While teething is a natural part of a baby's development, it can be very painful and uncomfortable. My first baby struggled and my second baby sailed through very easily. You just can't tell how each individual child will cope. It can be exhausting for you too while this is going on. Feeding and sleep routines get disrupted and add to the frustration of a poor, grumpy baby who cannot communicate verbally.
The first teeth to appear are the bottom front teeth at around six months. The first four front teeth are called incisors and as they are flat in shape, are thought to be less painful when cutting through the gums than the later canines and molars. The molars or back teeth are next on the list and these start making an appearance at about 12 months. The molars are followed by the canines which are next to the lateral incisors if we are getting technical. This happens between 16 and 18 months.
Finally, the appearance of the second molars lag behind, coming in last, from about 18 to 30 months and thankfully these complete the first set of your child's teeth, otherwise known as the milk teeth. There are a few symptoms of teething which include general grizzling and very irritable little bundles of joy, or should I say little bundles of irritation! These symptoms pre-empt the arrival of your babies pearly whites. Dribbling and chewing on everything along with flushed cheeks are a definite indication that teeth are on the way. These symptoms can also be accompanied by red, swollen gums. But, if your baby has a temperature of 38 degrees celcius or diarrhoea, see your doctor as quickly as you can, as these are not symptoms of teething even though they are popularly thought to be! There are a number of methods you can try to ease this terrible teething pain, a little tender loving care being at the top of my list.
However, when you are run off your feet juggling the running of a household, a business, three Grumpy Baby Octopus Adorable and a cat as I am, it is difficult to be 100% in TLC mode. Therefore I would suggest trying teething rings cooled in the fridge, but never frozen mind you, as you can damage their little gums! I also make use of teething gel and teething powder although, for my little tot, teething gel is her preferred method! If a gel is not working discontinue using it. If you can get through it without using any man-made medicine, then all the better for baby and hats off to you