Teething is a significant milestone in a baby's first year of life, often marked by a range of symptoms and signs that can be both exciting and challenging for parents to navigate. Understanding when babies start teething, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to support your little one through this developmental phase are crucial aspects of early parenthood. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 05-02-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}The Teething Timeline Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, but it's not uncommon for teething to start anywhere between 3 months and 12 months of age. The process varies widely among infants, with some early bloomers sprouting their first teeth as early as 3 months, while late bloomers may not display any pearly whites until after their first birthday. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 05-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} The first teeth to appear are typically the lower central incisors (the bottom front teeth), followed by the upper central incisors (the top front teeth). By the time a child is 3 years old, they usually have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Recognizing Teething Signs and Symptoms Teething can be painless for some babies, but for others, it can be a source of considerable discomfort. Here are common signs that your baby might be teething:Drooling: You might notice your baby drooling more than usual due to the stimulation of saliva production.Chewing on Objects: The pressure of teeth pushing through the gums can be relieved by chewing, so teething babies often chew on toys, fingers, or anything they can get their hands on.Irritability or Fussiness: Discomfort from teething can make your baby more irritable or fussy.Sore or Tender Gums: The gums around the emerging teeth may be swollen and tender.Slight Increase in Temperature: Some babies may have a slight increase in temperature, but it's important to note that a true fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) is not a typical symptom of teething and could indicate illness. Supporting Your Teething Baby Here are some ways to soothe your teething baby: Teething Rings: Cold teething rings can provide relief. Make sure they are made from safe, non-toxic materials. Gentle Gum Massage: Clean your finger and gently rub your baby's tender gums. Cold Washcloth: A chilled, wet washcloth for your baby to chew on can be soothing. Pain Relief: If your baby is especially uncomfortable, consult your pediatrician about offering pain relief such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for babies over 6 months old. Teething and Feeding Teething can sometimes disrupt feeding routines. Babies might nurse or bottle-feed more frequently for comfort, or they might refuse to eat because of gum discomfort. Offering a cold spoon or chilled fruit in a mesh feeder can provide some relief during meal times. When to Consult a Pediatrician While teething is a normal part of development, it's important to know when to seek medical advice. Consult your pediatrician if your baby: Has a high fever or diarrhea, which are not typical symptoms of teething. Is extremely irritable or appears to be in significant pain. Hasn't cut their first tooth by 15 months. Helpful Products for Teething Babies Here are 3 highly recommended products that can help ease your baby's teething discomfort: /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 05-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-content{width:100%}@media (min-width:768px){.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-left .elementor-image-box-wrapper,.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-right .elementor-image-box-wrapper{display:flex}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-right .elementor-image-box-wrapper{text-align:right;flex-direction:row-reverse}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-left .elementor-image-box-wrapper{text-align:left;flex-direction:row}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-position-top .elementor-image-box-img{margin:auto}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-vertical-align-top .elementor-image-box-wrapper{align-items:flex-start}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-vertical-align-middle .elementor-image-box-wrapper{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-image-box.elementor-vertical-align-bottom .elementor-image-box-wrapper{align-items:flex-end}}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-img{margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-bottom:15px}}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-img{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-title a{color:inherit}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-wrapper{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image-box .elementor-image-box-description{margin:0}Silicone Teether Toys Silicone teether toys provide a safe and soothing relief for teething babies, thanks to their soft, flexible material that gently massages sore gums without containing any harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates. Additionally, their easy-to-clean, durable design makes them a hygienic choice for parents seeking a long-lasting solution to their baby's teething needs. Find it on Amazon Cooling Teething Toys Cooling teething toys offer the added benefit of numbing relief to a baby's tender gums, making them an excellent choice for soothing the discomfort associated with teething. By chilling these toys in the refrigerator, parents can provide a safe, gentle way to reduce inflammation and offer their little ones immediate soothing comfort. Find it on Amazon Amber Teething Beads Amber teething beads are believed by some to provide natural pain relief for teething babies, as the warmth of the baby’s skin is thought to release succinic acid from the amber, which may have analgesic properties. Find it on Amazon Other recommended products that can help ease your baby's teething discomfort:Infant Pain Relief Medication: Consult with your pediatrician for safe over-the-counter options that can help alleviate teething pain.Teething Biscuits: For older babies, teething biscuits can offer something hard to gnaw on, which can be soothing. Ensure they are age-appropriate and supervise your baby to prevent choking.Soft, Wet Washcloths: Simple and effective, a chilled washcloth can be a great comfort to a teething baby. Summary Teething is a natural, albeit sometimes challenging, phase in your baby's development. By understanding the teething timeline, recognizing the signs, and offering soothing techniques, you can help your little one navigate this milestone with ease.* Disclaimer. The content on this website may include affiliate links, promo codes, and other forms of promotional material. 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