12 Ways To Soothe Pain In Teething Babies

Parenthood is a journey, where every milestone is celebrated as an achievement. The initial baby babble to the first step, the initial years of parenting revolve around these. With all the excitement, an event that caused much frustration was, of course, “teething”. Read on to find out how you can help your baby through this uncomfortable phase.

What Is Teething?

When teeth erupt or break out of gums in babies, it is termed as teething. The first teeth are called milk teeth. Generally teething starts in embryonic stage and become visible in stages of 4 months to 3 years. What Is The Average Age When My Baby Will Start Teething? Here is the average age your baby starts teething. However, every baby has her own milestone, so don't worry if the timelines are slightly different in your baby’s case:

1. Central Incisors: 6 to 12 months
2. Lateral Incisors: 9 to 16 months
3. Canine Teeth: 16 to 23 months
4. First Molar: 13 to 19months
5. Second Molar: 22 to 33months

This is the most generalized pattern in teething. It is believed that the first tooth sprouts at the age of 6 months and it varies a great deal from baby to baby.

12 Home Remedies To Soothe Your Teething Baby

Painkillers and mouth gels should usually be the last resort, while your baby cries with ache in swollen gums. The best of natural remedies are here to help mothers deal with teething troubles:

1. Massage the gums:

   Gum massaging is one of the most widely agreeable remedy for babies who are teething. Gentle counter pressure on sore gums with a clean finger really eases the pain. You can use essential oils like clove oil, chamomile or almond oil extract mixed in water, to massage the jaws. However, do consult your doctor for the same

2. Cold and frozen chews:

   Offering cold chews to your baby can help alleviating the pain as it soothes the itching and pain in the gums. Since this is the time when your baby will love to bite and chew on anything to ease the pain in the gums, below is the list of foods that are safe for your baby
   • Yoghurt, ice creams or juices in acceptable cold state, relieves irritating jaws
   • A cold steel spoon, refrigerated, could be given to chew upon
   • A chilled milk bottle is the final call for baby to drink and soothe the jaws in pain
   • Even an ice cube well wrapped in cloth, that cannot be chewed, helps

3. Head massage with desi ghee:

   My personally applied method is massaging my baby's head with desi ghee. Pat it slowly so that the ghee seeps into head and give baby a relaxing head. It helps in both tasks of greasing the hair and soothes the tired brain

4. Teethers may help:

   Teethers are the invention primarily for making teething, comfortable for babies. Choose the teethers that are best suited to your baby over many available in markets. Gel based teethers are gaining more importance over the basic ones. Opt for the shape which is fun to chew for baby

5. Cold cloth to sooth the pain:

   Well sterilized and cold cloth piece is another option for a teething baby. As teething puts pressure on his or her little gums a cold piece of cloth that he can chew will help in easing the pain.

6. Fruits are good as well:

   Bananas and sweet potato have been successful in resolving the fight with tooth pain in babies

7. Biscuits and cookies are also a good option:

   Teething biscuits and cookies are good option to chew on. They can be prepared at home or shopped easily. Look out for easiest recipe and let your baby chew on these homemade biscuits

8. Ginger is good for older babies:

   While ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is advisable to use it carefully in younger babies. You may dab a cloth in ginger juice and gently massage the gums

9. Bagels without sugar:

   have been more known as homemade teething rings. Refrigerated bagels are good in easing tooth ache

10. Distraction also helps:

    Engage your child in maximum activities. Play and make merry to distract the baby from pain

11. Clean regularly:

    A handy soft towel shall be used to wipe the water from chin and mouth. Regularly cleaning the sprouted teeth helps with good teething

12. Homeopathy:

    Refer to an expert before consuming any medicines. Many of them are just calcium sources and don't aim to reduce the discomfort

Teething is not going to stay forever, so let the time pass with cuddles and love.

What Precautions Should I Take When My Baby Is Teething?

Every remedy is not for every child. So be familiar with the pros and cons before you implement it on your baby:

1. Essential oils and honey are not advisable for the babies less than a year. In case you wish to apply, ask medical advisor for the proper usage
2. Babies are prone to choking. So never offer them very small or large objects, which may pose threat to their safety
3. Never leave baby unattended. It is not possible for a mother to be around her baby all the time but remember not to leave baby alone while she has her mouth full
4. Chewable shall always be offered in a clean regime. Finger food, cold cloth or massage, shall be done maintaining health hygiene
5. Remember the first molars, big teeth are more painful, so be extra careful with them

What Are The Symptoms To Know That My Baby Is Teething?

Teething is a journey of few days to months. The measure of pain and discomfort is at variances for every infant. Some common agreed upon symptoms of teething are:

1. Your baby becomes irritable and fussy:

   As your baby starts teething you will notice a change in his or her behaviour. He or she will be easily irritated and fussy. This change in behavior is a major diversion in baby's nature

2. Change in routine:

   is also an expression of uneasiness during teething. Sleepless nights for both mum and baby with no love for food are expected. Babies prefer more of milk or mothers feed to feel relaxed

3. Your baby gets gloomy:

   Interest in outdoor activities and fun get diminished. Your baby might seem dull

4. Swollen gums and redness in jaws:

   can be a physical sign of teething in your child. Sometimes white edgy tooth can be seen erupting out of jaw to confirm teething

5. Mild fever:

   Fever in mild degrees is also a manifestation of teething in few cases. Not every fever is for teething. So be sure before pursuing any medication

6. Dripping nose with diarrhea:

   can be associated with teething aspect. It could be 2-3 poops in a day which may increase in severe cases

7. Drooling or salivating:

   is common in infants, though teething induces more of watery mouth. This may get rash on baby's cheek due to wetness. So be delicate while you swipe the drool

8. Biting increases during teething:

   or groaning is commonly seen in teething babies. The irritation in gums, force them to bite whatever is at their expense; from mum's fingers to their favorite toy

Attending a teething baby calls for much patience and awareness. Every mum desires to kiss away the teething blues, and that can actually be done following the suited remedies. Stay relaxed and keep trying with your best counter step. This, too, shall pass, and things will get better! Happy teething!

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