Teething baby?
Teething is one
of the great milestones of a baby's
development and for parents, memories of their
baby's first big toothy grin will be treasured forever. Some
babies sail through the process and are showing
off their first teeth before you know it, but
for others it can
be a more uncomfortable time,
causing distress to both parents
and their baby.
It's impossible to tell how your baby will react until that first
tooth begins to cut, but we hope that the information and advice
provided on this web site will help to reassure you and ease you
both through the teething process.
Here are some tips for parents which
you can print off your computer and hand out at your clinic:
The most obvious signs that your
baby may be teething
Soothing remedies: a guide for
the parents
Teething can be a difficult time
for babies. Here are some things you can do to relieve their discomfort:
1. Cuddle therapy
A little extra tender loving care
goes a long way when your baby is having a hard time teething.
Hugs and cuddles will help comfort
and reassure your baby if they are distressed.
2. Rubbing their
gums
Lightly massaging your baby's gum
with a clean finger
can be soothing and help alleviate some of their discomfort. Take
the chance to do this while applying
a topical teething gel like
Bonjela Teething Gel which will have the added benefit of helping
to provide ongoing relief afterwards
too. (Always read the label)
3. Teething gel
Teething gels massaged into the gums with a clean finger can provide
fast-acting and targeted relief. Look for ones
that are sugar-free and colour-free such as Bonjela Teething Gel
and make sure you check the dosage
instructions and expiry date. (Always read the
label).
4. Food for chewing
If your baby is over six months old, try offering them a sugar-free
teething biscuit or unsweetened
rusk. Alternatively, some like to gnaw
on chilled bread slices or a chilled piece of
cucumber with the skin off.
Whatever you choose to give your baby make sure they are supervised
and that they cannot bite chunks off, which could cause your baby
to choke. It is also preferable to avoid foods
that are too hard as these could bruise the gums
and cause further pain.
5. Cold foods
Cold helps to numb the pain,
so chilled yoghurts, unsweetened apple puree or other baby foods
could help. Make sure the food isn't
frozen and will cause any chills.
6. Cold drinks
Likewise, cool drinks can help soothe
the whole mouth. Try cooling boiled water or extra
breast or formula milk in the fridge. 
7. Teething rings
Teething babies love to chew and
bite - on anything! Sterilised teething
rings can therefore be useful as they provide
temporary relief
and can actually help the teeth to cut through. Cold
objects can be particularly soothing so why not
pop a liquid-filled teething ring
to chill in the fridge first? Just make sure that
it's clean and definitely not frozen.
8. Infant medicine (analgesics)
A medicine (analgesic) designed especially for babies, such as
baby Paracetamol Suspension or
Calpol can be used for babies who are three
months or more to help relieve
the pain associated with teething and bring down
a raised temperature. In fact, baby Paracetamol Suspension or
Calpol can be administered alongside Bonjela Teething Gel for
more complete control of symptoms. However, if
a raised temperature persists, a visit
to a doctor is advisable so that other possible
causes can be excluded. (Always read the label)
9. Soothing sore
chins
Excessive dribbling
caused by teething can irritate
babies' chin, neck and chest which may become
dry, chapped and sore.
Try to keep their skin as dry as possible (a bib will help) and
change any wet clothing.
Applying a simple barrier cream
can also help keep their skin soft and smooth and may ease any
chapped skin.
