One of the biggest blessings anyone can experience in life is having a child. The saying goes “once you have a baby, everything changes.” I completely agree. Though I do not have a baby (I’m an aunt and have friends who have kids), I can see how a little smile can make anyone’s day. It is the small, round, chubby cheeks that get to us. Or maybe it’s because they can’t speak yet, so we don’t have to deal with back talk.
Although having a baby is a blessing, it is also a learning experience. Most couples who are having their first child seek advice from family, friends, books and articles online. Every day is a new experience or adventure in the newborn world. One obstacle would be baby teething.
There are many signs of when a first tooth is coming in. This usually happens when they are between six and seven months. Every baby is different and some don’t stop teething until they are about three years old. The most common sign that your baby is teething is that they put everything in their mouth! It could be your hand, their hand, or even an arm. Along with crying. Lots of crying. The reason for crying is that their gums are breaking. This makes the gums itch and, at times, hurt. Another symptom is drooling. If he or she is excessively drooling, that is a clear sign a bad boy is making their debut in the mouth. Experience your baby teething can be overwhelming and nerve wrecking, especially if it your first time.
But don’t worry! By experience and advice, here are four ways to help a baby during teething:
1. Cold and Wet Baby Cloth.
This is a very useful and affordable tool. You will need a clean cloth or towel. Wet the cloth with cold water. Put it in the freezer for about two minutes and leave it in the baby’s mouth until it is damp or dry. The coldness helps soothe the gums. Make sure to wash the cloth so it can be reused
2. Baby Teething Rings.
These can be bought at any local drug store and any major department stores like Target and Walmart. They usually come in a packet of three, but you can also buy them individually. The rings come in a variety of designs: animals, shapes and crazy colors. You can always choose something simple as well.
The same concept with the cloth applies to the rings. Instead of adding water, you will just need to put the rings in the freezer for about five minutes. The best part about these is that you can reuse them! All they need is a quick wash. I have provided a link to give an idea of what a baby teething ring looks like and what you can expect as far as cost.
3. Spoons.
Plastic would be the best choice here. A spoon can be very helpful if funds are not available at the time for the rings or you can’t find a clean cloth around the house. Again, you will need to freeze the spoon in the freezer for five minutes or so and hold the spoon in the mouth util he or she stops crying.
4. Baby Orajel.
Yes there is Orajel for anyone who’s had a cold sore, but there’s also Orajel for babies! This can be picked up at again any department or local drugstore. My co-workers and friends said Baby Orajel was more beneficial than the ones listed above. However, be careful because Orajel has warning signs on tube. The orajel.com website recommends you talk to a doctor before putting the gel in the baby’s mouth. Everyone who I have spoken to has gotten permission from their pediatrician that it was okay to use. With that being said, you can use it without a pediatric permission, but everything is at your own risk.
Featured photo credit: Lukrecija Lunn via flickr.com
