Teething Tips: How to Soothe Your Baby During Teething
Teething can begin as early as 3 months, with Baby’s first tooth arriving between 6 and 12 months old on average.
Baby’s gums will be sore, which can lead to side effects like frequent fussiness and biting.
Ways to comfort a teething Baby include using chilled teethers, massaging their gums, and keeping to their routines.
You may have heard about the “Terrible Twos”, but what about Terrible Teething?
Your little baby may be a little thrown off by those chompers coming in, but teething doesn’t have to be terrible. Once you know what to expect, there are a few ways you can comfort Baby.
What to Expect During the Teething Process
Babies typically get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months and teething can begin as early as 3 months old. Both teething and when the first tooth appears vary greatly from baby to baby. There also isn’t a set milestone for Baby’s first tooth, so no need to worry if Baby’s comes in sooner or later than expected.
Most adults don’t give their baby teeth a second thought after their last one is lost and the tooth fairy makes their final visit. But baby teeth are important because they help your child talk, chew, and smile—and they hold a place for adult teeth grow properly.
For something so important, it isn’t much fun when they first come in. Baby’s gums will be sore as their teeth erupt one by one, so know that they may be a little grouchy through this process.
Signs of Teething: How to Know When Your Baby is Teething
Fussing/Crying: Most parents say they notice Baby is a little fussier than normal when teething begins. Remember, teeth coming in can be a little painful, and since Baby can’t tell you that, it can lead to some irritability.
Biting: This is a big one! You may notice Baby start biting and chewing on everything in sight. They do this to help relieve gum soreness. Giving Baby teethers can help because they’ll be chewing on something you give them, and you know it’s safe to go in their mouth.
Loss of Appetite: Because Baby’s gums are sore, they may refuse some solids they were previously enjoying.
Drooling: You may see more drooling than usual from Baby when they begin teething. This is common because saliva helps cool gums, which can be comforting to Baby.
Sleep Troubles: Baby’s pain may also disrupt their sleep or make it harder for them to fall asleep comfortably.
⚠️ Many people often associate fever with teething, but fevers over 100 degrees Fahrenheit are not normal. Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if Baby has a fever, rash, diarrhea, or their gums become purple.
How to Comfort a Teething Baby
Give Baby Chilled Washcloths and Toys
Chilled but not frozen is the key to remember when trying to soothe teething pain! Put a teether or wet washcloth in the freezer for a couple minutes (so it’s cold but not frozen) before you let Baby chew on it. A chilled washcloth can also be used to massage Baby’s gums. Avoid toys that are rock solid or toys with gel that a tooth might be able to puncture.
Use Your Fingers to Massage Baby’s Gums
Baby will love your fingers! If their teeth haven’t poked through yet, try rubbing Baby’s gums to ease their discomfort. (This works in a pinch if you don’t have a teether handy!) Apply light pressure with a clean finger for a few minutes at a time. You can run your fingers under cold water or against an ice cube beforehand to add a cooling effect.
Stick to Baby’s Regular Routines
Difficulty sleeping is a common side effect of teething, so keeping Baby’s sleep schedule—and all their routines—in place will help them feel comfortable by offering them some familiarity during this new, rocky experience.
Teething isn’t fun, but don’t let it be terrible. These tips will help you know what to expect and help Baby feel comforted until they have a smile full of teeth!
