About Baby Teething
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Baby teething is one of the most awaited changes in a baby’s life. As a milestone, teething is both an exciting and excruciating experience for parents and babies. Mums and often wonder, ‘when does my baby start teething?’ or, ‘is my baby teething yet?’. In this article, we hope to give you a quick overview of this special stage in your baby’s life.
When do babies start teething?
You may be surprised to find out that teeth buds begin to develop while baby is still in the mother’s uterus. Usually, the active baby teething age is between 4 to 7 months. This is when teeth begin to push through and sprout from the gums. It is usually a distressing time for the baby. Each baby experiences different levels of discomfort and pain, as well as other common teething symptoms. Teething may consist of a few days of pain and discomfort for some babies. However, it may go on for a longer period of time for others.
Some of the signs and symptoms of teething are red and swollen gums, heavy drooling, coughing, cold-like symptoms and low-grade fever. Others include not being able to sleep well at night (but wakeful during the day), small blisters on the gums, chin rash, gum sucking, rubbing or biting, gnawing and occasional diarrhoea. However, many doctors and experts disagree as to whether it is teething or the infections that come with it that cause these symptoms.
What can you do?
When you notice these signs of baby teething, there are several things you can do to temporarily ease the pain. For one, you can rub your finger on the baby’s gums to numb it. Giving your baby a teething ring can also work – you can put in the fridge for a while before handing it to the baby. The cool ring will soothe sore gums. You can also let your baby chew on a soft washcloth. Or you can even put ice in a Cherub Baby Fresh Food Feeder!
If the pain becomes unbearable, you can give your teething baby an infant paracetamol, or ibuprofen if she is three months or older (upon doctors advice only). It is important to note that during the period of your baby teething, you must not give both medicines together. Most importantly, check with your physician about how much and what to give your baby.
OTHER TIPS
A teething baby may also experience a low grade fever. Research suggests that fever is not necessarily associated with teething. Professor Melissa Wake, Associate Director for Research for the Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, points out that parents should not assume that the fever is always just related to teething.
However, it is necessary to always be on guard as to whether your baby has fever. The Cherub Baby 4 in 1 Infrared Digital Ear and Forehead thermometer is an easy to operate, hygienic and comfortable device that provides accurate readings. Our digital thermometer can assist you in noticing the warning signs of an impending fever. It is a must-have for every parent with a growing infant. This winner of the 2012 Mother and Baby Awards, our digital ear and forehead thermometer has 4 features. You can use it as an ear thermometer, forehead thermometer, ambient room thermometer and digital clock display. For its convenience, comfort and design, it is one device that every household must own.
Remember that it is important to know if your child has a fever, as this may be indicative of some other infection or health problems rather than just teething.
Whatever stage your baby is at, the teething stage will come and go and both you and your baby will come out the other side with a smile and a cuddle. Always stay positive and remember nothing soothes like a cuddle from mum or dad.
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only and any medical concern or questions you may have about your health or your baby’s health should be taken up with your local paediatrician or hospital emergency department if urgent medical attention is required. This is not a replacement for professional medical advice.
