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How to help your baby's teething discomfort

Author: Lisa Coleman
Published: Mar 6 2014

Seeing your child go through the teething process can be difficult for parents. Sore gums, discomfort, irritability and pain can often accompany the breakthroughs. However, the following tricks and tips can provide relief and comfort to your child’s misery.

Help your babys teething discomfort

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

There’s no set time frame for a child to go through the teething stage. However, between three and six months is a common occurrence for most infants. The symptoms can vary and be dependent on the child. Irritability, coughing, drooling, biting, ear pulling, gnawing and cheek rubbing can be many of the related symptoms. Your infant may also have a low-grade fever, diarrhea and not be able to sleep well throughout the night. To rule out other illnesses, you can have your pediatrician confirm that your child is going through the teething process.

Teething Rattles

Finding ways to take away the pain is a primary concern for most parents. Babies love to chew and gnaw on things, especially when they’re going through the teething stage. A teether rattle is essential in providing an infant with something safe to put in their mouth. They are also designed to be easily grasped by an infant to alleviate their sore gums and mouth. Teething rattles can also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials for your child’s entertainment and enjoyment.

In addition to being a comfort, the toys can entertain and provide infant stimulation. Placing the teething rattle in the refrigerator or freezer can also bring welcome relief by numbing the pain. However, a baby’s gums are delicate, so you want to ensure their safety and wellness by limiting the amount of time the frozen teether is applied to their sore mouth. Teethers also come in a variety of materials from wooden and cloth to plastic and rubber.

Natural Remedies

You’ll also find a host of natural remedies that can prove beneficial in providing relief to a teething infant. Cold fruit or vegetables placed in a mesh bag can immediately soothe a child’s mouth. By placing a slice of frozen apple or banana in a mesh feeder, your child can enjoy the flavor and be comforted. Popsicles, frozen breast milk and crush flavored ice can also ease the pain that accompanies teething. If your child is on solid foods, you can freeze smooth baby foods in ice cube trays. Try strained pears, apples, bananas or mangos.

Infant Massage

A finger massage can also bring temporary relief to a child’s tender gums. Simply wash and clean your finger first before placing it in your child’s mouth. You can then gently rub it back and forth over the sore gum. Try dipping your finger in breast-milk or juice before massaging the sore gums.

The teething stage of a child’s life can be just as difficult on a parent as it is on the infant. Watching out for the symptoms and finding natural remedies that can provide relief can help ease the pain and crankiness that is sure to follow.

Lisa Coleman is a mother to 4 and understands well the pain and discomfort that teething brings during the first few years. She always found a teether rattle convenient to transport and share with her children during those years to help aid during the teething process.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xlordashx/7317459578/

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