Soothing a baby who is teething

There's no evidence that homeopathic teething gels are effective. If you use a homeopathic gel, make sure it's licensed for use in the UK. Some unlicensed homeopathic gels advertised on the internet have been linked to serious side effects. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has a list of licensed homeopathic gels. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older. If teething is making your baby dribble more than usual, gently wiping their face may help prevent a rash.

Start brushing your baby's teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first milk tooth breaks through. Find out how to look after your baby's teeth. Page last reviewed: 19 February Next review due: 19 February Tips for helping your teething baby. Teething rings Teething rings give your baby something to chew safely. The instructions that come with the ring should tell you how long to chill it for. If your baby is chewing One of the signs that your baby is teething is that they start to chew on their fingers, toys or other objects they get hold of.

You could also try giving your baby a crust of bread or a breadstick. Always stay close when your baby is eating in case they choke. Babies have a tendency to drool and soak their clothing.

If you have introduced your baby to solid foods, you could try freezing some types of foods to help soothe irritated gums. Chilled mashed bananas are a great start! You can try other fruits in a mesh feeder for your baby to suck on. The mesh feeder will help prevent choking. Some different types of fruit you could try include chilled apples, pears, or strawberries.

It is a good idea to monitor your baby at all times and make sure your infant is old enough to try these treats. Sometimes the best way to help a baby in discomfort is some extra cuddle time.

Rocking your baby in a big chair or carrying your baby around the house in a baby carrier are great ideas. The extra cuddle time will help provide both of you with some needed rest. It is important to provide your infant with a calm environment to help them relax and fall asleep. As a last resort, you can talk to your doctor about providing over-the-counter pain medication. These medicines help alleviate pain and allow the baby to go to sleep. Your pediatrician can advise you on the correct dosage and which type of pain relievers work best.

It is a good idea to stay away from teething gels and tablets that contain lidocaine or benzocaine. There is no set timetable on how long your baby will go through teething. This process could last months or be over in a couple of days.

Each infant handles the pain differently. The pain typically subsides once the tooth has emerged through the gums. There is usually a break between teeth, although the time frame can vary. It is important to wipe off the tooth before bed. You can use a damp, clean washcloth or a soft-bristled baby toothbrush. You should not use fluoride toothpaste until your child is at least 3 years old and can spit out the toothpaste.

However, you can use a small amount of training toothpaste to clean the new tooth. Healthy Lifestyle Infant and toddler health. Products and services. Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums Is your teething baby keeping you up at night? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Wright JT. Anatomy and development of the teeth. Accessed Sept. Your child's teeth from birth to age 6. American Dental Association.

Nowak AJ, et al. Preventive dental care and counseling for infants and young children. Children's oral health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Baby sling Baby sunscreen Baby walkers Breast-feeding and medications Breast-feeding nutrition: Tips for moms Breast-feeding support Breast-feeding twins Breast milk sharing Breast-feeding and alcohol Breast-feeding and weight loss Breast-feeding strike Corn syrup for constipation: OK for babies?

Crying baby? How to keep your cool Baby sleep Tummy time Hyperlactation Infant botulism Infant choking prevention Infant constipation Infant development: Milestones from 10 to 12 months Infant development: Ages 4 to 6 months Infant development: Ages 7 to 9 months Infant formula preparation Infant formula: Is tap or bottled water better?