Teething

Some babies are born with teeth and some don’t get any until they are at least 1.  However, a lot of babies start getting teeth at around 6 months.

Signs of teething

The pain associated with teething can start up to a couple of months before any teeth actually come through, so you won’t necessarily know that that is what is bothering them.  There are a few signs to look out for that have been associated with teething:

• bright red cheeks
• whining and general grumpiness
• dribbling
• constant biting and chewing
• pain when feeding
• pulling at ears
• a cough

Remedies

There are lots of different lotions/potions available.  It is worth giving several different ones a try to see what suits your baby best.

• Infant paracetamol/calpol
  This is great for all aches and pains.  The main downside, is that it takes over 20mins to work, so you are left with a miserable baby whilst you wait for it to kick in.  Probably worth combining with another remedy.
  Be very careful to follow the dosage instructions applicable to your baby’s age.
  MoorMum Lisa from Menston says: “You can buy Calpol in little sachets too, which makes it easier to carry around with you.”
• Teething gel
  There has been a lot of talk in the press recently about not using Bonjela on babies – Times article.  However, this does not affect Bonjela teething gel which remains safe to use.  You could also use Dentinox.  These are available in your local supermarket.
  The good thing about teething gel is that it works straight away, the downside is that it can be difficult to put in your baby’s mouth (especially when they already have teeth as they will be prone to try and bite your finger).
• Teething granules
  Available from Boots, Teetha teething granules are a ready-dosed, sugar free powder that dissolves in baby’s mouth to quickly ease the pain of teething.
  MoorMum Rachel from Otley says: “This is a magic powder for teething.  It is basically 6c’s of chamomilla.”
• Homeopathic remedies
  There are a number of homeopathic remedies for teething.
  MoorMum Rachel from Otley says: “Bel at the Otley Apothecary is full of fantastic remedies and information.”
• Teethers
  There are literally hundreds of different teething toys available for babies to bite/chew on.  Some, you can put in the fridge to cool first, this is supposed to be extra soothing.
  Ilkley Health Visitor Claire says: “Teethers are the best and safest remedy for teething.”
• Aloe Vera cream
  Any cream containing Aloe Vera can be used to sooth red cheeks.  Although, if your baby has sensitive skin, it may be worth checking that the cream you have chosen won’t cause them a reaction.
  MoorMum Rachel from Otley says: “Aloe Vera is great for red cheeks, the more concentrated the better.  Although Aloe Vera can be very expensive.”
• Frozen fruit or veg
  It can be soothing for babies to chew on frozen fruit or veg.  Try a piece of cooked carrot or mango.  Do be careful not to leave your baby unattended with any food that they might be able to choke on.
  MoorMum Rachel from Otley says: “I was told once that in Fiji they give babies frozen wedges of lime to suck/chew on!”

If you have any other suggestions to relieve teething pain, please let us know so that we can share them with other mums.