Teething can be a challenging time for babies (and parents!)
Soreness and swelling from teething can make some babies more fussy and more reluctant to eat.
Here are some basic facts about baby teething and home remedies to make this teething more comfortable for everyone.
{This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.}
Basic Facts About Teething
When do baby teeth start to come in?
You can usually expect to see your baby’s first tooth when they’re about 3 to 6 months old. Check with your doctor if it doesn’t appear by their first birthday.
Toot didn’t get her first tooth until she was 10 months old.
Our pediatrician said a baby’s teething schedule will track around the same time as one of the parents got their baby teeth. My mother-in-law said B didn’t get his first tooth until around 10 or 11 months which is probably why her teeth were late to the party.
Expect different reactions to different teeth
The lower front teeth will usually appear first and the very first tooth may be the most uncomfortable.
Big molars or cutting several teeth at once can also be difficult for babies.
Pay attention to more serious symptoms
Teething used to be seen as dangerous mostly because it was blamed for other developments that babies are prone to around the same age.
Check with your doctor if your baby has a fever, congestion or diarrhea. They might indicate a viral infection.
Home Remedies To Make Teething More Comfortable
Massage your baby’s gums
Rub your baby’s gums gently for a couple of minutes with a clean finger.
They may resist at first and try to bite you, but they’ll let you continue if it helps to relieve the pain.
You can also do this with a finger tooth brush for babies.
Buy teething rings
Store-bought teething toys will help your baby to relieve pressure on their gums and make them less likely to gnaw on other things that could be toxic or bad for them.
Pick whatever style your baby prefers. There are several different kinds. Most are made of silicone and can contain liquid that can be frozen.
Make your own teething toys
Washcloths or terrycloth toys dipped in water and chilled are good options.
You can also fill a pacifier with cold water.
Just make sure they’re not too cold. If they’re too cold it can hurt your baby’s mouth.
Also check out: 5 Baby Items I Couldn’t Live Without
Take proper care of all teething toys
Clean all teething toys after each use.
And take frequent breaks to limit the amount of time a very cold object has direct contact with your baby’s gums.
Serve your baby cold foods
Your baby may have trouble eating because sucking increases blood flow and sensitivity in the gums.
Foods like popsicles and cold applesauce can ease the pain by numbing the area.
Soft foods are easier on gums and new teeth, too.
I remember having my braces tightened and only eating mashed potatoes and macaroni for the next few days. I imagine that’s what teething feels like.
Clean up drool promptly
Babies drool more when they’re teething. Wiping your baby’s chin frequently with a clean cloth will help keep them dry and reduce the risk of rashes.
Drooling bibs are good for teething babies. We had a hell of a time keeping Toot’s drool in check. She ended up with a neck rash several times because of it.
Receiving blankets make good drool wipers. Check out other ways to use receiving blankets here.
Give your baby Infant Tylenol
Check with your doctor to make sure you can give your baby Infant Tylenol.
If your baby is over 6 months, you can use Infant Advil (ibuprofen). But Tylenol should be okay for most babies under 6 months because it’s acetaminophen.
Talk with your doctor before using any teething gels
The FDA advises against teething gels with ingredients like benzocaine because of the potential for toxic reactions. Your doctor can help explain the risks.
Keep all teeth clean
Baby teeth need to be kept clean to avoid future dental problems. Wipe them with a soft cloth until there are enough teeth to need a soft toothbrush.
We started with a baby banana teething toothbrush. By the time she was two, we got a kid’s tooth brush.
Schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist
At your next appointment, ask your dentist when they would like to see your baby.
Each dentist is different but early checkups enable them to spot irregularities and advise you about any special care your little one needs.
Our dentist told us to bring her with me to my appointment around her third birthday for a quick look and so she can see how it all works. Then her first appointment will be 6 months after that.
Is your baby having trouble with teething?
Let me know in the comments below!
Many babies sail through teething with no symptoms at all and simple home remedies will be all you need to ease most cases of fussiness or eating troubles.
As always, talk with your doctor about any concerns you have and get your baby off to a good start with healthy and happy teeth.
Julie S says
MY fingers were H’s preferred teething rings lol! Man sometimes it seemed like he popped out two at the same time but he got all his molars early.
Bekah smith says
I enjoyed this post! I have 12 month old twins that have been teething for months now and only have 2 teeth! This tips are sooo helpful to make my girls a little more comfortable while all the other teeth break through! Thanks for thinking outside the box (massaging their gums!! I never thought of that!!)
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
I can’t imagine having two fussy teething babies at once! I hope they get through it comfortably!
Adeel shehzad says
I love this article thanks for sharing you you please tell teething toy is ok for baby ?
can i use it
Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says
Teething toys are fine usually.