Innovative Baby

A runny nose, decreased appetite for solid foods, ear rubbing, irritability, piercing screams...all normal symptoms that your baby is teething. When your baby’s teeth are first coming in, there are a number of choices to help ease your baby’s pain. Below are a few natural tricks to try.

Frozen Washcloth
Wet a washcloth, squeeze out the excess water and place the washcloth in a plastic baggy. Throw the bag in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Take the washcloth out of the plastic bag and let your baby suck on it. Anything cold helps numb your child’s gums and temporarily relieves pain.

Frozen Teething Ring/Pacifier
Pop your trusty teething ring or pacifier in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. This works just like the washcloth we mentioned above, but doesn’t take as much time. It’s also a little less messy.

Something to Chew On
A baby’s urge to bite or or chew on something is good because the pressure helps break down the gum tissue (allowing for their teeth to slide through), so give them something to chew on. Try all-fruit ice pops or teething cookies. Frozen bananas are an alternative to ice pops for babies who have already been introduced to fruit. Be sure to peel the banana before you freeze it. Peeling a frozen banana is not an easy task! You should also cut off the tips and remove the stringy pieces before putting the banana in the freezer.

Have them eat their veggies!
Give your child a baby cucumber or a carrot to chew on. Unlike ice pops or teething cookies, these are sugar-free and there’s no danger of gluten intolerance. Try letting the vegetable cool in the fridge before you give it to your baby.

Some important reminders:

• Be sure to wash all vegetables before giving to your baby.

• Never let your baby chew on anything without your supervision.

• Pay close attention to the size of the portion you give your baby. It needs to be large enough so that it can’t be swallowed, yet small enough for your child to hold on his or her own.

Massage their Gums
Rub your baby’s gums. This creates opposite pressure and will give them a little relief.

Lastly, remain calm! Knowing that your child is in pain can make you feel helpless, and hearing them cry repeatedly can be difficult for any parent. But keep in mind that when you’re tense or upset, your baby picks up on your anxiety. Listen to soothing music with your baby. Play together. This will help you project a serene attitude and it may distract them long enough to make them forget about the pain for a little while.

{readmore}