TEETHING BABY,or your baby’s teething is a significant milestone in their growth journey, as it marks the onset of them chewing food. However, this phase is distressful for the little ones, especially at night when their sleep is disrupted by discomfort. You may seek remedies and medications to soothe your child. Look no further, this guide is filled with remedies that have stood the test of time, and are practical to this day. By taking necessary precautions as needed your little one can rest easy once again.
Understanding Teething and Its Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of teething is important to help provide relief to your baby. Teething is most commonly known to start between 4 to 7 months in babies, but it may vary. Common symptoms start with drooling, gum swelling, irritability, chewing and biting on objects, and disrupted sleep.
Offer a Cold Teething Ring
One of the most effective ways of providing relief to inflamed gums is using cooling. Firstly, make sure to buy BPA-free teething rings. Then, you can place your child’s teething ring in the refrigerator to chill it. Make sure to not use the freezer as it makes the teething ring to hard and hurt sensitive gums. An optimally cool teething ring will numb the pain providing comfort, while your child bites the ring.
Use a Clean, Cold Washcloth
An old school way of calming those throbbing gums, is by using a chilled washcloth. All you need to do is place a wet washcloth in the refrigerator for 15 minutes after wringing excess water. This hack soothes the gums instantly, as the texture of the washcloth provides a massaging effect while they chew.
Massage the Gums with Clean Fingers
A straightforward thing to do seeing your baby in discomfort is massaging their gums with your hands. Simply use a clean finger to put pressure on their painful gums. The pressure with your finger releases pain and your touch calms the baby. An added tip would be to dip your hands in cold water for a more calming effect.
Apply a Cold Spoon
Another quick hack is whipping up a cold spoon in your baby’s mouth. Just chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator for some time and then let your child gnaw on it. Make sure to leave your child under your supervision. The cool metal of the spoon provides instant relief, whilst giving them something to suck on. Ensure not to use a freezing spoon as it will add to the discomfort by spiking their sensitivity.
Offer Chilled Fruits or Vegetables
If your baby has already been introduced to solid food, you can give them chilled fruits and vegetables. This would allow them to feel soothed consistently throughout the day, allowing them to be less irritable. Any fruit including chunks of apple banana, or veggies like cucumbers, carrots can be used as their tasty soothing tool.
Use Breast Milk Popsicles
Using breast milk popsicles will allow your baby to recognize a familiar taste while being comforted with the coolness of the popsicle. This is a win-win hack for stubborn babies, who refuse the other hacks but can relish on this treat. It’s an added way to include nourishment in their diet when they are already fussy. Making these popsicles is easy when you have expressed breast milk at your disposal. You can use popsicle molds or ice cube trays to freeze the breast milk.
Use Teething Biscuits or Rusks
Another ready-to-eat option for babies who have started to eat solid foods is teething biscuits. These biscuits are chewable snacks that soothe sore gums when your baby chews on them. Choose biscuits that are made from natural ingredients. Make sure to keep your child under supervision when feeding these biscuits as there is a choking hazard.
Provide Extra Comfort and Cuddles
Your child will forget all the pain with your comforting hugs and cuddles. Sometimes that’s all you got to do, to calm them down. Hold them tight during painful nights to reduce their irritability and offer emotional support. Sing a lullaby and say words of praise “Like you are strong” to put their minds at ease. Combine other hacks with skin-to-skin contact to yield better results. At this growing stage, they need more closeness with you.
Elevate Their Head While Sleeping
Simple tweaks in their sleeping routine will help them sleep better throughout the night. Elevate your baby’s head to reduce teething discomfort, that is followed by excessive drooling. Use a rolled towel to gently elevate their head, avoid using extra pillows as there lays suffocation risk. Likewise, dress them in breathable clothing to prevent overheating and waking up in the middle of the night.
Offer Frozen Pacifiers
If your baby is still used to a pacifier, you can freeze it to provide relief in this stage. You can fill the pacifier with water or flavored juice and put it in the freezer briefly. The cold pacifier provides instant relief, also the familiar shape of the pacifier makes them suck on it easily. Supervise them and see if they are sucking on the pacifier consistently.
Use Over-the-Counter (OTC) Teething Gels Sparingly
Home remedies are convenient but if your child experiences severe gum irritation, you should consider using OTC teething gels. Make sure to buy products that are specially designed for babies and only use as prescribed on the packet. Additionally, consult your pediatrician for further recommendations.
Distract with Favorite Toys
Shifting their focus from the pain can calm them and make them less irritable. Use their favorite toys or offer to buy new toys of their choice. Anything that will keep them entertained and less fussy is your go-to. You can distract them with toys during the day and with new stories during bedtime.
Conclusion
Teething is a challenging time for your child and you, but you have to help the little one out. With the right strategy, this period can go smoothly and be a bonding session between you and them. Every child has their own tolerance level, with you by their side they can tackle this discomfort in no time. Experiment and see which remedy best suits your baby. Your attention and care are the ultimate soothers of discomfort. Soon this phase will pass and remain as precious memories of growing up.
