How to Take Care of a Teething Baby

Tears, crankiness, and drooling can make the teething period an ordeal for most babies as well as their parents. Though the timing widely varies, it generally starts when they’re about 6 months old. The lower central incisors which are the bottom front teeth are the first ones to appear, followed by the upper central incisors, which are the two top ones. Classic symptoms and signs include chewing on objects, tender or sore gums, and irritability along with low-grade fever. Don’t worry about the process as this is something that all babies have to go through. Read our blog post and find out how you can take care of your teething baby and help them through this difficult process.

Tips to Take Care of a Baby Experiencing Teething

1. Apply Pressure and Cold

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book to calm a baby’s sensitive teething gums. By applying pressure and cold, the baby may experience some relief from the pain they are experiencing. You can give the baby non-toxic and safe objects which can be frozen and used by them to chew on. The pressure helps soothe the inflamed gums and the cold can help in numbing the area. Certain things you can do are:

• Use frozen veggies and fruits – You can put some veggies and fruits in a silicone or mesh teether and place it in a freezer for an hour. This can be done for small babies but for older babies, you can simply freeze a banana and give to him/her as a tasty snack when they get cranky from the irritation.
• A frozen washcloth – Take a small washcloth and soak it in water before freezing it. Once it’s frozen completely, you can give it to the baby without a worry as the soft texture won’t cause any harm to their sensitive gums.
• A cold metal spoon – Place a metal spoon in the fridge and allow it to cool down before handing it to the baby to chew on.

2. Create a Peaceful Environment

It's important to set a sleeping schedule for the baby right from the start as it helps their body adjust accordingly. It allows them fall asleep around the same time daily, and create a routine for them. Simple tasks at the same intervals could subconsciously signal to them it’s time to go to bed. On consistently repeating this for a few weeks, the baby will get into that practice easily. This happens as it works similar to the principle of habit formation. This routine could consist of a warm bath, changing into their night clothes, and reading or singing to them until they’ve fallen asleep.

3. Consider Herbal Remedies

Parents can safely use herbal remedies to soothe their baby’s irritant gums. These have popularly been used all over the world for this purpose among numerous other ailments amid children and adults alike. Here are some things you can consider:

• Clove – It is a kind of naturally occurring antiseptic which also works as a painkiller, sometimes better than medications that are commercially available.
• Rosehip – Filled with antioxidants and vitamin C, rosehip tea can boost your child’s metabolism and their immune system. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties which can help.
• Chamomile – It is a popular remedy to soothe teething gums as it can eliminate the irritability to a great extent.

How can you use herbal remedies?

• Rub onto the gums – Place the herbs you want to use in a small saucepan with olive oil and cover. Place it over a low flame for 4 to 6 hours. Once the time has passed, strain the oil and store it in the fridge. You can use this cool oil on your baby’s gum without hesitation.
• Prepare a tea – The above-mentioned herbs can all be used to brew into a tea. You may dampen a washcloth with the same liquid before freezing it.
• Offer it as a beverage – Boil the herbs and make a tea which your little one can drink. Steep 1 tsp of the selected herbs in approximately 10 ounces of water and let it boil for 6 to 7 minutes. Allow this to cool down before serving it to your child in a bottle or with the help of a syringe.

4. Offer Extra Comfort

Your child will experience discomfort when the teeth first start coming in. This is why it's vital for you to provide some extra care, attention, and love. A new toy or some cuddle time can help distract them from the pain. Remember, there is a chance their sleep may become disrupted, for which you can try sticking to his/her nap schedule as much as possible, to keep them from feeling tired.

5. Consult a Kids’ Dentist

If you’re concerned about your little bundle of joy experiencing discomfort due to teething, you can consult your pediatrician or doctor. They will be able to provide the right guidance on what you should do and what to avoid during this period. Additionally, if you see that the remedies mentioned aren’t working, a kids’ dentist will be able to offer advice on administering medication that can help ease the pain. As your baby starts teething, he/she will experience various uncomfortable symptoms. It's normal for them to feel irritated and fussy so there’s nothing you need to worry about. For any questions or concerns, you may have regarding your baby’s erupting teeth, contact a kid’s dentist in Brampton. Remember, it’s best to seek help from a professional to ensure your child experiences a minimum level of discomfort.