Coping with your baby's teething
Crying, sore gums, flushed cheeks and irritability are just some of the signs of teething. Here’s how to soothe your baby
Some babies sail through teething with barely a squeak. But for others it can be a painful, drawn-out process that leaves your baby — and you — feeling distressed. But there are things you can do to soothe sore gums and stop the tears, and understanding what your baby is going through will help you to cope better.
When does teething start?
“Typically, teething starts at six to seven months, and continues until the child reaches two or three years old, by which time all 20 primary (baby) teeth will be present,” says dentist Susan James. “However, this can vary enormously — some children are born with teeth, and many begin teething much later than others.”
What are the signs of teething?
A teething baby is often whingey, irritable and clingy. “If your baby doesn’t seem ill, but is distressed, feel his gums,” says Maggie Fisher, a health visitor. “If he’s teething, you’ll feel a hard lump or sharp point under the skin. The area might also look sore and swollen.”
Other symptoms of teething include:
- Flushed cheeks
- Cramming his fist into his mouth
- Dribbling
- Biting
- Sore bottom (an enzyme released during teething, combined with swallowing excessive saliva, can cause runny stools)
- Broken sleep.
It is important to remember, though, that teething won’t make your baby ill. “There is a tendency to blame everything on teething,” says Maggie. “But though it is often uncomfortable, it is not an illness. Vomiting, diarrhoea and fever are not part of teething — these are signs of an underlying illness and parents should seek a doctor’s advice.”
How can I soothe teething pain?
Your baby’s routine may be disrupted if he’s teething, but try not to worry. The best thing you can offer is lots of cuddles. Gently rub his gums as you rock him and let him chew on your fingers. If sore gums are causing him to go off his usual foods, offer him cold, smooth alternatives — such as purées straight from the fridge, yoghurts and jellies. Let him chew on hard pieces of fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, apples and cucumber. Chill them in the fridge first, but don’t freeze them as it could harm his gums. “Whenever your baby has something in his mouth, always keep a watchful eye," says Maggie, "in case he takes a lump out of it, which could be a choking hazard.”
Helpful teething products
There are plenty of inexpensive teething remedies available from your high-street chemist.
Teethers
These are available in all shapes and sizes; choose one that is textured (with ridges and bumps for extra 'bite appeal'). Water-filled teethers can be popped in the fridge (but never put them in the freezer).
Teething biscuits
With no added sugar or salt, these biscuits (try Bickiepegs, £1.65, www.bickiepegs.co.uk) are great for older babies who have started to chew food.
Teething gels
Teething gels contain a mild painkiller, so gently rub onto sore gums. Some sugar-free ones are:
- Dentinox Teething Gel, £2.25, suitable from birth
- Calgel Teething Gel, £1.59, suitable from three months
- Bonjela Teething Gel, £2.99, suitable from two months
- Nelsons Teetha Teething Gel , £4.40, a homeopathic formula suitable for babies of all ages.
Herbal/homeopathic granules
These granules are formulated to give temporary relief:
- Ashton & Parsons Infants’ Powders, £2.99, a traditional herbal teething remedy suitable for babies of all ages
- Boots Teething Pain Relief, £4.40, a homeopathic formula suitable for all ages.
Painkillers
Painkillers are worth trying if your baby is distressed and can’t be soothed by other methods. Infant paracetamol (for example Calpol) is suitable from three months (always check dosage instructions).
What if I can’t cope?
Teething troubles can be a real flashpoint for many parents, especially when dealing with the other stresses and strains of modern family life — money problems, relationship difficulties, work worries. Throw into that mix a crying baby and disturbed nights, and it’s little wonder that parents can feel they’ve reached the end of their tether.
Try to comfort your baby, but if that isn’t working and you’re being driven to distraction, you need to put some distance between the two of you. “Put your baby in a safe place — such as his cot — and walk away for a few minutes,” says Maggie. “The more wound up you get, the more likely you are to do something you’ll regret later, such as losing your temper or shaking him.” Go into another room, put the radio on, have a cup of tea and take some deep breaths to calm down. If you can, get a neighbour or friend to take over for half an hour, then go back and try again.
Parents’ tips
“Oscar would chew anything. He would grab my fingers, shove them in his mouth, and bite down hard!” Rebecca, mum of Oscar, 4
“We had lots of sleepless nights. We tried other things, such as gels, but in the end, it was only Calpol that really did the trick.” Stephen, dad of Emily, 20 months
“Bickiepegs were great — they really helped William.” Lisa, mum of Max, 4, and William, 21 months
“I used herbal granules, they did seem to soothe Lucas’ sore gums.” Jacqueline, mum of Lucas, 4 and Emily, 21 months
Find out more
- NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk
0808 800 5000 (Free 24-hour NSPCC Child Protection Helpline)
- Cry-sis
www.cry-sis.org.uk
08451 228 669
- Parentline Plus
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
0808 800 2222
- ParentLine Scotland
www.parentlinescotland.org.uk
0808 800 2222
- Parents Advice Centre (Northern Ireland)
www.parentsadvicecentre.org
0808 8010 722
- Now read our features on your baby's first foods, finger foods and foods for older babies.
Words: Helen Henry. Pictures: Getty
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