Teething can begin as early as four months, or as late as a year.

It really is an individual process, so don't stress if your baby is 'early' or 'late' to develop their teeth. Keep an eye on your baby's front lower jaw - these are usually the first teeth to come in. The upper front teeth are soon to follow. Soon that gummy grin you love will be replaced by a mouthful of pearly white teeth - but oh the struggle to get there!  

To aid the teething process, and help save your sanity, try the following tips:

Offer something cool to chew on:  A Popsicle, frozen damp washcloth, or chilled teething ring can all be helpful for soothing sore teeth and gums. If your baby is eating solid foods, you can also try such treats as frozen bagels, chicken nuggets, or frozen fruit. Babies love to gum the frozen goodies, and the chilled food helps to ease the pain associated with teething.

Give baby hard toys:  Your baby will also love to chew on hard toys such as wooden blocks. Offer him several alternatives, and allow him to pick his favorite.

Apply pressure:  If baby will allow it, try massaging her gums gently with your finger or a damp cloth. The pressure will help ease the pain of teething, and she'll be thankful. If your baby is extremely fussy, this technique may not be possible.

Use a cloth bib: Most teething babies are drool machines! Constantly having a damp chin and neck can lead to 'drool rash'. Use a cloth bib to absorb the dampness and help keep baby dry and comfortable.

If your baby is having difficulty with teething, be sure to try these techniques. If they don't appear to offer some relief, consult your doctor about using an over the counter pain medication or anesthetic. These can help aid the discomfort of teething, if used according to directions.

Homeopathic teething tablets are also available, which soothe and calm baby while providing pain relief. Any or all of these options can be useful to include in your teething tool-kit. Most importantly, remember that this is a phase, and will be over soon. This will help you to keep your perspective on difficult days.

by Rachel Goodchild

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