Signs of teething
Just when you thought you had established a routine, it’s often back to square one. Your baby can be grouchy, wake up several times a night, refuse to eat and can even bite! Fear not – your baby may simply be teething.
Or are they? All sorts of things are blamed on teething in babies, from upset tummies to ear infections. Apparent symptoms of teething are often mistaken for other complaints so it is important to read the signs carefully.
Reading the signs of teething
First of all, it is best to be clear: diarrhoea, earache and fever are not signs of baby teething. In these cases, you may want to have your baby checked by their GP / paediatrician.
So what are the signs of teething in babies? One of the first things you may notice is an excess of saliva. Babies dribble, but an impending tooth may well crank it up a notch. Red gums and cheeks are another common sign, as is a slight rise in temperature.
Besides physical symptoms of teething, your baby may show emotional or behavioural signs, too. Babies often become irritable and can have trouble sleeping or feeding. They might chew on every hard object in sight, including you.
Does it hurt?
Some babies sail through the teething process, but others seem to really suffer. There is no way of knowing how your baby will fare until teething starts. Each baby reacts differently, even within the same family.
How can you help?
If you think your baby is showing signs of teething, there are several ways in which you can help things along. Teething rings are ideal for babies who like to chew – and might prevent them from ruining the remote control or other makeshift ‘chew toy’. Chilled teething rings soothe red and swollen gums, as do chilled snacks like yoghurts or fruit purees.
Teething babies who drool a lot can get chapped and irritated skin on their lips, chin and chest. You can protect these areas by applying a suitable barrier cream.
Teething babies who drool a lot can get chapped and irritated skin on their lips, chin and chest. You can protect these areas by applying a suitable barrier cream.
Rubbing baby’s gums with a clean finger often smoothes away discomfort and helps you check which teeth are coming through. You can apply a teething gel for extra relief, such as a sugar-free and colour-free gel like bonjela Teething Gel*.
To help ease the pain, you can also use an infant analgesic, such as Nurofen for Children*. Nurofen for Children can be used to help relieve the pain associated with teething and bring down a raised temperature.
Once you have recognised the signs of teething, you can forgive your baby’s temper and bring relief and support through what can be a difficult time.
* bonjela Teething Gel. Always read the label.
** Nurofen for Children. Contains ibuprofen. Always read the label.
Top 5 signs of baby teething
- Excessive dribbling
- Red cheeks and gums
- Tendency to chew on things
- Mood changes, irritability
- Loss of appetite
- teething
- teething and baby
- teething symptom
- signs of babies teething
- signs of baby teething
