Teething can be an exciting stage for parents to watch as it marks another step in their bub’s growth and development. However, this stage can also be painful for your baby and frustrating for parents to manage. Gums can swell and become sore and uncomfortable as teeth grow out of them – so what can you do to help soothe your little darling? We’ve compiled a guide to help you identify when your child is teething, as well as how to take care of them during this uncomfortable period of their early childhood.
How can I recognise the signs of teething?
The first tooth usually comes in at around 6 months. However, as every baby is different, your child may start to teethe earlier or later. It is common for teeth to emerge symmetrically, with the right and left teeth growing at similar times. The lower centre teeth tend to come through first. As the tooth starts to ‘erupt’ and move beneath the surface of the gum, swelling of the area may arise.
When larger molars come through, they may cause more discomfort to your baby due to the larger surface area not being able to come through the gum tissue as easily. Some of the common symptoms of teething include:
- Chewing on objects to relieve pressure
- Loss of appetite because their mouth hurts
- Increased drooling, which can also cause a rash around the mouth
- Ear pulling on the side which the tooth is growing from
- Difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort
- Irritability or crankiness
- Slightly elevated body temperature – known as teething fever.
If your baby is in a lot of pain, has bleeding gums or pus coming out, seek professional medical help from a doctor or nurse.
What should I do when my baby starts teething?
Once you know your baby has reached this stage, be sure to take care of those new, growing teeth. You can look at our guide on looking after the oral health of your baby to protect those smiles. During this time, your baby will probably be a lot grumpier than usual – this is normal! Teething causes a lot of discomfort and it won’t be a particularly fun period for either of you. The good thing is that there are many solutions to help your bub feel better while they grow into their new gnashers.
How do I soothe a teething baby?
One remedy to help ease the discomfort of your teething baby is to give them healthy food to chew on – but only if they’ve already started solids. This can be pieces of apple or carrot, or a stick of chilled, peeled cucumber. You could also give them frozen fruit for added cooling relief!
TOP TIP: Pop some fruit (fresh or frozen) into the silicone pouch of our Fresh Food Feeder and Teether, seal it tight and give it to your child. They can chew on the pouch to relieve their little gums, while the holes only let small, digestible pieces to pass through. This also allows them to practice their hand-eye coordination and encourages self-feeding. The end of the feeder also acts as a teether with ridged edges that your child can safely chew on once they’ve finished the food.
You can also rub your baby’s gums to try help soothe the pain using gentle pressure. Be sure to wash your hands and use a clean finger before you massage them.
One of the most popular things parents will give their babies during this stage are teethers. As the name suggests, they’re specially made for the purpose of helping your teething babies! At Haakaa, we have a wide range of teethers with unique and whimsical designs to keep your baby busy. We understand the importance of keeping your precious ones safe, which is why we have kept all of our teethers non-toxic, super soft and perfectly sized for your child’s little hands and mouths.
Our Natural Rubber Owl Teethers are the ideal solution for those young ones who are allergic or sensitive to rubber. They are manufactured by removing the natural protein found in rubber, making the material allergen-free! Plus, as a one-piece design, there’s no chance of any nasties growing between the cracks or edges.
Haakaa’s Silicone Palm Teether, Silicone Ferris Wheel Teether and Rabbit Silicone Teether are super colourful, fun and easy-to-hold teethers for your child with ridged ends that can safely fit in their tiny mouths. Their quirky shapes will no doubt entertain even the fussiest of babies for a long time to come! Our silicone teethers are all easy to clean as well – just boil in plain water.
TOP TIP: You can put our Silicone Palm Teether, Silicone Ferris Wheel Teether and Rabbit Silicone Teether in the freezer to provide added cooling relief before giving them to your child!
Hopefully our solutions will be able to help your baby cope as their teeth grow in. Keep an eye on your child, be aware of their behaviours, regularly take them for check-ups and make sure they’re happy and healthy. Soon, in what will feel like no time, your baby will be talking and eating all by themselves with their new set of chompers!