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Step 1
Compare your baby's age to "normal" teething patterns. The average age for a first tooth is seven months, although babies may get teeth as early as three months or as late as 11 months.
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Step 2
Look for "buds" on baby's gums. If a tooth is about to break the skin, parents can often see a swollen lump or bud which houses the tooth.
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Step 3
Notice if your baby is more irritable or cranky than usual. Teething may be accompanied by extra crying, whining or just a general bad mood. Disruptions in sleep may also occur due to teething pain.
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Step 4
Watch for excess drool and coughing. Babies who are at the onset of teething will drool significantly and will also occasionally cough, since they are prone to gag on the excess saliva. A chin rash may also occur due to the extra amount of drool coming from the mouth.
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Step 5
Check to see if your baby appears to be more interested in chewing, biting or gnawing. If a baby is teething, it is in his best interest to get the tooth to break the skin as soon as possible, so he will chew on anything that is available. Make sure to provide him with safe toys or teething rings to aid in this process.
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Step 6
Be aware of other less common signs of teething. The medical community is ambivalent, but some parents swear that diarrhea, a worsening diaper rash, a low fever or other cold-like symptoms are all signs of teething. If you are unsure whether an ailment is related to teething or not, consult your child's pediatrician.
