Most babies begin to teethe between 4 and 7 months old (some can start much later) and parents start to notice because their baby is fussy, has a decreased appetite, and or has swollen gums. These are just a few simple and common symptoms of teething. Luckily, every baby goes through this stage, and there are plenty of ways to soothe your teething baby!
Here are some of the most common remedies and how we recommend soothing your baby:
Wet Cloth
Freeze a clean, wet cloth or rag, then give it to your baby to chew on. Most parents like to use a washcloth. You can wet it and roll it before putting it in the freezer or leave it unrolled.
Cold Food
If your baby has started solids, cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt are helpful in soothing their gums.
Teething Biscuit
You can offer teething biscuits starting at 8 to 12 months of age. Offering a hard, unsweetened teething cracker is best for both soothing their gums and gum health.
Teething Toys
Rings and toys are easy for tiny hands to grasp and provide the pressure needed to soothe sore gums. A good tip is to keep them in the refrigerator when not in use, so they are cold when your baby wants one!
Keep in mind that you may need to try a few different things before your little one feels better.
If you have any questions about teething, how long it lasts or want more tips for how to help your baby at home, please contact us to make an appointment!