Tips for teething

The appearance of your baby’s first pearly white tooth will no doubt bring you a lot of excitement. But it may not be all toothy smiles for your baby. In fact, it could be an extremely painful experience as the tooth pushes its way through your baby’s gums.

Some have likened teething pain to stepping on a drawing pin, others to that experienced in childbirth. But for some lucky babies (and their mummies and daddies) teething goes by relatively pain free.

Symptoms of teething

There’s no set time for your baby to cut his first tooth. Some babies are born with teeth, while others sport a gummy smile until after their first birthday. In general though babies begin teething at around 6 months. You’ll notice that he’ll start drooling more often. He may also have a runny tummy and a fever as the tooth makes its appearance.

• Keep a cloth bib or a towel close by to wipe the drool off his chin to prevent a rash.
• You may also find that you’ll have to apply more bum cream, to prevent your baby from developing a nappy rash.
• If your baby develops a fever, you can give him paediatric pain medication. Otherwise speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
• If the gums are red and sore, a mild anaesthetic gel can be applied to the area.
• If your baby has persistent diarrhoea, vomiting or fever call your doctor immediately.

Other side effects

• Your baby may lose interest in his food for a while. Don’t worry too much about that, as his appetite will soon return. Should this happen, ease off giving your baby solids and just provide him with a bottle or your breast. If he refuses to drink or eat for longer than you’re comfortable, speak to your doctor.
• He may start tugging on his ear. This could simply be referred pain from his teething. Again, if it looks like he has earache or if he develops a fever speak to your doctor.
• Your already light sleeper may find that teething disrupts his sleep even further (groan).

Itchy gums

Once the tooth has come out, you’ll find that your baby’s hands are constantly in his mouth. He’ll chew on anything and everything that he can find (including your breast – ouch!).

• A wet, clean cloth, stored in the refrigerator, could provide some welcome relief
• Many stores have teething biscuits, specifically designed to help those itchy gums. Keep a close eye on your baby though when he’s chewing on these biscuits in case a chunk breaks off and he chokes.
• Teething rings will help but may be a waste as your baby will probably grab whatever he can find (the edge of his cot, a table corner or his teddy bear’s ear) to soothe the discomfort.
• Most stores have gel teething rings, which can be put into the refrigerator or freezer.
• A firm but gentle rub from mummy or daddy’s clean finger will make gums feel so much better.
• As a snack, give your baby some partially frozen, mushy fruit or vegetables. Otherwise, feed your baby some cool mushy food, like gem squash, butternut or apple using a cold spoon.