Has your baby started teething yet? There’s a lot of apprehension when the terrible teething time begins, but there need not be too much anxiety. Every child is different, and many have new teeth come in with only a little discomfort and not too much disruption. However, it can also be a painful time for many. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about teething and how to soothe pain as parents.
What is teething?
That glorious time when baby’s teeth start to break through the gums for the very first time. It is often a routine destroying time as little children are obviously in a bit of pain and can be quite restless or find it difficult to sleep. Remember that this period shall pass and there’s plenty you can do to ease their pain.
When does teething start?
Sometimes babies can actually be born with some teeth, but most often they’re born toothless. For the majority of children, their first teeth will come in from around 6 months old. Some might start teething early at 4 months, and others will be a little later at up to 12 months old.
When does teething end?
Whilst teething may begin from 4 months old, it is generally all over by the time your baby is 2 years of age. Generally the second molars are the last baby teeth to come through at around 20-30 months.
How do you know your baby is teething?
Don’t worry – you’ll know! When babies teeth starts coming through there are many signs to watch out for including:
- Sore gums
- Mild temperatures
- A flushed cheek or rash on their face
- Sore ear
- Difficult to settle
- Extra dribbly
- Chewing on things frequently
- Poor sleep
Tips to soothe pain
Luckily for the parents and carers out there, there are some things we can do to help make little children feel as good as possible whilst teething. Here’s some of our top tips:
1. Invest in Teethers:
The best thing you can do is have a couple of teething rings on hand for when your little one starts cutting their first teeth. 100% silicone teethers are a wise idea, they are a safe teething companion to help give relief to your baby’s sore gums and also super easy to clean. Natural rubber is a great material for teething toys too.
2. Introduce Sophie the Giraffe
This giraffe is seriously iconic- she’s French and has been around for years! Part teether, part toy, she’s made of 100% natural rubber with soft and nobbly parts to help sooth your baby’s sore gums. Her dark spots provide visual stimulation and she squeaks when pressed. The rubber Sophie Giraffe toy fits in tiny hands and helps to keep babies calm and distracted.
3. Give them raw fruit and vegetables to chew on
Babies who are teething generally like to chew on things. If your child is 6 months or older and has started eating solids, give them some chunks of carrot or other fruit and vegetables to chew on. Rusks are also a great option here.
4. Teething Gels
These can be effective when rubbed on your child’s gums to help numb and soothe pain. Just make sure they’re specifically for children when purchasing.
5. Baby paracetamol
If your child has a fever, or can’t be settled with a teether, then it might be a good idea to give them some baby paracetamol to bring down their temperature and soothe pain.
6. Rub their gums gently
Easiest of all, try rubbing their gums gently and see if that helps to soothe them. Just make sure to wash your hands with soap before and after.
We hope this helps you feel a little more empowered to approach a teething baby calmly!
