Is Your Baby Teething? Here Is How You Can Calm Teething Babies

Teething is the process of a baby's teeth emerging through their gums. Although it usually starts at about 6 months of age, some infants may experience it earlier or later.

The period of teething is stressful. As a parent, especially for 1st timers, it would be tough not knowing why your baby is acting cranky. Don't worry; this might be due to teething.

Here are some signs to help you know that your baby is teething & ways in which you can easily relax them during the teething process.

How Will You Get to Know Your Baby Is Teething?

During teething, babies will encounter various symptoms, including drooling, chewing on solid objects, irritability, and sore or swollen gums. Moreover, infants may get a slight fever or a runny nose. These symptoms might appear anywhere between a few days and weeks. Some parents confuse teething signs with cold symptoms. If that's in your case, too, it's time to do some research.

Furthermore, these symptoms may vary for every infant, but the majority will have similar symptoms. However, if your baby is in unbearable pain, it is best to consult the pediatrician.

Below is the average timeline of teeth eruption in kids.

Upper Teeth

Tooth Eruption Age

Upper Central Incisor

8–12 months

Upper Lateral Incisor

9–13 months

Upper Canine (Cuspid)

16–22 months

First Upper Molar

13–19 months

Second Upper Molar

25–33 months

Lower Teeth

Tooth Eruption Age

Lower Central Incisor

6–10 months

Lower Lateral Incisor

10–16 months

Lower Canine (Cuspid)

17–23 months

First Lower Molar

14–18 months

Second Lower Molar

23–31 months

How Can You Calm Teething Babies?

The Nationwide Children's Hospital review says that to soothe your baby during teething, you can offer them a clean teething ring or pacifier to suck on. Never dip a teething ring or pacifier in honey or sugar water since this might lead to tooth decay. Instead, gently massage the baby's gums with a clean finger or damp gauze.

To soothe your infant while teething, you may assist your child using the methods listed below. 

Provide A Teething Toy

Soft chewable toys can be a source of relief for sore gum. These toys are made of rubber or silicone that can be cooled in the refrigerator to offer additional relief. Always make sure you are giving them toys that are free of germs.

Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Keep your infant hydrated if they get swollen gums. Moreover, you can give them water and fluids, like breastmilk or formula, to keep them comfortable.

Give Baby's Gums Gentle Massage

You can gently rub your infant's gums with a clean finger. It will soothe their pain for some time.

Keep Everything Clean

Your baby can drool more due to teething. And they will chew everything they get. Keep everything around them clean and wipe their face more often to prevent skin irritation.

Remember, teething is a natural process, and being patient and understanding with your baby during this time is essential. With some care and attention, you can make the teething process as comfortable as possible for your infant.

Also Read: New Parents Checklist - What Should You Buy Before Baby Arrives

What Should You Avoid While Your Infant Is Teething?

During the teething process, there are a few things that parents should avoid to ensure their infant's comfort and safety:

Say No to Numbing Agents

Babies should not take some over-the-counter drugs like benzocaine since they could have adverse consequences like allergic reactions. Before administering any medicine or anaesthetic to your infant, always check with your physician.

Avoid Frozen Teething Toys

While a chilled teething toy can relieve a baby's sore gums, if you freeze it and make it solid, it can cause damage to the gums or even cause injury.

Don't Give Homeopathy Without the Guidance of Experts

Homeopathy has almost zero side effects except for allergic reactions (like rashes) in some cases, but this does not mean you can give your child homeopathic medicine without a doctor's consultation. It is a matter of little life, and you must be careful.

Too Much Hard Food for Babies Are A Big No

You need to rethink your decision if you plan to give your child hard food like fruits, vegetables, or grains. Solid food may temporarily soothe their irritating gums but giving them foods that are too hard or too big can put them at risk of injury. Babies do not have the molars to grind or chew their food properly and are still learning how to manage solid foods in their mouths.

Avoid Honey Sweeten Pacifiers

Never give honey to your infant. As per a report, honey used to sweeten pacifiers can cause serious illness among infants, as Clostridium botulinum spores in the honey can lead to botulism.

Avoid Adult Pain Relievers

Are you giving adult pain relievers such as ibuprofen to your baby? Well, you should stop it right now! These medications are unsafe for babies and can cause serious side effects, including stomach problems, allergic reactions, and even death. Instead, use the medicine specifically developed for infants.

Stop the Overuse of Pacifiers

Doctors advise not to use pacifiers long-term as it negatively affects a baby's dental development & causes colic symptoms. Moreover, long-term pacifier use can cause the baby's upper front teeth to tip outward and their lower front teeth to tip inward, leading to an overbite or open bite. It could also lead to changes in the shape of the upper palate (roof of the mouth).

Also Read: 5 Tips to Buy Safe Toys for Infants and Toddlers

Final Thoughts

The discomfort caused to babies due to teething can irritate them, but being a parent, you need to relax and calm yourself. You can give your baby a soothing teething experience by following the above tips. Let them grow with the best remedies according to the consultation of experts.