Is my baby teething? Here are 7 signs to lookout for.
Written by Stella Matilda, Editor
Every baby will go through teething differently. But all babies will go through their first teething during their first year. Some are born with their first tooth, others around 4 months but most babies start teething at around 6 months. If your baby is anything like mine, you will probably notice these 7 signs of teething:
1. Increase in Dribbling.
Your baby's mouth will develop more saliva during teething to lubricate the tender and bulging gums. So, do stand by a towel at all times to help clean it.
2. Want to chew and bite more than usual
You probably notice your baby is chewing their fingers and even try to bite you by now. Of course, there are many teething toys on the market that will help. I would also recommend teething gel as it helps on the spot.
3. Fussy and Cranky
Teething pain will make your baby fussy and cranky. Even being picky on food! Perhaps stand by some teether biscuit, it worked for me.
4. Difficulties
Sleeping
Due to the discomfort of teething, your baby will nap less and wake-up earlier in the morning. At night, your baby who once slept through the night will wake up several times for comfort.
5. Decreased in Appetite
The pain normally would make your baby not wanting to eat. But keep trying to feed them as much as possible to maintain with their caloric input.
6. Rubbing Ears, Chin
and Cheeks
You might find scratches by behind your baby's ears, chins and cheek. This is because your baby is actually doing a self massage to create a counter pressure to ease some of the pain.
You can also help with some baby foot massage using this information below:
(the purple colour would help for soothing your baby's teething pain)
7. Fever, rashes,
cough and diarrhea
It is common that baby will get some slight fever during teething, coughs, diarrhea, fever rash and diaper rash. Although some doctor disagree, but many moms have detected these symptoms when their baby is going through teething, including me. My 9 months old baby is currently experiencing all the above, he has 6 tooth now, and we are suspecting more coming out soon.
On the side note, during teething is also a time where your baby is most likely to catch viruses as they are always chewing on their fingers and biting everything. So you have to watch them closely and keep clean at all times. Clean their fingers every hour or so to avoid catching Hand Food Mouth Diseases (HFMD).
Some baby may even go through teething with no pain or discomfort at all. At other times, some will go through all the above. You know your baby best. But do seek medical advice if your baby have any symptoms that are causing you concern. Its better to be safe than sorry.
