New parents tend to worry about everything. Their baby coughs and it is off to the doctor's office. Any change in their child's behavior can be enough to send them running to the emergency room. Just imagine how scary it would be if the baby was fussy, crying all the time, and chewing on his own hand. Sounds scary, but not to worry. These are all signs of teething and mean your baby is growing up.
Sometime between four and six months, most babies' teeth start to make an appearance. During this time, it can be especially difficult on both the parent and the child. Your child will be experiencing new sensations, and crying is the only way he will have to express those feelings.
What are some of the symptoms of teething?
When a child is teething, many times he will experience increased drooling, gum pain, mild swelling where the tooth is coming in, and a need to gnaw on things. He will be cranky and fussy, crying without seeming to have a problem. Some children may also experience a lack of appetite because chewing their food hurts.
Symptoms that are not common to teething are diarrhea, fevers and cold-like symptoms. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should have your child checked out by his doctor. They could be signs of an illness.
What can you do to ease your child's discomfort?
Having something to chew on that is cool and hard is the best thing for your child to help with teething pain. Frozen waffles, a washcloth soaked in cold water, and frozen bagels are all wonderful ways to help your child's gums feel better. Be sure to watch your child while he is using any of these items, to avoid any potential problems.
Along with household cures, you will find a number of over the counter medications you can use on your child's sore gums. Ask your child's doctor what is the best one for your child, along with how much and how often you can use the medication.
You can also use a teething ring, which you can find in any store's baby section. The ones with liquid inside can be put into the refrigerator to cool, but never freeze. A frozen teething ring can damage your child's gums and incoming teeth. There are also plastic teething toys your child can chew on to help his teeth come in easier.
Give extra love and cuddling during bad teething times. Nothing beats a parent's love when it comes to your child's comfort. Extra snuggling and attention can go along way to soothing your child's pain.
When will your child's teeth come in?
The front bottom teeth are usually the first ones that come in, followed by the front upper teeth. These can appear anytime between three and twelve months old. Some babies will start earlier, some later. Have your child checked by a pediatric dentist for problems if his teeth have not started to come in by fourteen months.
Teething is a life change your child will go through, one that will be painful for your and your precious baby. But with plenty of love and teething tools you will help your baby deal with the discomfort.
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