Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Recognizing the signs can help you manage the discomfort and support your baby through the process. Here are some common signs that a baby is teething:
1. Increased Drooling
- Babies often drool more when they are teething because the process stimulates the salivary glands. You might notice more drool than usual and need to keep a cloth handy to wipe it.
2. Chewing on Objects
- Teething babies frequently chew on toys, fingers, or other objects to relieve gum discomfort. You might find your baby gnawing on anything they can get their hands on.
3. Irritability and Fussiness
- The discomfort from teething can make babies more irritable or fussy than usual. They might cry more often or have trouble sleeping.
4. Swollen or Tender Gums
- If you gently press on your baby’s gums, you might feel that they are swollen or see that they are red. You may also notice small bumps on the gums where the teeth are emerging.
5. Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns
- Teething can disrupt your baby's usual eating or sleeping habits. They might eat less due to gum pain or have trouble settling down for naps or bedtime.
6. Slight Fever
- A low-grade fever (below 101°F or 38.3°C) can occur, though teething is not usually associated with high fevers. If your baby has a higher fever or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician.
7. Rubbing Ears or Cheeks
- Babies may rub their ears or cheeks to soothe the pain from teething. This is because the nerves in the gums and ears are connected, so gum pain can sometimes cause ear discomfort.
8. Changes in Bowel Movements
- Some parents notice a change in their baby's bowel movements, such as looser stools. While this can happen during teething, it’s also important to check for other causes if diarrhea is severe or persistent.
9. Increased Desire to Be Held
- Your baby might seek extra comfort and attention from you during this time, wanting to be held or cuddled more often.
10. Biting
- You might notice that your baby starts to bite down on things more frequently. This is a natural response to the discomfort in their gums.
Teething Remedies and Tips
1. Teething Toys: We highly recommend Buckaroo Chew
2. Cold Washcloth: A cold, clean washcloth for your baby to chew on can provide relief.
3. Gum Massage: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help ease the pain.
4. Teething Gel: We definitely recommend using our Chamomile Tallow
Understanding these signs can help you provide comfort to your baby and manage the teething process more effectively.
