How to Soothe Teething Discomfort in a Child

Knowing that most babies suffer with some degree of discomfort during teething doesn’t make it any easier for parents to watch their own baby fuss and cry before a new tooth appears. Teething irritation varies from baby to baby but with a few techniques, you can reduce your baby’s pain. Read on to learn how to soothe teething discomfort in a child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Massage your baby’s swollen gums with a clean fingertip. The gentle pressure and motion will help the new small tooth work its way to the surface of the gums.

2. Freeze clean damp washcloths for half an hour and let your baby chew and suck on them to ease the discomfort.

3. Ask your pediatrician if you can administer a little acetaminophen if your baby runs a fever. Although most teething pain is not associated with a temperature, some parents report low-grade fevers in their children during teething.

4. Purchase oral numbing gel from your grocer’s baby aisle and put a dab on your fingertip before rubbing on your baby’s gums. It’s important to use only a tiny bit and to apply it only to the sore gums. Numbing gel, when used incorrectly can numb a baby’s throat, impairing her ability to swallow.

5. Try a home remedy by combining a drop of clove oil with a drop of olive oil and applying with your fingertip to the irritated gums.

6. Collect a supply of teething rings and place them within reach of your infant when she’s in her crib. Also, be sure to bring a couple in her diaper bag when you’re shopping or traveling.

[HowardBThiname]

on 10/30/2008 This is great information. Thank you.