Teething

Although timing varies widely, babies often begin teething by about the age of 6 months. Classic signs of teething include:
• Excessive saliva “drooling”
• Chewing on objects
• Irritability or crankiness
• Sore or tender gums
• Slight increase in temperature — but no fever
• Refusal to feed and reduced apetite
• Crying
• Teething rash
• Pulling of ears and rubbing of chin and cheeks
• Disturbances in sleep
• Teething may be accompanied by fever and diarrhea


What's the Best Way to Soothe Painful Teething Gums?
If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these tips:
• Rub your baby's gums. Use a clean finger or wet gauze to rub your baby's gums. The pressure can ease your baby's discomfort.

• Keep it cool. A cold spoon or chilled — not frozen — teething ring can be soo thing on a baby's gums. To avoid cavities, don't dip these items in sugary substances.

• Try an over-the-counter remedy. If your baby is especially cranky, consider giving him or her infants' or children's over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, others).

To keep your baby safe, Avoid using:
• Over-the-counter remedies, including homeopathic teething tablets. The benefits of topical gels and teething tablets haven't been demonstrated. In recent years, lab analysis of some homeopathic remedies found greater amounts than labeled of the ingredient belladonna, which can cause seizures and difficulty breathing.

• Teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These pain relievers can be harmful — even fatal — to your baby.

• Teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets. These items pose a risk of choking, strangulation, mouth injury and infection. These should be only used with parental control and supervision.