Teething is a milestone that every parent anticipates in their baby’s life. However, the process of teething in newborns can be a challenging time for both the baby and the parent. As new teeth emerge, infants experience discomfort, irritation, and even pain.
These symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways, making it challenging for parents to identify them. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of teething in newborns and provide practical tips on how to relieve their discomfort.
Understanding the teething process and how to alleviate its symptoms can help parents provide the best possible care for their little ones.
What is Teething?
Teething is a natural and essential developmental milestone that brings both excitement and challenges for parents and their little ones. It’s the process by which an infant’s first set of teeth, also known as primary teeth or baby teeth, begin to emerge through their gums.
This usually occurs between the ages of 4 to 7 months, but it can vary for each child.
As exciting as it is to witness your baby’s adorable toothy grin, teething can also accompany some discomfort, which may lead to irritability, drooling, and the urge to chew on everything within reach.
While it can be tough for both babies and parents, it’s essential to remember that teething is a temporary phase. By offering gentle support, soothing remedies, and lots of cuddles, you’ll help your little one navigate this normal part of their growth journey with ease and confidence.
What Are The Signs of Teething in Newborns?
It’s a natural process but it can also be accompanied by pain and discomfort. While teething is more commonly associated with older infants, some newborns can also begin the teething process. Here are some signs that your newborn may be teething:
1. Increased Drooling
A friendly heads-up: increased drooling is a common sign of teething in your little ones. Now, seeing your baby drooling more than usual might give you a pleasant feeling of excitement. It signifies that their tiny pearly whites are on the way.
The next time you notice an adorable waterfall of drool dripping down your baby’s chin, remember to be patient and offer them comfort. This is just the beginning of a lifelong journey with their growing teeth.
2. Fussiness and Irritability
Another common symptom of teething is fussiness and irritability. As their little teeth begin to break through the gums, babies tend to feel discomfort and pain, resulting in increased fussiness.
It’s crucial to remember that during this time, your newborn is not behaving this way to give you a hard time. They rather are simply expressing their discomfort.
Next time when your little one is cranky and appears more irritable than usual, it’s helpful to keep in mind that teething might be the cause. Offer extra cuddles and gentle gum massages with a clean finger can go a long way in providing comfort and relief at that time.
3. Difficulty Sleeping
Difficulty while sleeping is also a sign of teething. As those tiny teeth are starting to emerge, your baby may experience discomfort that can disrupt their normal sleep routine. You might notice them waking up more frequently at night, having trouble falling asleep, or being extra fussy during bedtime.
Rest assured, this is completely normal and your baby’s sleep pattern will eventually return to normal once they adjust to the teething process.
In the meantime, offering some gentle comfort and support through these sleepless nights can help your precious newborn feel more at ease during this new phase in their life.
4. Chewing and Biting
During the teething phase, you might also notice your baby beginning to chew and bite on various objects. This is a clear indication that their cute little teeth are about to make an appearance.
In an effort to soothe the discomfort and irritation caused by the emerging teeth, newborns instinctively start gnawing on toys, fingers, or anything they can get their hands on.
It’s important to be aware of this sign to both empathize with your baby’s experience and provide them with the appropriate teething tools that can alleviate their discomfort.
Moreover, this charming milestone becomes another cherished moment in their journey of growth and discovery.
5. Swollen Gums
Swollen gums are often an early indication that your baby’s teeth are starting to push through. You might notice a slight redness or puffiness around the gum area, which is completely normal as it’s the body’s natural response to the emerging teeth.
It might cause discomfort for your baby, but don’t worry, it’s a temporary phase that will soon make way for those adorable baby teeth.
Remember to always approach this stage with a friendly, polite and attentive demeanour, as your baby will rely on your love and care to help them through this slightly challenging time.
How to Relieve Teething Discomfort in Newborns?
Teething can be a stressful time for both parents and babies. As parents, it’s natural to want to provide the best possible care for our little ones and alleviate their discomfort. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to relieve teething discomfort in newborns.
1. Gentle Massage
Dealing with teething discomfort in newborns is a challenge that many new parents will face at some point, but do not fret! A friendly and polite tip that could make a difference for your little one is to try a gentle massage.
You can help ease the pain by gently massaging their gums using your clean finger or a damp washcloth. The soft pressure applied can provide instant relief for your baby, and it can be an excellent bonding opportunity for the two of you.
Remember, each baby is different, and some might not respond to the same methods, but offering gentle touch and comfort in times of discomfort will surely make a positive impact on your little one’s well-being.
2. Teething Toys
Another comforting remedy to help alleviate teething discomfort is the use of teething toys. These toys are specifically designed to be safe for babies to chew on, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and textures to cater to individual preferences.
As your little ones gnaw on their teething toy, the gentle pressure applied to their gums can help soothe the soreness they’re feeling. Moreover, introducing a slightly chilled teething toy can provide additional relief, as the cool sensation can help numb their tender gums.
Check out some interesting teething toys that your babies will love to play with.
3. Cool and Soft Foods
One of the easiest and most effective methods to alleviate the discomfort of teething is offering them cool and soft foods. Foods such as chilled applesauce, mashed bananas, and even cold yogurt can provide relief, comfort, and a tasty experience for your teething baby.
Keep in mind the foods must be age-appropriate and not pose a choking hazard. Moreover, you might notice your baby’s mood improving with these soothing delights, giving you peace of mind and some bonding time over a delicious treat.
Thus, don’t hesitate to try these remedies and ease your newborn’s teething discomfort while also giving them a nutritious and enjoyable snack.
4. Consult a Pediatrician
A wise first step to take is to consult with a pediatrician who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with teething babies.
They can provide you with valuable advice, as well as recommend specific remedies or products that have been proven to be safe and effective for your newborn.
Listening to a professional’s guidance can give you peace of mind and ensure that your little one is happy and comfortable during this important milestone in their development.
Please reach out to a pediatrician when the first signs of teething appear, as they can be your best ally in navigating this journey with your precious newborn.
5. Extra Cuddles
A simple yet effective way to help relieve your little one’s discomfort during this period is to offer them some extra cuddles.
As a friendly and polite suggestion, take some time out from your busy routine and snuggle up with your little bundle of joy.
Physical touch is known to provide comfort and reduce stress for both babies and parents, so these moments of closeness can lead to a feeling of reassurance and love for your teething baby.
Also, sharing this special time together will also help to strengthen the bond between you and your newborn. It creates an even warmer and more nurturing environment for their development. In trying times such as these, never underestimate the power of a loving embrace!
Identify Teething in Newborns and Help Them Ease the Pain!
Teething is a natural process that all babies go through, but it can be a challenging time for both the baby and the parent. Identifying the signs of teething and knowing how to alleviate its symptoms is crucial for providing the best possible care for your little one.
From offering teething toys to using cold compresses, there are several practical ways to ease teething discomfort in newborns.
Remember to consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions regarding your baby’s teething process. With patience, love, and care, you can help your little one navigate this exciting milestone with ease.
Lastly, do you want to learn more about other parenting issues and the ways to solve them? If you do, we suggest you read the best sources of information for parents in Australia.