Teething is an unavoidable part of your baby’s development. And unfortunately, it is not the best time for you or your baby. Teething comes with a lot of challenges. From drooling to sore gums, which cause discomfort. This makes the baby fussy and cranky.

Comforting your baby during this time can take some time. Most parents see sleepless nights trying to ease discomfort and irritation. Others even turn to ‘timeless tricks’ that are not good for the baby’s health.

However, it does not have to be so bad. Experts share effective comfort tips to help your teething baby in this article. But first, learn some of the common signs of teething in a baby.

How To Tell If Your Baby Is Teething

Babies are born with 20 teeth under the gum line. At six months, the first tooth will pop out. However, this timeline varies as some babies get their first tooth as early as four months while others get it later. By the time your baby turns one, all 20 teeth will be out. It can be easy to mistake teething with other conditions. However, the sure signs that your baby is teething are:

• Tender or sore gums
• Irritability/ crankiness
• Drooling, with a drool rash around the mouth
• Chewing on fingers, cutlery, and other items
• Low-grade fever
• Diarrhea

Some of these symptoms could be manifesting because of another issue. For example, teething will not cause a high fever or severe diarrhea. If your baby has a rash (unless it’s a drool rash), you should see a doctor because it could be something else.

Comfort Tips For Your Teething Baby

If your baby is teething, consider the following tips to soothe and comfort them.

1. Serve Chilled Fruits

This is a neat trick that also enhances your baby’s health. Since your little one has already started eating solid foods, you can use fruits to soothe teething. For example, you could put some strawberries, pears, or pieces of soft apple in the fridge for a while.

Then take them out and give them to the baby. Just be alert so that the apple or pear does not break to prevent choking. The cold helps to soothe soreness. Additionally, you can mash chilled bananas and feed them to the baby. You can also use a mesh feeder to prevent choking. Just put chilled fruits and let your baby chew on them.

2. Massage The Baby’s Gums

Another excellent trick is massaging the baby’s gums. Applying gentle pressure on the baby’s gums may help soothe the pain. This technique is best for helping your teething baby to fall asleep.

Wash your hands thoroughly, then lay the bay on the bed or sleeping spot. Then use your finger to rub the gums gently. Massaging the gums counters the pressure of the teeth breaking out. Move your finger gently along the gum line, applying a little pressure in a circular motion.

It will also help if you dip your finger in something cold. The process should help your baby fall asleep.

3. Give The Baby A Cool Washcloth

This is another cold-compress technique that will soothe pain and inflammation. It will relieve your baby of discomfort. Just get a clean washcloth and soak it in cold water. Wring the washcloth until it is damp, then place it in the fridge.

Once it turns cold, take it out and give it to your baby to chew on. Not only does the cold relieve soreness, but it also gives your baby a clean surface to chew on. If you can, get a washcloth with texture to enhance friction while the baby chews.

4. Wipe The Drool

Some parents let their babies drool while teething. After all, it can be so much, and it won’t stop until the teething phase has passed. However, experts advise against letting your baby drool all over themselves.

The drool can cause a rash around the mouth. This will worsen teething as the baby’s skin becomes inflamed and itchy. Therefore, do your best to wipe the drool from your baby’s face.

5. Chill Teething Toys

You can buy teething toys for your baby. They are hygienic, thus will not introduce your baby to harmful bacteria. Chewing toys come with ridges that help your baby apply pressure on the gum to counter the force of teeth popping out.

When you chill the toys in the fridge, it enhances their soothing ability. Clean the toys, and put them in the refrigerator for a while. Once they are cold, take them out and give them to your baby to chew on.

6. Cuddle The Baby More

Though some people are skeptical about it, cuddling your baby more while they are teething will make them less fussy, plus fall asleep faster and better. In addition, your baby will appreciate more cuddles; it will help to alleviate their mood.

You can also try a rocking chair and soothing noises to calm them down and help them fall asleep.

7. Serve Milk Popsicles

Another great frozen food idea is milk popsicles. The discomfort of teething could make your child refuse food and have difficulty breastfeeding. That is why milk popsicles are so handy. Milk contains many nutrients that will keep your baby nourished.

Just freeze some milk and give it to the baby. The cold will help soothe soreness. Additionally, the baby can chew on the popsicle to relieve pain and pressure. Furthermore, swallowing the milk will keep them nourished and full.

8. Get Medication

And finally, when all else fails, you should consider getting medication for your baby. If the baby is still fussy even after trying these remedies, see a pediatric dentist for advice and mediation.

The dentist will give you a prescription and the correct dosage of pain relievers for the baby. Be sure to follow the dosage and instructions keenly.

Do not diagnose your baby. In addition, stay away from teething gels and tablets with lidocaine or benzocaine. They cause numbing, which creates problems for the baby during feeding time. Instead, only purchase what the doctor recommends.