Teething, which usually begins around 6 months of age, can cause irritability, difficulty sleeping, drooling, chewing and other symptoms. The first teeth are usually the worst for the baby and the most difficult to manage for you. Fortunately, you can manage your teething infant's symptoms at home to reduce her discomfort and crankiness. Call your baby's pediatrician if she develops a fever, severe diarrhea or other symptoms, as these conditions are not caused by teething in otherwise healthy infants.
Step 1
Rub back and forth across your baby's gums using a clean finger. Apply gentle pressure. Use a damp washcloth instead of your finger if your baby bites down.
Step 2
Chill a teething ring made of firm rubber or a damp cloth in the freezer and offer it to your baby to chew on. Keep several so you always have a cold one ready. The chewing motion will massage your baby's gums and providing counter-pressure against the erupting teeth, and the cold will help numb his sore gums. The teething ring should be chilled, but not frozen hard.
Step 3
Offer your baby cold foods if she is eating solids. Chilled applesauce, yogurt or banana puree may help soothe her discomfort.
Step 4
Drooling is a natural consequence of teething. Wipe your infant's chin, chest and cheeks frequently to prevent a rash from developing where excess drool collects. Dress your baby in a bib to protect her clothes and skin, and place an absorbent crib pad beneath her at night if her drool is excessive.
Step 5
Give your baby over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain only if your pediatrician recommends doing so. These may be helpful at night if your infant is having trouble sleeping. Guidelines for giving these drugs to infants have changed, so they should only be used in extreme situations; and always consult the doctor first. Never exceed the recommended dosage.
Tips and Warnings
- This is a difficult and painful time for your baby, so be patient. Distracting him with toys and playtime, or soothing him with cuddling and rocking may be the best medicine for a teething baby. Try to stay calm and relaxed yourself. If her crying agitates you, she can sense your anxiety and it will only make things worse.
- Be careful when using teething gels that contain numbing ingredients. These can increase the risk of choking by numbing the mouth and throat and shouldn't be given too frequently.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Teething ring
- Bib
- Absorbent crib pad
