Teething Troubles and Symptoms of Teething
BY JEN AMBROSE
Symptoms of Teething and Soothing Solutions for Relief
Hey there, fellow moms! There's a good probability you have a baby who's teething if you happened upon this post. Ah, teething—a milestone that brings both joy and occasional bouts of frustration for parents and babies alike. As a seasoned mom of five adorable kiddos, I've had my fair share of teething experiences! Today, I want to share my knowledge and insights about this fascinating yet challenging stage of parenthood.
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Understanding Teething
Before we delve into the symptoms, let's quickly recap what teething is all about. Teething is the process through which your baby's teeth start to emerge through the gums. Typically, this adventure begins around the age of 6 months, but every child is unique, so don't fret if it happens a bit earlier or later.
25 symptoms of teething that babies may experience
Gnawing and chewing on objects
Excessive drooling
Irritability and fussiness
Sleep disturbances
Loss of appetite
Red and swollen gums
Increased biting or mouthing behavior
Ear pulling or rubbing
Facial rash or drool rash
Changes in bowel movements (loose stools or diarrhea)
Elevated body temperature (mild fever)
Cheek rubbing or face rubbing
Increased sucking on fingers or thumb
Restlessness or difficulty settling down
Slight nasal congestion or runny nose
Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure on the face
Disrupted sleep patterns
Refusal to eat or drink cold foods or liquids
Changes in mood or temperament
Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck area
Excessive crying or whining
Decreased activity level
Irritated or inflamed gums
Increased need for comfort and cuddling
Changes in teething pattern or tooth eruption sequence
Talking About The Symptoms of Teething
Gnawing and Chewing Everything in Sight
If you've noticed your little bundle of joy gnawing on anything and everything within arm's reach, teething might be the culprit. It's nature's way of providing some much-needed relief to their tender gums. From teething toys to rubber spoons (yes, I've caught my little one nibbling on one!), your baby will chew on pretty much anything they can get their tiny hands on.
Excessive Drooling
When your baby starts to resemble a tiny waterfall, it's a telltale sign of teething. Excessive drooling can lead to a perpetually wet chin and those adorable yet constantly soaked bibs. Invest in a stack of absorbent bibs to keep your baby dry and comfortable during this phase. And remember to keep a cloth handy to wipe away the drool—trust me, you'll be needing it!
Irritability and Fussiness
Ah, the joys of mood swings! Teething can make your little angel transform into a tiny tyrant. The discomfort and pain associated with teething can make your baby feel out of sorts, leading to crankiness, restlessness, and, well, a few extra gray hairs for us parents. Embrace the chaos with a sense of humor, take deep breaths, and remember that this too shall pass.
Sleep Troubles
Just when you thought you were finally getting a handle on sleep patterns, teething decides to crash the party. Due to discomfort and pain, your baby's sleep routine might get disrupted. Those blissful nights might turn into restless, sleepless adventures for a while. Be patient, offer extra cuddles, and find creative ways to soothe your little one back to sleep. Trust me, even if it feels like a never-ending cycle, sleep will eventually return.
Red and Swollen Gums
As your baby's teeth make their way to the surface, their gums may become red, swollen, and sensitive to touch. Gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or a soft, silicone teething ring can provide some relief. Remember, though, to always wash your hands before touching your baby's delicate gums.
Changes in Appetite
When those tiny teeth are on the move, your little foodie might become a bit more selective about their meals. Their appetite might decrease temporarily due to the discomfort caused by teething. Offer soft and cool foods like purees, yogurts, or chilled fruit slices to soothe their gums while ensuring they still get the necessary nutrition.
Ear Pulling
A seemingly unrelated symptom that often goes hand in hand with teething is ear pulling. Your baby might tug at their ears due to the radiating pain from their gums. While it can be worrisome, it's essential to remember that teething is a common cause of this behavior. Talking to a pediatrician might put your mind at ease if you have any concerns.
Soothing Solutions
Now that we've explored the various symptoms of teething, let's shift gears and discuss some tried-and-true soothing solutions that can help both you and your baby sail through this tumultuous journey.
I highly recommend the Smily Mia Penguin Buddy Never Drop Silicone Teething Toy for new parents. This versatile teether serves as both a pacifier and teething toy, making it ideal for newborns and babies aged 3-6 months. With its unique wrist strap design, it stays securely on the baby's wrist, preventing any accidental drops and promoting the development of motor skills and hand-mouth coordination.
Teething Toys and Chilled Teethers
Invest in a variety of teething toys, rings, and rattles that are designed to offer comfort to your little one's gums. Some can even be chilled in the refrigerator (not the freezer!) for added relief. The coolness can help numb the gums and reduce inflammation.
Gum Massage
Using a clean finger or a soft, silicone brush, gently massage your baby's gums in circular motions. The gentle pressure can help alleviate discomfort and distract them from the teething pain. Plus, it's an excellent excuse for some extra snuggle time!
Cold Compresses
Sometimes, a cold compress can work wonders in relieving teething pain. Wrap a clean washcloth around an ice cube or use a chilled spoon and let your little teether gently gnaw on it (under your supervision, of course!). The cool sensation can provide quick relief.
Natural Remedies
For those mamas who lean towards a more holistic approach, there are a handful of remedies that you may find worth exploring. Chamomile tea, when cooled, can be used as a natural mouth rinse to soothe inflamed gums. Be sure to consult with your pediatrician before using any herbal remedies and follow their recommendations.
Distraction and Extra TLC
Sometimes, all your baby needs is a little distraction and some extra love. Engage in playful activities, read their favorite books, or take them on stroller walks to keep their minds off the discomfort. A sprinkle of extra cuddles and hugs can go a long way in making them feel safe and secure during this challenging time.
Phew! We made it through the teething journey, moms! Remember, teething is just a temporary phase, and before you know it, your little one will be flashing their pearly whites with pride. In the meantime, keep calm, embrace the funny moments, and equip yourself with these soothing solutions to help your baby sail through the teething adventure with minimal discomfort. You're doing an amazing job, mama! Happy teething to your little ones!
