Newborn Teething and How to Handle It

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In your wonderful parenting journey, there are certain milestones to take note of, such as your baby’s first steps, first laugh, and first words spoken. But another milestone is of equal importance here, if not even more – and it is the teething phase.

Teething will make itself known between 3 to 12 months, within your first year as a parent. And while it sounds innocuous and maybe even a little cute, teething can actually be very uncomfortable and irritating for the little ones who are going through it. 

Let’s put aside all of our discomfort from when they first bite us, and instead try to understand teething – from its symptoms to how to properly remedy it for the sake of your little one.

Commonly, a baby will grow his or her first tooth around 6 months, though it can really be anywhere between 3 to 12 months. There is no “true” timing for this, so parents ought to remain observant and instead look out for common teething symptoms, such as the following:

1. Drooling
2. Rashes around mouth, chin
3. Coughing
4. Biting
5. Crying and irritability
6. Rejecting food
7. Waking frequently at night
8. Rubbing cheeks
9. Pulling ears
10. Inflammation and bleeding gums

While these are the most common symptoms, bear in mind that there is a possibility your baby may not suffer through their teething phase at all – that is, these symptoms will not surface, and teething will pass relatively uneventfully, and without discomfort. But this ultimately depends on the baby – so all you have to do as a parent is to remain alert and attentive, and meet your angel’s needs when the time comes.

So just how can parents handle newborn teething? After all, this means our babies are in pain and discomfort most of the time – and it is our job to ensure that we know how to remedy it and make the teething phase as smooth sailing as possible. Here are all the ways you can help your baby through the irritation and pain:

1. Let your baby chew on something, like soft toys
2. Counterpressure, like a clean finger rubbing your baby’s gums firmly
3. Cold water, or other drinks
4. Cold food
5. Pain relief medication (after checking with your doctor)
6. Comfort in the form of hugs, snuggling, and kissing
7. Do not resort to numbing agents like alcohol

Now that you are well-equipped with the knowledge surrounding teething, when it’s your baby’s turn, you should be prepared enough to know how to combat and remedy it. And remember: when teething happens, it’s time to think about starting your baby on solid foods.

What will come after teething? A baby’s motor skills will start to develop, and soon, your baby will be eating his food all on his own.