Teething tips

Teething tips

Teething is an exciting milestone, but it can be traumatic for you and your baby. Here are some tips on how get to the root of the problem.

First Teeth

Your baby's gummy smile conceals a full set of 20 milk teeth hidden in his jaw.

Usually, the first tip pops through at six months, but all babies are different: it's not unusual for first teeth to appear at three months, but some don’t get pearly whites until after 12 months. If your baby doesn't have a tooth by his first birthday, have a chat with your GP.

Soothing spoons

Try rubbing a finger or a cold spoon over your baby's gums to numb the pain temporarily.

Pain relief

Give your baby the correct does of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen for children. Use a medicine syringe instead of a spoon to get it to the back of his mouth so he can’t spit it out.

Ease by eating

If he is old enough for solid foods, try offering him cold apple puree or plain yoghurt, although you may find that your bub will lose his appetite when teething.

Baby Biscuits

Generations of babies have chomped their way through sugar-free teething biscuits, such as hard non-sweetened rusks, breadsticks or oven-hardened bread, which are great for relieving pain.

Teething rings

Give your baby a teething ring. Cool it down in the fridge as opposed to the freezer.

Go Bananas

Use fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber or frozen bananas, as chewable soothers.

Try carrots

A peeled, raw carrot straight from the fridge is good for him to chew on, but stay with your baby when he is eating it to make sure he doesn't choke!

Distraction

If your baby’s bored, he’ll dwell on the pain and become even grumpier. Be prepared to give him more attention than usual, as he’ll be feeling sorry for himself. Now’s a good time to give him a new toy, but make sure it’s something he can chew!

Cuddle Care

There will be times when your baby will reject all of these offerings and, at these moments, a cuddle is the best therapy you can give.