Newborn babies are born with 20 teeth under the gum line. You may not even notice it at first, but your happy baby will suddenly become fussy and drool a lot. Between 6 months and a year old, your baby typically gets their first tooth.
The process of teething is inevitable for your baby, and parents can have a stressful time watching their little ones struggle to cut their first few teeth.
It’s difficult to calm a teething baby at any time of day. However, during the daytime you can expect to be awake. Is there anything you can do to soothe your child and help them fall asleep at night, so you can both have a good night’s sleep? The following tips may help.
1. Massage the Gums
It may ease the pain if you apply pressure to your baby’s gums. Lay your baby on their back and gently massage their gums with your fingers after thoroughly cleaning your hands. By doing so, your baby may actually relax and fall asleep. The next time your baby wakes up during the night, try rubbing his gums again.
2. Offer a cooling treat
Cooling sensations can be really beneficial for sore gums. There’s no need for fancy equipment for this trick – just a few washcloths in the freezer so you don’t have to scramble in the middle of the night.
In order to use this washcloth, soak it in water and freeze it for 30 to 60 minutes. Even though you should check that there are no rips or strings, these washcloths can serve two purposes. You can also let your baby gnaw on them as long as they like in addition to instantly cooling their sore gums.
3. Get a Cold Washcloth
An excellent idea is to soak a clean washcloth in water. After soaking it, you should wring it out until it is damp. Cool the washcloth by placing it in the fridge or freezer.
Give your baby the washcloth to chew on once it is nice and cool. If your baby is chewing on something, even a washcloth, you should never leave them unattended.
4. Become your baby’s chew toy
You might let your baby gum at your fingers depending on whether this is their first tooth. Just be sure that you wash your fingers first. You can help calm their gums by dipping your fingers in cool water.
5. Refrigerate Pacifier or Teething Toy
Your baby’s pacifier can also be used to soothe their gums by allowing it to cool down. Ensure the pacifier is clean and place it in the refrigerator. This coolness may help numb the gums and alleviate some pain.
Teething toys can also be used in the same way. Any solid teething toy can be stored in the refrigerator. Stay away from toys that are filled with liquid or gel, which could leak.
6. Apply some pressure
It requires a bit more effort and, thus, more wakefulness from you.
Before you put your hands in your baby’s mouth, be sure they are clean. Apply gentle pressure to your baby’s gums with your fingers. You can sometimes soothe your baby’s teething pain just by rubbing his/her gums.
7. Freeze Milk Popsicles
It is common for babies to refuse food while they are teething. The discomfort probably plays a role in this.
Fill breastmilk or formula popsicle forms if possible in BPA-free containers. If you are using these types of popsicles, make sure your baby wears a bib when they melt. In fact, you might find it wise to place these in the highchair while your infant eats them.
8. Consider medicine
Instead of being your first option for soothing yourself, this should be your last resort. In some cases, though, over-the-counter medicine may be what you need if your baby struggles to sleep.
Be sure to speak with your baby’s pediatrician before giving him or her the medicine so you can confirm the proper dosage. Nonetheless, giving your little one baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) about 30 minutes before bedtime can help relieve mouth pain and help your baby drift off to sleep.
Do not give your baby teething tablets or topical numbing agents that are designed for use on the gums.
It is common for numbing gels not to provide lasting relief because your baby drools so much that the medication is washed away. FDA warns that some teething tablets contain belladonnaTrusted Source, and numbing gels contain benzocaineTrusted Source, both of which can cause danger to babies.
Father of four home schooling kids.