Teething can be hard to diagnose – but we do know it comes
with irritability, sleeplessness and tears (sometimes on both side). It is so vague in symptoms that we
blame every negative behaviour on teething – we have full intentions of doing
this until the kids are 12 and then we will blame it all on hormones.
SYMPTOMS
•
Irritability
•
Bumpy gums
•
Chewing and biting on
things (tables and cribs included!)
•
Red cheeks
•
Drooling
A
high-grade fever, vomiting or diarrhea are not normal symptoms of teething,
talk to your doctor if your baby is experiencing these symptoms
ORDER OF EMERGENCE
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| Source |
On
average, the first tooth arrives sometime during the seventh month, although
some babes are even born with teeth or don’t get their first one as late as
twelve months
REMEDIES (though maybe a better name is 'comforters')
Cold or Frozen Washcloth
Not only to chew on while teething but use this to brush baby’s
gums from day one!
Babies
aren’t born with the bacteria that cause tooth decay (cavities). Instead, the
bacteria are passed from mother (or other adult) to child. For example,
“cleaning” your baby’s pacifier by putting it in your mouth could spread
harmful germs to your baby.
Frozen Fruit (in a
net bag)
 |
| We stock up on watermelon in the summer and keep chunks frozen in the freezer |
 |
Apple
Chunks for smaller babies, and peeled halves for older
ones
Textured Teething Toys
Kept cold in the fridge
Brushes and Toothbrushes
Camilia
A friend recommended this to me and I'm so grateful - really helps with sleeplessness around nap time and seems to relieve the majority of teething symptoms (though there are days when its so bad we use the advil). You can buy this at health stores, Walmart and Shopper Drug Marts
TEETHING GELS are sold in stores
but many health professionals state they can be dangerous (too much can cause
the mouth to go numb and some babies react to the ingredients in the gel and
have trouble breathing and swallowing) and not to use them without doctor
supervision
