Teething usually begins between 4 months and 7 months. As your baby's first tooth pushes its way through, his gums may swell and throb, making him fussy. Your baby may also have difficulty sleeping and might run a slight fever from the swollen gums, FamilyDoctor.org says. You may notice increased drooling during teething. Teething is a natural process, but it can be a stressful time for you and your child. Some home remedies may help ease your little one's pain, but if your baby runs a high fever or is very irritable, contact your pediatrician.
Pressure
Massage your infant's gums with a clean finger or a clean, damp washcloth, the Mayo Clinic suggests. Some babies respond positively to the pressure, and it may ease the pain.
A teething ring made from firm rubber or silicone is acceptable for a baby who can hold the item and chew.
A Cold, Damp Washcloth
A clean, damp washcloth, placed in the refrigerator until chilled, may soothe your infant's swollen gums. But the Mayo Clinic warns against freezing the washcloth to prevent extreme cold that might be uncomfortable for your baby.
Chilling your baby's foods may also offer relief, or fill his baby bottle with cool water and let him chew on the nipple, providing coolness and pressure.
Clove Oil or Pure Vanilla Extract
ParentTime.com recommends using a tiny dab of clove oil, directly on your infant's sore gums, to numb teething discomfort. A touch of pure vanilla extract may also ease the pain, but use these home remedies sparingly, if at all. Small amounts of clove oil, if swallowed, may give your baby a stomachache.
Keep your infant's mouth and face dry to reduce the risk of skin irritation, the Mayo Clinic says. Increased drool may run onto your baby's chin and cheeks, so keep a soft, absorbent cloth handy and gently blot away the wetness. Avoid rubbing your baby's skin.
