Teething is one of the unavoidable trials of parenthood.  Each baby will encounter it at different times and stages. We hope you enjoy these great teething tips from Snuggwugg Baby Pillow

One of the fascinating (but difficult) concerns about teething is that the most painful stage of teething is actual before the teeth break through the gums. If the teeth are actually visible, the most painful period has likely already passed. 

That means that when your child is sensitive, cranky and waking up from sleep unexpectedly, you won’t be able to directly diagnose. But these teething tips may help.

How do I recognize my baby is teething?

When you notice that your baby has increased drooling, or chewing on fingers or solid objects like crib rail, toys, swollen or red gums, increased crying, and poor sleep all point to teething. Babies are usually very fussy during teething and their appetite may be reduced. However, inconsolable sobbing or unwillingness to eat or drink should be consulted with the baby’s doctor. 

Always check baby's temperature over 100.4º F to teething. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or ear pain leads to illness—not teething—and may need an immediate call to the doctor.

Each child is different, so having a lot of tips to choose of is best! Essentially everything cold and hard can probably ease teething pain. Cold objects ease on anesthetizing and reducing pain. Hard objects help break down the tissue.

Remember, once the baby has a few teeth (at least one upper and lower), it is possible to break off pieces while chewing, so be careful & always supervise your little ones for choking hazards!

Tested and Real Remedies:

• Cold or rubber teething rings for 15 minutes.
• Some babies like to “gum or chew” on knuckles!
• Place a clean, wet washcloth in the freezer for 15 minutes.
• Refrigerated veggies like apple slices or strawberries but put them inside one of those small net teethers so there is no chance of choking. This needs supervision.
• Partly frosted grapes, slices of carrots or frozen yogurt put inside cheesecloth (tied well) or a teething mesh bag/feeder.
• Partially melted yogurt or popsicle sticks to chew on (just supervise to be sure no plastic is bitten off) or try making your own popsicles with 100% fruit juice or yogurt (if older than 6 months).
• I also used very very tiny ice chips and gave that to my daughter with a spoon. They have to be very tiny though so again no choking.

Additional Remedies To Try:

• Special attention during these times of discomfort will always help your baby or toddler. Snuggle times can comfort and distract.
• Warm bath to calm and relax.
• Juice, breast milk or formula in a bottle. Both the cold juice and chewing on the bottle's nipple helps to comfort baby. Refrigerate the bottle in the freezer or use a few ice chips.
• Soft bristle baby toothbrush (this requires supervision) or gum massager (looks like a rubber toothbrush).

To help you with the teething process you can buy a teether, or two! Some are filled with fluid that you can chill to give your child relief, and others are in the shape of a pacifier.

Did we miss one? Please comment below and then share it with someone who has a baby! Don't forget to attach your baby's favorite teether to your Snuggwugg too. Visit our website Snuggwugg.com to see videos and other fun ways to help your child get through teething.

This is not meant to be medical advice always see your child's pediatrician before trying new methods with your baby.

Photo credit courtesy of Sentimental Mama