Teething can be a difficult time for babies. Here are some things you can do to relieve their discomfort…
Cuddle therapy
A little extra tender loving care goes a long way when your baby is having a hard time teething. Hugs and cuddles will help comfort and reassure your baby if they are distressed.
Rubbing their gums
Lightly massaging your baby’s gum with a clean finger can be soothing and help alleviate some of their discomfort. Take the chance to do this while applying a topical teething gel like Bonjela Teething Gel which will have the added benefit of helping to provide ongoing relief afterwards too. (Always read the label)
Teething rings
Teething babies love to chew and bite – on anything! Many mums find that sterilised teething rings can be useful for and they can actually help the teeth to cut through. Why not pop a liquid-filled teething ring in the fridge first to cool it down? Just make sure that it’s clean and definitely not frozen.
Food for chewing
If your baby is over six months old, try offering them a sugar-free teething biscuit or unsweetened rusk. Alternatively, some like to gnaw on chilled bread slices or carrot sticks. Whatever you choose to give your baby make sure they are supervised and that they cannot bite chunks off, which could cause your baby to choke. It is also preferable to avoid foods that are too hard as these could bruise the gums and cause further pain.
Cold foods
Cold helps to numb the pain, so chilled yoghurts, unsweetened apple puree or other baby foods could help. Make sure the food isn’t frozen and will cause any chills.
Cold drinks
Likewise, cool drinks can help soothe the whole mouth. Try cooling boiled water or extra breast or formula milk in the fridge.
Teething gel
Teething gels massaged into the gums with a clean finger can provide fast-acting and targeted relief. Look for ones that are sugar-free and colour-free such as Bonjela Teething Gel and make sure you check the dosage instructions and expiry date.
Infant medicine (analgesics)
A medicine (analgesic) designed especially for babies, such as Nurofen for Children , can be used for babies who are three months (over 5kg) or more to help relieve the pain associated with teething and bring down a raised temperature. In fact, Nurofen for Children can be administered alongside Bonjela Teething Gel for more complete control of symptoms. However, if a raised temperature persists, a visit to a doctor is advisable so that other possible causes can be excluded.
Soothing sore chins
Excessive dribbling caused by teething can irritate babies’ chin, neck and chest which may become dry, chapped and sore. Try to keep their skin as dry as possible (a bib will help) and change any wet clothing. Applying a simple barrier cream can also help keep their skin soft and smooth and may ease any chapped skin.