Teething. The very word sends chills up the spine of veteran parents and strikes fear into the hearts of first-timers.
As new teeth make their way through the gumline, the painful process makes for sleepless, tearful nights and cranky, napless days.
So how can you identify a teething baby and help them get some rest?
We’re here to tell you how to soothe a teething baby.
Tip #1: Pressure on the Gums
You’ll notice your little one being extra chewy when they start to teethe. Pressure often feels great on sore gums.
You can help by rubbing their gums around where the teeth are erupting.
Tip #2: Amber
Amber sounds new-agey, but there is some evidence behind it.
Amber jewelry for babies may help lower inflammation, acting as an analgesic that is absorbed by the skin.
If you choose an amber necklace, make sure to take it off your child at night.
Tip #3: Chewy Toys
Keeping up with the idea of pressure, make sure your baby has lots of opportunities to chew. This will help relieve a lot of the pain.
When you pick teething toys, silicone and wood are both great options. You want things that are going to give enough pressure to the gums while still being satisfying to chew.
You can also look at teething jewelry for you, as well. It keeps a ready chewing source close at hand when toys are scarce. You can often find discount codes for these and other teething products if you know where to look.
Tip #4: Cold Therapy
How many times have you used ice on an aching joint?
Turns out, you can do the same for an aching mouth!
Frozen silicone chew toys or a cold washcloth can be a lifesaver in the fight against teething pain.
Tip #5: Baby Pain Reliever
There is a big push to be “all-natural” when it comes to raising your baby.
But there is also something to be said for maintaining your sanity and relieving your baby’s pain.
Infant acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both safe and tested by the FDA. They can relieve your baby’s pain in as little as twenty minutes and keep it away for several hours.
Tip #6: Lots of Love
If you are nursing, continue to do so (though you may have to discourage biting at the breast).
Teething babies need lots of love and you may find that your baby is more clingy than normal. This is typical. Simply give them the extra cuddles they need. This will pass.
Tip #7: Keep It Dry
With teething comes drool. And while the drool itself doesn’t increase tooth pain, it can create skin pain. Drool collecting around the mouth can produce raw, irritated skin.
Keep your babies mouth dry and let them wear a bib if the drool is excessive.
Tip #8: Things to Avoid
There is an adage that as “we know better, we do better”.
There are several old teething remedies that are still recommended by parents but are simply not safe.
Never rub alcohol of any kind on your child’s gums. It may numb them, but the risk for alcohol poisoning is too great.
In addition, do not apply any product containing lidocaine or benzocaine. The FDA has recommended that these products can be harmful and even fatal and should not be used.
Never Wonder How to Soothe a Teething Baby Again
Teething isn’t fun for anyone, but with a few tricks, you and your baby will make it out just fine. Soon, you’ll be answering a new parents plea on how to soothe a teething baby.
For more on giving your baby the best beginning, check out our parenting section.
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