Got a grizzly bubba on your hands? Not sleeping well? Drooling heaps? Constantly trying to chomp down on your finger? It could be due to teething pain!Â
All babies will have to make the transition from little gummy bears to toothy tots and this can be a pretty intense stage for some. While some babies soar through teething without a peep, most do not. Most experience some discomfort and unpleasant teething symptoms. You’re not alone, mumma!
Babies have 20 toothy pegs to sprout in the first three years of life so there’s a pretty good chance that at least ONE of these teeth will cause some teething pain.Â
Not to fear! Teething is all part of the parenting fun and we’ve rounded up some tried, tested, and recommended teething tips.
So let’s tackle the tricky world of teething, shall we?Â
Teething pain: What am I up against?Â
In general, teething starts around the 4-8 month marker with the final teeth sprouting up around 23-33 months. That’s a pretty decent stint, right?Â
The good news is most tots go through teething waves. Check out our teething chart below to see when most babies and toddlers sprout their teeth. Keep in mind that all babies are different.Â
9 Mum Tested Teething Pain Relief
1. Extra dribbleÂ
One of the most obvious teething symptoms is excessive drooling. This can lead to irritation and redness around bub’s face, not to mention wet patches all over everything!
Place a bib around bub’s neck and keep a clean, soft cloth handy so you can gently wipe away excess saliva. You may also want to apply a little bit of a barrier cream.Â
2. Keep cool
This is such a simple trick to help teething infants. Simply soak a clean baby washcloth in boiled then cooled water and freeze the wet cloth. Then allow your little one to gnaw on the frozen cloth to help soothe sore gums.Â
Mums have also placed their babies’ dummies and bottle teats into the freezer.Â
3. Alcohol-free teething gelÂ
There are a number of teething gels on the market, but what makes Bubs & Co Teething Gel different is that it is the FIRST AND ONLY ALCOHOL-FREE teething gel with choline salicylate in Australia!Â
Bubs & Co Teething Gel works by providing soothing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with infant teething.Â
It’s not only alcohol-free but also sugar-free and contains no artificial colours so you can treat teething pain with confidence. Another great thing about it is that one tube could last the duration of your baby’s teething journey. Simply keep it in the medicine cabinet and use it when needed.Â
Simply apply a pea-sized amount with your finger gently massage along the gumline to provide teething pain relief.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply more often than once every 3 hours. No more than 6 doses should be given in 24 hours. Always read the label warnings and follow the directions for use.
Available in a 15g tube. Provides soothing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with infant teething disorders, mouth ulcers and sores. Always read the label. This medicine may not be right for your baby. Read the warnings on the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to a healthcare professional. Excessive or prolonged use could be harmful.
Bubs & Co Teething Gel retails for $11.49 and is available in all leading pharmacies. Find your closest stockist below.
4. Frozen foods
Teething is a great time to also delve into the wonderful world of taste testing. After all, nothing soothes sore gums and offers teething pain relief quite like a very cold piece of fruit!
Freeze slices of cucumbers, carrots, banana, watermelon and mango and let your little one chew on them. Just be sure to always supervise them or put them into a mesh food holder.Â
5. Milk popsicles
Get your Tupperware popsicle moulds out ladies and gents, because this idea is (liquid) gold. Simply fill up your popsicle moulds with breastmilk or formula, freeze and give to your little one for a tasty treat. They get the comfort of milk PLUS the soothing feel of something cold on their gums. WIN/WIN! Â
6. Teething toys
There are plenty of teething toys on the market, designed to help babies through the teething process. Mitts, silicone necklaces, cute animals – the list goes on. The good thing about teething toys is they soothe sore gums and also stimulate and entertain bub.
However, they do get a bit grotty so get in the habit of washing them with hot water and dish soap. You may also want to put them into the dishwasher. For fabric-based teething toys, a washing machine works a treat!Â
7. Gum massage
Applying a bit of pressure on baby’s gums can also be an effective way to help them through the teething process. Just make sure your fingers are clean first. Gently rub your fingers along their gum line, applying a bit of pressure.
Your little one will most likely try to have a chomp too.
8. Carry on
Teething pain can wreak havoc on your baby’s sleep routine. You may find your little one doesn’t nap quite as well and wakes up often at night. Although it’s frustrating, try to stick to your normal routine, especially at bedtime.Â
9. Finally, tackle teething pain with cuddlesÂ
When teething troubles strike, your little one will most likely be a lot clingier and crankier than usual. Yes, it’s frustrating but, let’s face it. Sometimes only a mummy cuddle will do.
Be prepared to be your child’s favourite comfort object for the time being and remember, teething is just one of the many tricky parenting phases. It too, shall pass, and your little one will be sprouting a mouthful of toothy pegs before you know it!Â
Regardless of whether bub is four months and showing the first signs of teething or is a toddler getting those pesky molars, be prepared with frozen treats, toys, Bubs & Co Teething Gel and open arms. Good luck!Â