How to Check for Teething in a Baby

Teething, also known as "cutting teeth," occurs when a baby's teeth begin emerging from the gums. The teething process usually starts around three months and continues up until about age three. Teething can be a painful process for a child and it may take special tools such as a teething ring or a wet washcloth to keep a baby comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place your finger in the baby's mouth.

2. Feel around the gums to see if they feel hot. Also notice if the child cries or squirms in pain during this.

3. Look at the gums and see if there are any areas that are redder than usual. If they are your baby is probably about to start teething.

4. Listen at night to see if he's fussier than normal. This could be a clue that he's teething.

5. Feel for any sharp areas; they may be teeth emerging and are sure-fire clues that she has begun teething.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your child plenty of cold liquids and things to chew on when he's teething.
• If your child is running a fever while teething take her to the doctor.

References

• Baby Center: Teething
• The New Parents Guide: Baby Teething

Resources

• Extractorpro: Teething