Teething usually occurs around 5 to 7 months, turning your previously docile and content baby into a fussy child whom you don't recognize. Teething is bothersome and even painful for babies, which explains why they are difficult to console during this time. When searching for ways to soothe your baby's discomfort, it's helpful to look to those who have ample experience. Parents and other pediatric experts know what works and what doesn't when it comes to teething pain and crankiness.
Frozen Washcloth
Cold helps to numb some of the pain associated with teething, but holding cold objects often is uncomfortable for small babies. That's why Michelle Branco, a Canadian mom of two and an accredited La Leche League leader, tells "Babies Today" that a frozen washcloth is effective for babies. Dip one corner of the washcloth into water, juice, formula or breast milk and place it in a plastic bag in the freezer. The result is a teething cloth that is easy to hold and effective for numbing pain.
Gum Massage
When your baby is teething, pressure often feels best and helps to relieve the urge to chew and gnaw. Michael J. Hanna, the national spokesman for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, notes that massaging gums makes the teething process easier from the very beginning. Insert a clean finger into your baby's mouth or use a piece of gauze and press directly on and around areas where gums seem swollen or teeth are protruding.
Teething Implements
Textured teething rings, rubbery items and other implements help satisfy your baby's need to chew when her teeth are sore. Some moms even wear special jewelry, featured in "Parenting," such as necklaces made from FDA-approved silicone or amber that remains safely tied around their necks while their babies chew happily on it. Look for items made from firm silicone and other plastics. Always check for choking hazards and supervise your baby any time she has a foreign object in her mouth. If you invest in teething jewelry, ensure the cord or chain is tied securely around your neck or wrist before allowing your baby to chew.
Mesh Feeder
Mesh feeders are a new twist on the old remedy of using frozen food to help ease pain. Unfortunately, simply giving your baby frozen chunks of food could pose a choking hazard, which makes mesh feeders so enticing. A mesh feeder allows you to put frozen food into an enclosed mesh pouch, which allows your baby to suck and chew on the food for relief without getting pieces large enough to cause choking. Claire McCarthy, medical contributor to "Parenting" and a mom herself, notes that you should ensure the cap is fitted tightly before you hand the mesh feeder over to your baby.
