Baby Teething - All you need to know in 2024: Signs, Soothing, & Tips For An Easy Transition
If you have been a regular reader (no? You should be!), we have well-established that being a parent is no cakewalk. There’s a silver lining, though. Everything you learn over the journey of parenthood makes you the perfect parent for your little ones. Some of these important learnings come during the Teething Phase! The teething phase is a new milestone, often a little frustrating for the baby, sometimes for parents too, but it is SO adorable when they start using the small teeth to nibble on you!
What is Teething? Teething, also known as ‘Odontiasis’ is when babies start growing teeth through their gums. Babies usually begin to teethe between 4 and 7 months, and some even later. While each baby grows at their own pace, how do we know that our baby is teething?
Depending on the situation, there are a few signs and symptoms your little ones may experience. Knowing what to expect during teething and how to make it a little less painful can help you be prepared for the moment.
Are there any signs or symptoms of teething? Yes!
Here are the Top 5 Symptoms of Teething
- Babies may start to drool more
- Experience crying spells
- Disrupted sleep and eating patterns
- Slightly raised temperature
- Swollen/tender gums
- Teething can be painful but it usually does not cause fever or diarrhea, but if your baby does develop these symptoms, it is best to consult their pediatrician.
Usually, at first, you can see their two teeth at the bottom front, then the opposite top two, and then two on either of those sides, followed by the two on either side of the bottom front teeth, then first molars, and at the end, the back molars. However, this can also depend on the family history and genetics. So if the teeth don’t grow in this order, don’t worry!
The pain of teething usually lasts for about 8 days, but if multiple teeth come through simultaneously, the pain can continue for a little longer. But there are a few things you can adapt to make it better for them
Top 5 Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
- Use a clean wet cold cloth and rub it against their gums
- Give them a cool object to chew. Make sure it is not plastic or of any material that could easily break
- Alternatively, you can also use a pacifier to let them chew. Do not freeze it!
- Feed them cool, soft foods like applesauce, yogurt if only they have started solids
- Use a bottle if you think it might help. But, fill it only with water as formula milk or juices might cause tooth decay
-
You can also invest in teether toys. There are now a variety of options to choose from in the market like wood teethers, silicone teethers, etc. (more on that below)
When teeth do appear, how do we take care of them?
Dental care should begin even before the first tooth appears. Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean wet cloth or can try using a soft infant-sized toothbrush and water. No toothpaste yet! When the first tooth appears, you can use fluoridated toothpaste but very little. Increase the amount to pea-size of toothpaste once the little one is ready to spit it out. This ould be around 3 years of age. Try choosing a toothpaste with fluoride as it helps in preventing tooth decay. But, make sure to not overdo it. By the time all the teeth are in, it’s better to inculcate the habit of brushing twice a day. Especially after meals for dental hygiene. Also, if your baby still uses a bottle, do not let them sleep with it as the milk or juice can pool in their mouth resulting in tooth decay and plaque.
Any products that assist during the Teething Phase?
You’d be pleased to know - YES! Here’s a list of products that assist your little one
during teething
- The Cheeky Chompers Baby Bib with Teether and The Cheeky Chompers Baby Comforter with Teether are excellent products for your baby to chew on while they are teething. These products are available in multiple designs and colors to make your little one look vibrant while wearing them. Their brilliant reversible design and absorbent bib ensure the drool pools are under control. Both these products are made with 100% cotton to keep your little one comfy, while the teether parts are made from 100% food-grade silicone (FDA approved) and contain no phthalates or BPA and will never flake or peel.
- How about easing the teething pain with some fun? The Sophie La Girafe Teether and the Matchstick Monkey Teether are such toys made with 100% natural rubber and food-grade silicone (FDA approved) that are perfect for those little nibbles as they go through the phase
- For over 40 years, BIBS has been known for its perfect pacifiers. Pacifiers can help relieve teething pain and provide comfort for babies. These pacifiers are also made with FDA they approved food-grade silicone BPA-Free, non-toxic, and environment-friendly! To add to that, BIBS has multiple nipple shapes to suit your baby. Round nipple, symmetrical nipple, anatomical nipple - pick what your little one prefers!
So there you have it, Super Parents. This is EVERYTHING you need to know about taking care of your little ones’ gums and teeth. You can always visit the dentist if something does not feel right. Even if you’re still learning, a parent’s gut feeling is everything when it comes to protecting their cubs.
Leave a comment