Teething is a natural process by which infants cut their first teeth through gums. As per the pediatric dentist in Pune, it usually begins between six to eight months of the kid’s age. But it is normal to start teething anytime between 3 to 12 months of age. It causes a lot of pain, discomfort, and stress for the baby. Hence, dental clinics in Pune suggest few safe tips to soothe a teething baby.
1. Gum Massage
It’s an old-fashioned teething remedy. For this, what all Mom or Dad need is; a clean finger to gently massage baby’s sore gums. Some amount of pain can be relieved by simply applying certain pressure to the baby’s gums.
2. Cool Substances
Some of the pain can be relieved by keeping your baby’s mouth cool. For that a variety of substances like a cold spoon, a slightly chilled teething ring, chilled food (if you have started weaning your baby) or a cold washed cloth etc. can be used. While cold substances will help, do remember freezing things can harm the baby’s mouth as well as gums.
3. Breastfeeding
While some babies may want to nurse more often for the sheer comfort of it, others may find sucking aggravating for their teething pain. If your baby seems tempted to bite during nursing try rubbing a clean finger over his or her gums before the beginning and ending of the feeding session.
4. Teething Device
A lot of teething devices of different kinds are available online as well as at local drug stores. It ranges from traditional plastics or silicon teething rings to teething blankets to plush ring toys which are soft and machine washable. Some of them have vibrations to massage the gums and provide extra relief.
5. Baby Hard Food
If you have started giving solids to your baby, you can offer them harder foods to chew and gnaw on. It can vary from peeled cucumber to carrots to teething biscuits. You can offer these foods in mesh food bags available for this purpose to avoid any chocking.
6. Dry the drool
A lot of drooling is a part of teething. It may dry on your baby’s skin and may lead to skin irritation and rashes. Make sure to wipe the drool away and apply gentle baby moisturizer to their chin and cheeks.
7. Medical Solutions
There are various medications available for teething babies in liquid, gels and pills form. Some people even prefer giving homeopathic medicines to teething babies, but there is little scientific evidence to back up claims of effectiveness.
One should always try home remedies first to help the teething babies. You should consider giving medicines only when you think home remedies are not helping and the process of teething is the matter of concern for you and a matter of discomfort for the baby. Before administrating any medication consult a good pediatrician and don’t forget to ask about the dosage and safety precautions.