When a baby begins teething, it can be a stressful time for both child and parent.
Teething pain typically starts anywhere between 3 to 10 months old, HealthyChildren.org says, which notes that fussiness, drool, an increase in biting toys and a rash around the mouth are all signs of a teething baby.
HealthyChildren.org recommends parents and caregivers help relieve teething pain with:
Teething-specific toys. Rubber and plastic teething toys are designed to soothe aching gums. Skip liquid-filled teething toys because they can tear and leak. Same goes for teething necklaces – they pose choking and strangulation risks.
Frozen washcloths. Wet a washcloth and put it in the freezer. Once the cloth has stiffened but is still pliable, take it out and let your baby gnaw on it. However, “don’t let your baby chew directly on anything that’s frozen solid, because hard objects might hurt tender gums,” HealthyChildren.org warns.
Gum massage. Wash your hands and then gently rub your baby’s gums.
If your child still isn’t soothed, contact your pediatrician to ask if it’s OK to give them acetaminophen.
Don’t use numbing gels. These products may numb a baby’s throat and make it difficult for them to swallow – and some have caused serious harm.
