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Teething

Teething can be quite distressing for baby and you, and some babies seem to suffer more than others. It's the same with adults; we all have different pain thresholds. The best thing that you can do is of course (the magic word) RELAX! Baby is stressed out enough for the two of you so try and stay calm, even if he's screaming his head off!

It all starts at about 5 or 6 months old and may go on until the age of 2 or sometimes longer! Babies who are teething usually get red cheeks as the teeth trying to break through the gums behind cause irritation. He may loose his appetite and be up at night with the pain. However teething does not cause your baby to have a temperature, vomit or show other signs of ill health. If he does, visit your doctor. From the 17th century babies were given rattles made from silver and gold and the cold metal would have been very calming to the babies gums. They also had a coral 'gumstick' at one end for the baby to chew on, until they found that it might be unhygienic. Some antique rattles will have ivory rings to chew on as well. Silver rattles are still given today as christening presents, but are rarely actually given to baby, although one baby I looked after had a silver and ivory rattle which had been her mother's before her. It was our greatest teething aid; she loved the cooling metal on her sore gums!

Relieving Teething Pain

There are several things that you can try to help to soothe the pain but none of them will completely deaden it! Nowadays we mostly give babies teething rings made from plastic filled with liquid. You place them in the fridge to cool and then your baby will be able to sink his little gums into them! Also a cool raw carrot can be good to chew on but never leave him with a carrot or any food for that matter as you might find that he bites off a bit and chokes! You can buy 'Bicky Pegs' which are very hard sugar free biscuits with a tie on ribbon to tie around baby's wrist, to keep it handy for him! Baby paracetamol medicine can be given if your baby is really suffering, however the best solution I have found are homeopathic teething granules. These are available from 'Boots' in the UK and 'Nelsons' produce some called 'Teetha'. These are sugar free and natural, and use chamomilla to soothe baby gently. I love them and find they definitely have a positive effect on babies I've cared for.

When your baby is teething he will need more cuddles than normal, will be tearful and seem very sensitive; but don't worry, soon he'll be back to normal! It’s just a case of riding it out till the next tooth decides to make an appearance!

If you would like some help with relieving the pain of teething, just use the Services page!

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