Ever since your baby came into this world, you have been waiting for him to hit each milestone at the right time. As anticipated, your baby has popped his first tooth, and you have no clue about how to make this phase easy for your baby. If that’s the case, don’t be intimidated because we, at ABC For MOMS, have got you covered.
What Is Teething?
Teething is a gradual process during which your baby’s teeth start to erupt through his gums. Teething begins anywhere between 3 to 15 months, and most children will have all their milk teeth erupted by 3 years.
Nevertheless, teething is difficult for both the mother and the baby. Although not all babies experience similar teething symptoms, the following are some of the common signs of teething in babies:
- Increased drooling.
- Irritability.
- Sleeplessness.
- Slight fever.
- An increased urge for chewing most of the time.
Teething is a long process and can really get on your baby’s (and yours) nerves. In case of any unusual symptoms, it is best to refer to your child’s pediatrician.
Following are specific ways by which you can make the entire process easier for your baby and keep him calm and composed.
Teething Rings – Chewing makes babies feel better during teething. It temporarily soothes down their inflamed gums. Avoid letting your baby chew every object in sight and be wary of what your baby is taking in his mouth. Most babies suffer diarrhea and other related problems because they take every potentially contaminated object in their mouth during the teething phase.
Good quality teething rings that are cleaned regularly are the best soothers for your baby so invest in a few.
- Frozen and Damp Washcloth – A clean frozen washcloth when chewed against the gums, can soothe your baby’s swollen gums.
- Teething Biscuits – Get some from the store or make some at home, teething biscuits too can minimize irritation.
- Pain Killers – If your baby continues to stay irritable most of the time, it is better to refer to your pediatrician and ask for a pain killer.
What If Your Baby Rejects Solids During Teething?
Well, that is the most common complain of all concerned mommies out there. Most babies reject solids completely during the teething phase, and that is absolutely normal. Would you be able to eat if you were going through intense inflammatory pain and irritability all the time? You won’t. Your little one is going through the same and does not know what to do about it. Thus, the foremost thing he does is that he says no to food. If that’s the case, you do not really need to worry.
If your teething baby is under 6 months old, he does not need solids at all. At this stage, your baby’s 100% nutritional requirements will be provided by your breastmilk. If your baby is under between 6 – 12 months, breastmilk still will provide 80% of his dietary needs. Do not go for compulsive feeding and try offering different foods. Once your baby’s tooth erupts completely, he will resume eating.
