Signs of Teething Baby: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Hi there, readers!
Babies are little miracles, and watching them grow and develop is a joy like no other. Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s life, and it can be both exciting and stressful for parents. To help you navigate this time smoothly, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the signs of teething baby.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Teething Symptoms
- Red, swollen, and tender gums: This is one of the first and most obvious signs of teething. The baby’s gums may become red and inflamed as the new tooth pushes through.
- Drooling: Teething can cause increased saliva production, which can lead to excessive drooling.
- Crying and fussiness: Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, and they may cry or become fussy as a result.
- Chewing on objects: Babies may try to relieve the pressure on their gums by chewing on toys, fingers, or other objects.
- Ear rubbing: Teething can cause ear pain, which can lead to babies rubbing or pulling at their ears.
- Changes in sleep and appetite: Teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep and appetite, as they may be uncomfortable or in pain.
Physical Signs
- Small, white bumps: These bumps may appear on the gums where the new teeth are coming in.
- Tooth buds: As the teeth get closer to erupting, you may notice small, hard tooth buds under the gums.
- Broken skin: In some cases, teething can cause the gums to split open, leading to small breaks in the skin.
Teething Timeline
The teething timeline can vary from baby to baby, but here’s a general breakdown:
- 6-12 months: The two lower front teeth typically erupt first.
- 7-16 months: The four upper front teeth usually erupt next.
- 12-18 months: The molars, or back teeth, begin to erupt.
- 16-23 months: The canines, or eye teeth, usually erupt.
- 23-33 months: The second molars usually complete the set of 20 baby teeth.
Teething Remedies
There are several things you can do to help soothe your teething baby:
Soothing Remedies
- Gum massage: Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a teething ring can provide relief.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the baby’s cheek or gums can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Teething toys: Teething toys, such as teething rings or teething necklaces, can provide a safe and soothing way for babies to chew.
Pain Relievers
Consult with your doctor before administering pain relievers to your baby.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a safe and effective pain reliever for babies.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Ibuprofen is another effective pain reliever for babies, but it should be used with caution.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, teething is a normal process that doesn’t require medical attention. However, there are certain situations where you should see a doctor:
- If your baby has a fever over 101°F.
- If your baby’s gums are bleeding or swollen for an extended period.
- If your baby has difficulty eating or drinking.
- If your baby is persistently fussy or irritable.
- If your baby’s teething symptoms do not improve after a few days.
Teething Table Breakdown
| Month | Symptoms | Physical Signs |
|---|---|---|
| 6-12 | Drooling, crying, chewing, ear rubbing | Red, swollen gums, small white bumps |
| 7-16 | Drooling, crying, fussiness | Tooth buds, broken skin |
| 12-18 | Pain, increased drooling | Molars erupting |
| 16-23 | Crying, ear pulling | Canines erupting |
| 23-33 | Drooling, chewing | Second molars completing |
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, but it’s also a sign that your little one is growing and developing. By understanding the signs of teething baby and being prepared with soothing remedies, you can help make this transition smoother for everyone involved.
Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips on baby care and development!
FAQ about Signs of Teething Baby
1. What are the early signs of teething?
Answer: Drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, decreased appetite, and mild fever.
2. When do babies start teething?
Answer: Around 6 months of age, but can vary from 3 to 12 months.
3. How long does teething last?
Answer: Typically 7-10 days per tooth eruption.
4. What are some ways to soothe a teething baby?
Answer: Teething rings, cold washcloths, massage the gums, and offer chilled foods or drinks.
5. Should I give my baby pain relievers for teething?
Answer: Consult with your healthcare provider before giving any over-the-counter pain relievers.
6. When should I take my baby to the doctor for teething?
Answer: If the fever persists for more than 24 hours, the baby has difficulty breathing or eating, or if the gums appear infected.
7. Do teething babies have diarrhea?
Answer: Teething can sometimes cause mild diarrhea, but severe diarrhea is not a typical symptom.
8. Does teething cause a runny nose?
Answer: No, teething does not usually cause a runny nose.
9. Do all babies get a fever when teething?
Answer: No, some babies may only experience mild discomfort without a fever.
10. How can I prevent teething pain?
Answer: Offer soft toys or teething rings, massage baby’s gums, and keep the area clean.
