Teething in your baby usually starts during four to seven months. The two bottom usually appear first, followed about four to eight weeks later by the four upper teeth (center and lateral incisors). Around one month later your baby will start cutting their lower incisors, followed by the canine teeth.
What Are Some Signs of Teething?
Crying - Some babies suffer through a lot of pain while teething, while a few babies don't. Consult your doctor about how, when, and what pain relievers to give your child.
Biting/Chewing - Do you notice your baby chewing on their fingers, blanket, toys, or you?! It's because your child is probably teething. Doing all these things are natural because it helps relieve the pressure they feel under their gums.
Drooling - You better get that bib ready, because if you child was like mine, they will be completely soaked in no time. Occasionally, wipe off the drool to keep their lips and chin from becoming chapped. Also, try to keep plenty of fluids in your child as it will be coming out, just about as fast as you can put it in!
Not feeding - If you're breast feeding or just bottle feeding, your child may choose not to feed as well, or maybe none at all if they are teething. Sucking worsens the pain they feel. This is perfectly normal, and nothing to worry about unless they refuse to eat anything for several days. I would recommend calling your doctor if it last longer than 2 or 3 days.
Waking up/Not Resting Well - Your baby may be as restless during the night as they are during the day, especially if they are still working on that first pearly white.
Bringing the Hand to the Mouth - The repetitive action of them pointing at their mouth, or sticking their fingers in their mouth is a sure teething sign.
Mild Rash Around The Mouth - This is cause by excessive drooling. Gently wipe the drool off with a soft dry rag.
Nasal Congestion & Cough - This is caused by the excess drooling.
Red Cheeks
Other Teething Signs...
The jury is still out among doctors if a low grade temperature (not over 100 degrees) diarrhea, and skin rashes are teething signs, but I bet almost every mom will agree that they are. During these times, follow your doctors instructions when it comes using ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to insure they don't dehydrate from the diarrhea.
When Do You Need to Contact Your Doctor?
The symptoms associated with teething are also some of the same symptoms associated with a cold or a virus. Contact your doctor if these symptoms seem unusually bad or prolonged. Do not simply write off a fever, diarrhea, coughing, and respiratory problems as teething signs. Teething does not require emergency care, but again, if you are concerned that these symptoms may be something other than teething, consult your baby's pediatrician.
HELP MAMA!
Whatever teething signs your baby is showing, your going to want to try to ease the pain! Pressure feels good to the baby, so give them something safe and hard to chew on. Massaging their gums with a clean finger will also feel good to your baby. Offer them cold food and drinks, such as cold water, chilled milk, apple sauce or Pedialite popsicles. Again, sucking can cause discomfort. Try using a different shaped nipple, or use a cup for drinking.
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