5 ways to comfort a teething baby

Teething time can be quite an ordeal for both bubs and parents! But don't worry, there are plenty of ways you can comfort your baby through their toothy troubles and make the experience better for both of you. We've compiled a list of our 5 best recommendations that we think can help!

But first off, let's start with the basics:

What is teething?

Teething is the process of when teeth start pushing through a baby's gums.

A baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone and will generally occur at around 6-10 months, sometimes earlier or later. Babies can continue the teething process right up until their 3rd birthday when they have a complete set of teeth.

How do I know my baby is teething?

There are a number of signs parents can look out for to know when their baby is going through teething, these can include:

• More drool or dribble than usual

• Red and inflamed gums

• Constantly looking for things to put in their mouth

• Dirty nappies and runny ones too

• Irritated, sad or unsettled bub

• Flushed red cheeks

• Fussy eating

Now you know the signs, what can you do to help your baby through their toothy troubles!

5 ways to comfort a teething baby:

1) Offer different teethers, shapes and textures for them to mouth and teethe on

Teething bubs like to put different objects in their mouth to help relieve the pressure of new teeth breaking the surface of the gum.

Giving them a range of different textures (hard and soft) for them to suck, gnaw and chew can help them to hit all the right sore spots in their mouth and provide some counter pressure to the emergent teeth.

Jellystone Designs' Moon Teether has both a hard beechwood ring and soft, textured silicone ring. The hardwearing beech wood is an ideal material for chewing as it is naturally antibacterial and the smooth ring provides a wonderfully firm surface for your baby to chew away their teething pain.

2) Offer pain relief as required

Teething can be quite painful for little ones and can interrupt their sleep and eating schedule. You may want to consider talking to your GP about child-friendly, safe medications as pain relief if their symptoms are serious. There are also a number of gels and liquids that can provide pain relief but always consult with your doctor before administering any to your child.

3) Change clothes and refresh bibs as needed - a whole lot of dribble can be uncomfy

Teething bubs dribble a lot. It's always a good idea to have a spare change of clothes and bibs wherever you go because it's likely that they will soak at least one pair in drool. Also, regularly wiping their face of drool and dribble is important as it can prevent chaffing and rashes that are the last thing you need!

4) If you bub has started solids, offer chilled pieces of fruit and vegetables for them to suck on

As teeth begin to push up to the surface, your baby's gums can become red and inflamed. Chilled objects, especially yummy fruit and vegetables can offer some soothing relief from inflammation. We recommend cutting up some banana and putting it in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to bub to suck on.

5) Lots and lots of cuddles

Its a painful and uncomfortable time. Being there to hold, nurse and soothe bub can work wonders!

But as always, make sure you speak to your GP or a medical practitioner if you have any concerns about symptoms or treatments for your bub.

Article supplied by Jellystone Designs.