Surviving the Teething Phase: Tips for Soothing Your Baby’s Discomfort

Your little one has just started to teeth! That’s huge! It probably feels like it has taken forever just to get to this point in your parenting journey. But before you know it, this phase will be over too.

So while it can be a challenging time for both you and your kiddo, don’t worry. This too shall pass.

To help make things a little easier for you, we have prepared this guide. It is designed to help you understand what's happening and how to make your baby more comfortable.

Let's talk about everything you need to know about teething and how to survive this phase.

What is Teething?

Teething is when your baby's first teeth start to come through their gums. It usually starts around 6 months old, but can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Every baby is different!

Signs Your Baby is Teething

Here are some common signs that your baby might be teething:

Drooling more than usual
Chewing on things
Irritability or fussiness
Swollen or tender gums
Slight fever (less than 101°F)
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Rubbing their cheek or ear
Mild rash around the mouth due to excess drool

Remember, not all babies show all these signs. Some might have a harder time with teething than others.

When Do Teeth Usually Appear?

While every baby is different, here's a general timeline for when teeth typically come in:

Bottom front teeth: 5-7 months
Top front teeth: 6-8 months
Side front teeth: 9-11 months
First molars: 12-16 months
Canines: 16-20 months
Second molars: 20-30 months

Tips for Soothing Your Teething Baby

Now that we know what to expect, let's look at ways to help your baby feel better:

1. Massage Their Gums

Use a clean finger or damp washcloth to gently rub your baby's gums. The pressure can help ease the discomfort.

2. Offer Something Cold to Chew On

Cold can numb the gums and provide relief. Try:

A chilled (not frozen) teething ring
A cold, wet washcloth
A chilled spoon (not frozen)
Refrigerated teething toys

3. Use Teething Toys

There are many safe teething toys available. Look for ones made of solid rubber without small parts that could come off.

4. Try Teething Biscuits or Cold Foods

If your baby is eating solid foods, you can offer:

Chilled (not frozen) fruit in a mesh feeder
Cold yogurt or applesauce
Teething biscuits (always supervise to prevent choking)

5. Wipe Away Drool

Excess drool can irritate your baby's skin. Gently wipe it away with a soft cloth to prevent rashes.

6. Comfort and Distraction

Sometimes, your baby just needs extra cuddles and attention. Try:

Extra hugs and kisses
Singing songs or reading stories
Playing games
Going for a walk

7. Pain Relief Medication

If your baby is very uncomfortable, you can try:

Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Infant ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months)

Always check with your doctor about the right dose for your baby's age and weight.

What to Avoid

While trying to help your baby, there are some things you should avoid:

Teething gels with benzocaine: These can be harmful to babies.
Amber teething necklaces: These pose a choking hazard.
Frozen teething rings: They can be too hard and hurt your baby's gums.
Letting your baby chew on hard foods like carrots or celery: These can break off and cause choking.

Caring for New Teeth

Once those little teeth start popping through, it's time to start caring for them:

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
Use a soft, infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Brush gently twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
Schedule your baby's first dentist visit around their first birthday.

When to Call the Doctor

While teething is normal, sometimes it can cause problems. Call your doctor if your baby has:

A fever over 101°F
Diarrhea, vomiting, or a body rash
Very fussy behavior that doesn't improve with soothing
Bleeding gums
Difficulty swallowing

These symptoms might indicate something more serious than teething.

Dealing with Sleep Disruptions

Teething can sometimes affect your baby's sleep. Here are some tips to help:

Stick to your regular bedtime routine as much as possible.
Offer extra comfort, like gentle back rubs or quiet singing.
If your baby uses a pacifier, try chilling it in the fridge before bedtime.
Consider offering pain relief medication before bed if your doctor approves.

Teething and Feeding

Some babies may eat less when teething. Don't worry – this is usually temporary. Here are some tips:

For breastfed babies, try nursing more frequently but for shorter periods.
If bottle-feeding, try a slower-flow nipple to make sucking easier.
Offer cold foods if your baby is eating solids.
Be patient and keep offering regular meals and snacks.

Self-Care for Parents

Remember, taking care of yourself is important too! Teething can be stressful for parents. Try to:

Take breaks when you can.
Ask for help from family or friends.
Try to get enough sleep.
Eat well and stay hydrated.
5. Remember that this phase will pass!

As you navigate your baby's teething phase, you might find these other articles on our blog useful:

These articles will provide additional information that can help you understand your baby's development and care during this challenging phase.

Final Thoughts

Teething is a normal part of your baby's development. However, as you probably already can tell, it can be a rather challenging time for both of you.

At the end of the day, remember, every baby is different. What works for your little one might not work for another. Just be patient and try different soothing methods to see what helps.

Most importantly, don’t forget to give your baby lots of love and comfort during this time. Before you know it, those adorable little teeth will be popping through, and you'll have a brand new smile to admire. You've got this, mama!

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