Top Tips to Survive Teething!
Top Tips to survive Teething!
Not all babies will experience symptoms during teething, some teeth may simply appear (if you're lucky!). For others, teething can be pretty distressing, but fret not...there are ways to make it easier for them (and you!) and we are here to help.
If you’re not sure whether your little one is teething or not, first check out our teething symptoms blog to help you understand the symptoms and spot the signs.
We have lots of easy and practical teething tips to help support you and your baby through teething. Every baby is different, and you may have to try a few things until you find something that works for your baby.
Good luck and keep in touch!
Amy & Julie x
SOOTHING TIPS
When a baby’s gums are swollen due to teething, they feel hot, sore and itchy. Providing something chilled and textured to ease the inflammation and soothe the itch makes complete sense.
👶 A clean cloth or flannel
Soak a clean cloth in cooled boiled water. Wring it out and fold it and let your baby bite down on it. For an extra anti-inflammatory boost, soak it in cooled chamomile tea.
👶 Cooled teething toys
Teething toys can often be chilled in the fridge for an extra soothing effect (just check the instructions or packaging). A TOP TIP if you're using teething gel, is to place the gel on to the teether where the baby will bite, so it applies it to the right spot! Ideally chose a teether made of food grade silicone, which gives just the right bite (passes the Goldilocks test of not too hard and not too soft) and ensure it has raised textures and areas to massage the gums and help the teeth break through.
👶 Chilled Fruit
If your baby is weaning, chilled fruit can help relieve sore gums (under supervision of course). A great one is Pineapple which is also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits (who knew?!) and we imagine the core is quite a satisfying gnaw when your gums hurt!
👶 Not weaning yet? No problem!
Breast milk or water ice lollies can also work. Lots of mums freeze their pumped breast milk for a later date. For teething tots, put your milk into a lolly mould or a food mesh bag for baby to gnaw on. Or pour in to a baby bottle, turn it upside down so the liquid is at the teat and freeze it for chewing on.
👶 Gum massage
Firstly, make sure
your hands are completely clean. Then, using the pad of your finger, rub in a
circular motion all along the gum line on the inside of your baby's mouth. You
can do this both inside and outside along the jawline.
❤️ Playtime
Sometimes the distraction of a toy or playtime will be enough to take your baby’s mind off their teething pain. Lots of extra cuddles are required too!
❤️ Bathtime
Bathtime can be the distraction that relaxes your baby and takes their minds off the discomfort for a little bit.
❤️ Body massage
Body massage releases feel-good endorphins for baby. A cold-pressed oil or vegetable oil is recommended as these are completely natural. If you've never done baby massage before, the NCT offer a great starter guide, video and advice to help get you going.
❤️ Prevent Dribble Rash
Mouths, chins and chests can get sore through teething, a natural barrier like coconut oil can help keep this at bay.
Make sure you use a super absorbent & soft teething bib or dribble bib to absorb as much dribble as possible, keep chest dry and dab, don't wipe delicate skin