Teething is a big part of growing up, but it’s also uncomfortable for some babies. (If you have one of those children who don’t mind teething, consider yourself lucky!) The constant, dull pain will slip them into fussiness more often and make tasks that were usually no problem a lot more difficult. As a parent, it’s frustrating to watch your child suffer, but it’s all a part of their development. Use these tips to help your baby get some relief.
1. Use safe, approved teething rings.
The best source of relief you can give your child is something designed to be chewed on. You want a product that’s safe from harmful chemicals and won’t break into small pieces in your baby’s mouth. Some teething rings are designed to be frozen, which adds a numbing factor.
2. Don’t freeze things that aren’t intended to be.
If your teether doesn’t say to freeze it, don’t. Freezing can change the properties of certain items. They might expand and splinter or activate something harmful. Make sure to read your package carefully.
3. Rub your baby’s gums.
Often pressure is all that’s needed to give your baby some relief. First, make sure your hands are clean. Then, gently rub the gums in the spot where the teeth are cutting through. This helps to overstimulate the nerves in that area, blocking pain. It’s also a good way to help baby adjust to your fingers in his mouth, which will be necessary when it’s time to clean those new teeth.4
4. Offer a cool wash cloth to chew on.
Throw a simple wash cloth in the refrigerator for a few hours and let your baby chew on it. The material is harmless in the mouth and they are cheap in case your baby manages to gnaw a hole through it.
5. Watch out for choking hazards.
At this stage, your baby will be looking to put anything into his mouth. Children can choke on anything that will fit through the hole in a paper towel roll (that’s bigger than you thought, huh?). Make sure anything they play with can’t be swallowed.
6. Avoid using medications.
If your baby is less than four months, you shouldn’t use any medications unless prescribed by your doctor. After six months you may be able to give ibuprofen, but again, consult your doctor. For the most part, you’ll have to manage this pain naturally.
7. Wipe up that drool!
A baby’s mouth produces a tremendous amount of saliva to lubricate the sore tooth-sites. Your baby is going to drool like a faucet. Keep a cloth nearby for regular wiping so his lips and chin don’t become chapped, but don’t wipe hard very often or you’ll irritate the skin. Dab frequently.
Guest Blog by Julie Tabor Thompson, Founder & President of Bounce Innovations, Inventor of PullyPalz
As a mother of two, Julie found she was continuously retrieving dropped pacifiers, because even though they spit them out, they still want them immediately! She called it “the pacifier game,” and, at times, it was difficult to play. One day, she thought, ‘I wish somebody would invent a …’ A what? What could make it so babies can keep up with their pacifiers? Clips help parents keep up with pacifiers, but they don’t help the baby. Babies don’t understand when it’s behind their shoulder or around their side. As they say, out of sight, out of mind. She started by making the first prototype in her kitchen (which included melting molding plastic, an instruction manual for her sewing machine, and YouTube videos). Several designs later, the PullyPalz were born… The first ever pacifier toy that – with the help of baby’s interaction – keeps pacis coming back!
Her goal is to offer unique products that make life and parenthood just a little easier, and ultimately more enjoyable. Compatible products (teethers and toys) will be coming to market soon. Julie also offers product development and consultation services for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit www.pullypalz.com.
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