When teething begins, it can turn even a baby with a sunny disposition into a cranky irritable infant. For most kids, teething starts at about the sixth month and lasts until about the 3rd birthday, with symptoms appearing mostly at times when a tooth is actively pushing through the gums. Some common signs of teething include excessive drooling, gum swelling and sensitivity, chewing behavior, fussiness, sleep problems, food refusal and mild fever, although not all babies exhibit the same symptoms. Adopt a few strategies to ease your child's pain and help him get through the teething stage.
Step 1
Wipe up your baby's drool. Teething is notorious for causing plenty of excess saliva, which tends to get all over your baby's chin, cheeks and chest. This can lead to rashes and skin irritation. Keep a small towel handy to wipe off drool when you notice it.
Step 2
Chill a plastic teething ring. The cold plastic helps numb the gums and gives your baby something safe to chew on, instead of her toys or your furniture. Offer a cold spoon or frozen washcloth as an alternative to a teething ring.
Step 3
Rub your baby's gums gently but firmly using a clean finger or a wet washcloth whenever she seems bothered by her emerging teeth. The pressure helps ease teething pain.
Step 4
Ask your child's pediatrician if you should give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications come in infant-sized doses and can be used to relieve pain and lower any mild fever your child might experience because of teething.
