Is your little one fussy, chewing on things and drooling? These are some of the signs your little one may be teething.
Teething often begins around 4-6 months of age and continues for almost 2 years. Don’t worry if your little one does not have a tooth by 6 months, I have had two children who didn’t pop a tooth until later and I promise they have a full set of healthy teeth now. Just know teething later is common and nothing to worry about.
With a lot of time teething over the next few years, knowing the signs and understanding how to manage teething can help your little one move through this a little smoother.
The bottom two teeth (central incisors) push through first, some babies show no signs of teething until one day low and behold the parents spot the new tooth. For others it can be a long few days of fussiness before the new tooth pops through. There is no way to tell if teething will bother your child.
Common signs of teething include
- Red or flushed cheeks
- Drooling
- Chewing on everything
- Red gums
- Gum pain
- Fussy or Cranky
- Rubbing ears
- Not interested in eating
- Low grade fever
- Poor sleep
Interestingly, babies who are not great sleepers to begin with cannot manage the discomfort as well as babies who sleep well. Just like you or me the threshold for tolerance is lowered when we have poor sleep.
Ways to comfort your little one while teething
- Gently massage the gums with one of your clean fingers.
- Teething rings and toys chilled in the refrigerator (NOT the freezer) can be helpful.
- Sucking on a mesh food holder with frozen fruit/veggies can provide a tasty and soothing treat on the teeth.
- Some babies like chewing on a partially frozen, clean, and wet washcloth.
- If the baby is uncomfortable, you can try acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your pharmacist for correct dosage.
Stay consistent with your routines and try to avoid adding anything you cannot sustain long term during the teething process.
I typically advise parents to continue with sleep training while teething. Better sleep will help your little one handle the discomfort easier.
If you have tried everything and need some help, let me help you. Book your free discovery call where you can share more about your child’s sleep struggles, and find out how our sleep program can completely change your little one’s sleep habits! Book Here!