Watching your baby struggle with teething can be tough on a parent’s heart. The fussiness, sore gums, difficulty sleeping and overall discomfort it causes can make this stage very difficult. There are a few ways, however, to help ease the pain, especially during the summer months. Here are a few ideas to help comfort your little one as their tiny teeth come in.
How To Recognize Teething Pain
If you are unsure if your baby’s discomfort is stemming from teething, here are some things to look out for. Teething can start anywhere around 4-7 months of age, however some babies can start to show signs even sooner than that. If your little one is crankier than usual, and perhaps wanting to be held more often or is more difficult to soothe, this can be an initial sign. Additionally, symptoms such as drooling, putting hands and objects into their mouth to gnaw on, swollen gums and turning away from food all point to possible teething. At first, it can be tough to decipher whether their symptoms are coming from teeth coming in or sickness, as some of the symptoms can be similar. If you are unsure, contact your child’s care provider to be sure.
Focus On Nutrition
At times, the pain from teething can cause a baby to turn away at mealtimes. This is likely because of the pain they are feeling in their gums; however, not because they aren’t hungry. At times like this, it is important to offer the best nutrition you can, while being mindful of their discomfort. Offering them chilled versions of their formula and favorite baby food purees is a great place to start. Consider preparing their organic formula according to the preparation guidelines, then place it in the fridge and offer it slightly chilled. You can also ensure the nipple to the bottle is a little bit cooler by placing it into the fridge or freezer for about thirty minutes before feeding time. This can offer extra comfort for those sensitive gums. You can also take a similar approach with your little one’s favorite purees. For an extra fun and soothing option, try making our homemade popsicles for teething babies — they’re perfect for warm days and sore gums.
More Tips & Tricks
If you are looking for a few other ways to help ease the pains of teething, you could try one of these alternate suggestions between mealtimes. Gather a clean baby washcloth or burp cloth. Rinse under cold water, wring it out and place into a freezer safe bowl. Place it into the freezer and allow it to sit for a few hours. Once it is cold to the touch, offer it to your baby as an option to teethe on. Trying a variety of teething toys can be helpful while using this method as well to see if they have a preference for one teether over another. Placing them in the fridge or freezer first can help give them all an extra chill as well.
This next tip is one that you will have to closely monitor, but washing a piece of organic celery and freezing it overnight in the freezer can make for a wonderful, natural teether come morning time. As baby gums it, the cooling effect of the celery can offer much comfort. You will want to be mindful however to remove the celery as soon as it thaws to avoid any strings or small pieces breaking off. As always when offering food, pay close attention to possible choking hazards and consult your child’s care provider with any questions or concerns before trying new remedies.
Lastly, if you have tried all that you can but your baby is still hard to soothe, try changing up the scenery. Strap them into a babywearing carrier or place them in the stroller and head outside for some fresh air. While this tip will not likely offer a direct remedy to their teething pain, it can offer you a fresh perspective, and perhaps the new scenery can serve as a little distraction for them. Comforting a baby through this phase is no easy task, so be sure to take a few moments each day to hold them close and take a breath. You are doing a great job!
Learn More
For more tips and tricks on everything from safely preparing formula, to helping to ease teething pains, check out these related post topics below:
All Things Formula: Preparation, Storage Life & Quick Tips
Cooling Foods For Your Little Cutie
Homemade Teething Biscuits – organicbabyfood.shop
6 Natural Teething Remedies that Work
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our organic formulas or need assistance with ordering, you can contact us here.