can also use a cool, damp cloth for the massage, which adds a soothing effect.
- Teething Toys:
Teething babies have an instinct to chew, as it helps alleviate the pain and pressure in their gums. Provide safe and age-appropriate teething toys made of soft rubber or silicone. These toys are designed to be safe for babies to chew on and can be chilled in the refrigerator for added relief.
- Cool Comfort:
Cold temperatures can help numb your baby’s gums and reduce inflammation. Chill a teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for a few minutes before giving it to your baby. The cold sensation provides relief and distracts your little one from the discomfort.
- Teething Biscuits:
Once your baby starts solids, you can introduce teething biscuits. These biscuits are specially designed to be safe for babies to gnaw on, and their hard texture provides a satisfying chewing experience. Always supervise your baby while they are eating a teething biscuit to prevent choking.
- Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding:
If your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed, the sucking motion can help alleviate teething discomfort. Breastfeeding provides not only nutrition but also comfort and a sense of security for your baby. If you’re using a bottle, opt for one with a soft nipple to reduce the pressure on your baby’s gums.
- Cuddle and Comfort:
Teething can make babies fussier and more clingy. Offer plenty of cuddles, love, and comfort during this time. Sometimes, a little extra attention and soothing words can do wonders in calming a teething baby.
- Pain Relief:
There are a range of pain relief options you can choose from, including paracetamol, ibuprofen or bonjela. Always use as directed and read the instructions carefully before proceeding.
Teething is a natural part of a baby’s development, but it can be a challenging time for both the baby and parents… but I promise you it won’t last forever!
Remember, every baby is unique, so it might take some trial and error to discover what works best for your little one. Stay patient, offer lots of love and comfort, and soon, those adorable toothy grins will make all the teething troubles worthwhile.
