Having a new baby is an extreme joy for first time moms, experienced moms, siblings and grandparents. You have read all the modern baby books and consider yourself well prepared for the new arrival. Everything goes according to what you expect for the first couple of months, then the symptoms of teething appear. Babies can start teething as early as three months, and this can last for a period of time, although the length of time will vary with each baby. The discomfort of teething during the day is usually distracted by the normal activities of the baby, but nighttime teething pain can be more upsetting for the baby.
Signs and symptoms of teething
Your baby may experience several signs of teething. These, too, will vary with each child. The baby may have swollen gums that appear to be red, flushed cheeks, heavier dribbling, and they may rub or suck their gums. Other signs may include rubbing the ear on the side where the tooth is coming, and unable to sleep during naps or at night. Your baby will often not eat as they normally did and will most likely be very irritable. Crying more than usual goes along with the pains of teething.
What to do for nighttime teething
It is easier to comfort your baby when they are awake with infant teething remedies such as from this list, but sometimes nighttime pain can be more uncertain. The one thing to do is to keep the baby on their regular nighttime routine. Any change may cause the baby to grow dependent on whatever is done to help them sleep. Go to the baby when they cry out in pain. You will need to use your own judgement as to whether or not you should pick them up to comfort them. You can stroke them to reassure them or use comforting words to help them go back to sleep. You can often relieve the pain of irritated gums by rubbing them with a clean finger which is one of the tried and true baby teething remedies or give them something cool to bite on. Stay there while they bite or suck on the item, and do not leave anything in their bed that they can get choked on.
What you can use as baby teething remedies
There are many gels to use for temporary infant teething remedies for pain relief. This works by numbing the gums. Many innovative mothers use herbal or homeopathic powders to help provide teething relief. The powder can be placed into the baby’s mouth. Make sure that it is a sugar free brand even though there is no medical evidence to support the use of these products. Refrain from giving the baby any pain medications for teething. Often times an ear infection can be mistaken for teething pain. If the baby has a temperature, take them to see their physician before trying any remedy. Nighttime teething pain can cause sleepless nights for baby and for mom.
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