The Complete Guide to Baby Teething

Luckily, there are some warning signs, soothing techniques and basic facts you can learn in order to prepare yourselves for one of the joys of parenthood. Hopefully, you can minimize drama and maximize preparedness by boning up on the following information and taking what you learn back to the home.

When Does Teething Typically Begin?

The range of teething is something that can drive both parents and babies bonkers. While the average age to pop a first tooth is about six months, some babies sprout their first pearly white at three months while others are closer to one year in age.

What complicates matters further is that a baby can "pre-teethe" for a month or two beforehand. Therefore, they can exhibit all the signs (and distress) of teething for weeks prior to seeing teeth.

How Long Does Teething Continue?

Teething continues at its own schedule well into the second year of life. It seems as if every couple of months, you will have to gear up to watch your little guy or gal suffer a bit through this frustrating process.

A teething chart is highly informative when it comes to the order and time frame in which each tooth arrives. Remember that this is a general range and not something you should set your watch to.

 

Signs & Symptoms Your Little One is Teething

 

Chewing & Gnawing

One main sign your baby is starting to teethe is that they want to chew on absolutely everything! Their own hands and fingers are perfect for this task, but you will also see that the minute they get their little paws on anything else, from a toy to a teething stick to mama's finger, they will want to gnaw on it immediately.

 

Drool and Sogginess

You will notice that your little one's face and chin will often be covered in a slick of drool. This is totally normal and no big deal, however, just be mindful that they don't develop a little rash from drool sensitivity.

 

Irritability Babies

Most toddlers are not fully capable of explaining their feelings and needs in an articulate fashion. Therefore, when they are in pain, they won't be able to communicate it to you besides with fussiness and crying. This might be a nice time to remember that your child is not giving you a hard time, your child is having a hard time.

 

Pulling on Ears or Cheeks

Sometimes the act of teething is a bit deeper in the roots of your mouth and not so much at the surface level. Your child might attempt to lessen that achy pain by pulling on their ears or rubbing at their cheeks.

 

Red or Swollen Gums or Face

You can often feel or see the little tooth on the gum's surface prior to it poking through. Feel around with a clean finger to see if you notice differences in gum textures. You also might see a little redness or pinkness on the cheeks of your kid, which could be from rubbing or from general irritation.

 

Natural Teething Toys

Essentially, if you are prioritizing "natural" when buying toys, you want to look for toys that do not have any of the following:

• Phthalates

• BPA

• PVC/Vinyl

• Paints, Stains or Varnishes

• Cadmium

• Latex

 

All these elements are potentially harmful to your child at any age. Try to keep all the materials that enter their mouths as natural as possible and avoid any plastics whenever possible.

Other Teething Options

 

Wet or Frozen Washcloth

Dampen a clean washcloth and offer it to your child to suck or gnaw on. You can also stick a wet cloth in the freezer to give your kid. The cold will feel very good against their gums.

Your Fingers

Babies love to put adults' hands and fingers into their mouths to suck or chew on, and it can be funny. If you are holding a teething child, chances are he would love to taste your digits if you are willing. It can be a harmless activity that feels good for them. You can also work to encourage them to use their own hands as teething toys.

Pacifiers or Teething Rings

There are all sorts of toys that are designed to bring relief to teething kids, just check to make sure they do not contain any of the toxic ingredients listed above.

 

Wrapping Up....

One of the keys during this process is to be as patient with your child as you possibly can. He or she is in discomfort or even pain during this long ordeal, and they are unable to clearly communicate with you. Try to step back throughout the day and remind yourself not to blame your sweetie for being a pill.

With time and TLC, this phase will be over, and you will be ready for a brand-new adventure together. Good luck!