Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
We found a few products to help teething babies through what can be a challenging time. We love these teething soothers for natural materials as well as design and baby-friendliness! (Top to bottom) DIY popsicles (use ice water or breast milk!), Bandana Bibs, Silicone bead and wood ring teether, Cloth and wood teethers
Milena and I were playing with Mateo the other day and he began gnawing on my knuckle- hello teething!
Teething can begin as early as 3 months as teething babies tooth buds develop before they’re born! The first 6 to 12 months you’ll see the central incisors (the teeth right in the middle of the jaw on the top and bottom) with a few more making their appearance every 3-4 months. Most children have all of their primary teeth by age three.
The process of getting these teeth can be effortless or excruciating depending on your baby. Most babies show some teething symptoms.
The tricky thing about teething is that symptoms can start 2 to 3 months before a tooth surfaces! This can be brutal for baby and family if there’s a lot of discomfort. Signs of teething include:
Biting
Excessive drool
Fussiness
Sleeplessness
Fever, rash, diaper rash, cold symptoms, diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Pulling ears or rubbing chin or cheeks
Here are a few more suggestions to give your little one some relief-
1. Rub baby’s gums. Wash your hands, and then give your baby a little gum massage. The pressure, which will be counter to the pressure of the teeth breaking through, will feel good and offer your little one some relief from swollen gums.
2. Refrigerate a pacifier. Chilling a pacifier will make it even more soothing to your baby, and may even lightly numb the gums.
3. Make milk popsicles. Some babies and toddlers refuse to eat while teething, most likely out of discomfort. Keep your little one fed and hydrated while soothing those gums by making milk popsicles. Use BPA-free popsicle forms, like the ones above, and fill with either breastmilk or formula. Popsicles can get messy, especially as they start to melt, so slip on a bib and place your child on a washable towel or blanket, or over flooring that can easily be cleaned.
4. Try different types of teethers (see above). Babies have preferences on lots of things, and teethers are no different. When their mouths are really aching, you want to give your child something they like and will really sink those gums into.
5. Wear your baby as much as possible. If your teething tot is clingy, strap them into a structured carrier, like the Ergobaby 360. They’ll feel comfort by being close to you, and you can still get things done. If you’re nursing, offer the breast more than usual to ensure your baby is nourished and to provide additional comfort. Bottle feeding? Snuggle during and after feeding time.
6. Keep baby’s face dry. While it won’t help those aching gums, wiping the waterfall of drool that comes with teething from your baby’s mouth, chin and cheeks helps prevent skin irritation, which can add to their discomfort.
7. Freeze a wet, textured washcloth. Moisten a textured washcloth, wring it dry, and place in the freezer before giving it to your baby. A plain washcloth will work, but terrycloth or one with ribbing will offer added relief by creating friction as baby gnaws on it.
8. Refrigerate a small spoon. It’s something your child can hold on their own, chew on, push against their gums and even play with to distract themselves from the pain. Keep a few spoons in the fridge so you always have one at the ready. Those new teeth can really sneak up on you.
9. Serve baby chilled purees. Put pureed foods in the refrigerator prior to feeding your baby so the food is cool on their gums. It will feel nice and may encourage your child to eat.
10. Give your child a foot massage. Studies in reflexology have identified connections between certain spots in the foot and other parts of the body. The toes correlate with the head and teeth, so gently massaging your child’s foot around the toes may offer some relief.