One of the first milestones of your baby's life is the emergence of his first tooth. Babies are born with 20 teeth under the surface of their gums. The first tooth normally appears at approximately 5 to 7 months of age. According to the University of Florida, symptoms of teething include irritability, drooling, swollen gums, chewing and waking at night. Ease your baby's teething pain by using a variety of home remedies.
Cool the Gums
Ease your baby's teething pain with cold objects. Place a teaspoon in your freezer for a few hours and rub it over your baby's gums. According to the American Dental association, the cool spoon is soothing and helps reduce the pain from swollen gums. Refrigerate a wet cloth or a piece of gauze for a few hours then slide the rag or gauze over your baby's gums. The coldness of the cloth helps reduce the inflammation of the gums and lessens the pain of teething.
Let Baby Chew
Offer your baby a variety of items to chew on when she begins teething. Put a clean, wet hand towel or small wash cloth into your freezer for a few hours. Let your baby chew the frozen cloth to reduce gum inflammation and ease her teething pain. Chill or freeze bagels, carrots, or apple wedges, wrap them in a cold cloth and allow your baby to chew on them while you are with her; don't leave your baby unattended while she is eating. Refrigerate teething rings and let your baby chew and on them. Don't freeze teething rings; they become hard and may hurt your baby's gums.
Gum Massage
You may notice that your baby wants to suck or chew on your finger while teething. A good gum massage will help ease your baby's pain. Slide your clean finger into your baby's mouth and rub back and forth over the gum. Apply gentle, but firm pressure while massaging the gums. Your baby may seem a little uncomfortable at first, but once the soothing effects of the massage begin to ease the pain, you'll notice that your baby calms and relaxes as you continue rubbing the gums. Try massaging the gums using a cold, wet wash cloth or towel to help reduce swelling and pain.
Distraction
Not all babies experience terrible pain while teething. In some cases, they are only uncomfortable and slightly bothered by their sore gums. For these babies, distraction may help them feel better. Keep your baby busy by playing a fun game of peek-a-boo or singing a few silly songs. Bring out a few of your baby's favorite toys and spend some time playing with him to get his mind off the discomfort. Read a story to your baby or simply walk around showing him different objects in your house. If your baby desires a little comfort, hold him close and pat or rock him while you talk or sing.
Member Comments