Teething can be a very painful experience for babies. Parents feel miserable and helpless watching their baby go through this inevitable milestone of growth and development. Here are some solutions that can help baby and you feel better.
1. Rub your baby's gums. Use a clean finger, moistened gauze pad or damp washcloth to massage your baby's gums. The pressure can ease your baby's discomfort.
2. Offer a teething ring. Try one made of firm rubber. The liquid-filled variety might break under the pressure of your baby's chewing. Don't risk it. If a bottle seems to do the trick, fill it with cool water. Prolonged contact with sugar from formula, milk or juice contributes to tooth decay.
3. Keep all things cool. A washcloth, teething ring or spoon, chilled in the refrigerator, can be soothing on a baby's gums. Don't give your baby a frozen teething ring, however. Contact with frozen things can be harmful and damaging to gums.
4. Try hard foods. If your baby is eating solid foods, you might offer something edible for gnawing, such as a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot. Keep a close eye on your baby, however. Any pieces that break off might pose a choking hazard.
5. Dry the drool. Excessive drooling is part of the teething process. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to dry your baby's chin.
6. Try an over-the-counter remedy. If your baby is especially cranky, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) might help. Avoid teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine. Benzocaine products have been associated with methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.
With these helpful tips, let's hope baby will be comforted and everyone can get a good night's sleep. Best wishes!
Copyright, How to Ease Painful Gums in Teething Babies, Sharon Rose, February 22, 2018. All rights reserved.
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