Oh BABY! | 93 Your Baby is Teething... Teething occurs when your baby’s teeth erupt through the gums. It can be a trying time for parents because your baby is fussy, unsettled, and uncomfortable – and who wants that? Teething usually begins around 6 months of age. The teeth break through the gums one at a time over a period of months. The bottom teeth first, then the two middle ones, and then the ones along the side and back. Signs of teething vary from child to child, but in general your child will be irritable, they may bite or gnaw, they’ll drool, cough, rub their ears, face, and gums, they can develop a facial or chin rash, have a loss of appetite, have a low-grade fever, stay awake (as in not sleep well), and can develop cold-like symptoms. What can you do for your teething child? • Give your child something to chew on, like a firm rubber teething ring or cold washcloth (chill the washcloth in the refrigerator). • Rub a clean finger gently but firmly over your baby’s sore gums to temporarily ease the pain. • Give your child a cold bottle of water • If your baby is old enough to eat solids, there may be some relief from cold foods like yogurt, applesauce, or pureed peaches. • Give your child a hard, unsweetened teething biscuit to gnaw on. • Ask your doctor if you should use a pain reliever like infant acetaminophen – your doctor will know the correct dosage for your child. • Topicals that are applied to the gums can also provide relief – ask your doctor before using. Caring for your child’s new teeth: • Once your baby’s teeth arrive, you’ll want to keep them clean. Gently wipe the gums with a clean, damp gauze once a day; make it a fun part of the baby’s bedtime routine. You can also use a soft brush after feeding. • Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle as it can lead to tooth decay. Photo by Pao Carmona Photography