Healthy tips for soothing a teething baby
Anyone who has ever dealt with a teething baby knows that it is miserable. They’re in so much pain, and you feel helpless while they cry, bless their little hearts. The good news is, there are things you can do to help!
Signs of teething:
First thing to determine: is your baby just being extra moody? Or do they have another tooth coming in? It’s hard to tell sometimes, especially if the tooth hasn’t broken the surface yet. There are other signs to look for that mean your baby is teething:
- Lots of drooling
- Crankiness or irritability
- Chewing on hard objects
- Tender/sore gums
They may also be extra clingy, or have trouble sleeping. And who can blame them? They literally have a new tooth breaking through their gums, that has to hurt!
Soothing a teething baby:
If you suspect your baby is teething, here’s what you can do to help.
Medication – you can give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce the pain and swelling. Always make sure you give them the correct amounts! Check with your pediatrician if you aren’t sure about the correct dosage. Avoid homeopathic remedies, as these have been proven recently to pose a health risk to babies.
Cool them down – cold helps with swelling, so you can use a cold washcloth, teething ring, or spoon, and let them chew on it. Avoid frozen teething rings, as the extreme cold may do more harm than good.
Rub the gums – take a clean finger or soft, clean rag and gently rub your baby’s gums. The pressure does help. If your baby does have other teeth, be careful! When their teeth hurt, they will bite down hard.
Hard food – if your baby has begun to eat solid food, you can give them a carrot, cucumber, or apple slice to gnaw on. Watch them carefully, in case they bite off a piece – as that poses a choking hazard. We recommend the mesh nets that are attached to a teething ring. You can put anything in it, and they can chew safely, without the risk of choking.
Dry their faces – if your child is drooling a lot, try to keep them dry. Wipe their face with a soft clean cloth frequently. Their skin can get irritated from all the drool. You can also use a moisturizer to protect their skin. Just make sure you use one that’s safe for babies!
