Helpful Advice for Parents of Teething Children

Teething can be a tough time for both babies and parents!

Here are some helpful tips to ease the process:

1. **Offer Something Cold**

– Cold teething rings:  ** Store them in the fridge (not freezer) to soothe swollen gums.
– Chilled washcloth:  ** Wet a clean washcloth and chill it in the fridge for a soft, soothing chewable.
– Cold food or drinks:  ** If your baby is eating solids, try cold purees, yogurt, or chilled applesauce.

2. **Massage Their Gums**
– Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger. The pressure can alleviate discomfort temporarily.

3. **Use Teething Toys**
– Silicone or rubber teething toys are great for babies to chew on. Look for BPA-free options for safety.
– Some babies love textured toys that can massage their gums.

4. **Teething Biscuits (for Older Babies)**
– For babies old enough to eat solids, try giving them teething biscuits or rusks. These are hard and can be gnawed on to help with discomfort.

5. **Comfort Through Distraction**
– Keep your baby engaged with their favorite activities, such as playing with toys, singing, or going for a walk. Distraction can help take their mind off the discomfort.

6. **Maintain a Good Routine**
– Teething might disrupt your baby’s sleep, but try to keep consistent nap and bedtime routines. Use soothing techniques like lullabies or rocking to help them settle down.   Also, comfort your baby if they wake up at night. Avoid introducing new habits like feeding to sleep that may become hard to break later on.

7. **Give Extra Cuddles and Comfort**
– Teething can make babies fussy and irritable, so offering them extra comfort through cuddling or skin-to-skin contact can help.

8. **Medication (When Necessary)**
– Consult with your pediatrician before giving any medication. Baby-safe pain relievers like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies older than six months) can be used if the baby is in significant discomfort.
– Teething gels are available but should be used cautiously and under a doctor’s guidance, as some contain benzocaine, which is not recommended for young children.

9. **Avoid Harmful Remedies**
– Stay away from amber teething necklaces (choking hazard) and frozen toys (risk of frostbite).

10. **Keep Drool in Check**
– Excessive drooling can lead to rashes around the mouth and chin. Use a bib and wipe your baby’s chin regularly to keep the skin dry.

11. **Stay Calm and Patient**
– Teething can be a challenging time, but it’s temporary. Staying calm and offering comfort will help your baby through the process.

When to See a Doctor:

• If your baby has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), diarrhea, or a rash during teething, it’s best to consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes of illness.

Patience and comfort are key!  Every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your child!