As a new parent, there are many firsts you’ll experience with your baby. One of the most exciting and challenging milestones is teething. Teething is the process by which your baby’s teeth emerge from their gums, causing discomfort and irritability.
For breastfed babies, teething can present unique challenges that require special attention and care. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about teething duration for breastfed babies, including the average length of time it lasts, tips for relieving discomfort, and practical advice for supporting your baby during this time.
What is Teething?
Teething is a natural process that typically begins around 6 months of age but can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. During this time, your baby’s teeth begin to push through their gums, causing discomfort and soreness.
The first teeth to emerge are usually the bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth. As more teeth come in, your baby may experience increased discomfort and irritability.
How Long Does Teething Last for Breastfed Babies?
The duration of teething can vary greatly from one baby to another. On average, teething lasts between 4-7 days for each tooth that emerges. However, some babies may experience longer or shorter periods of discomfort.
Breastfed babies may experience longer teething periods than bottle-fed babies due to the frequency with which they nurse. This constant sucking can cause additional pressure on their gums and prolong the teething process.
What Factors Affect Teething Duration?
Several factors can influence how long teething lasts for breastfed babies:
- Genetics: The length of teething can be influenced by genetics, so if you or your partner had a longer teething period, your baby may experience the same.
- Number of teeth: The number of teeth your baby is getting at once can also affect the duration of discomfort. The more teeth emerging, the longer the teething process.
- Immune system: Your baby’s immune system can also play a role in how long teething lasts. If their immune system is compromised due to illness or other factors, they may experience longer periods of discomfort.
Teething Symptoms and Pain Relief
Teething can cause a range of symptoms in breastfed babies, including:
- Irritability and fussiness
- Drooling
- Biting and chewing on objects
- Sleep disturbances
- Fever (although this is not always attributed to teething)
If you suspect that your child has a fever due to teething, it’s essential to monitor their temperature closely and consult with a healthcare professional if it exceeds 100.4°F (38°C).
To help relieve your baby’s discomfort during teething, there are several remedies you can try:
- Cold objects: Cold objects such as teething toys or frozen washcloths can help soothe sore gums.
- Gentle pressure: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp cloth can provide relief from discomfort.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate teething pain. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medication to your baby.
Teething Toys and Remedies
When it comes to teething toys and remedies, there are many options available on the market. Here are a few popular choices:
- Silicone teething rings: These rings are made of soft silicone and can be chilled in the refrigerator or freezer for added relief.
- Wooden teethers: Wooden teethers are an eco-friendly option that can be chewed without concern for harmful chemicals.
- Frozen washcloths: Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. The frozen cloth can then be given to your baby to chew on.
It’s important to note that not all teething remedies are safe for babies. Avoid using teething gels or tablets that contain benzocaine or lidocaine, as they can cause serious side effects such as methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).
The Teething Process
The teething process typically occurs in stages, with each stage marked by the emergence of new teeth. Here’s what you can expect during each stage:
- Stage 1: The first stage begins at around 3 months of age when your baby’s gums start to swell and become more sensitive.
- Stage 2: At around 4 months of age, your baby’s first teeth will begin to emerge from their gums. This is typically the bottom front teeth.
- Stage 3: Between 5-7 months of age, your baby’s top front teeth will emerge.
- Stage 4: At around 9-12 months of age, your baby’s molars will begin to emerge.
Each stage can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the number of teeth emerging and your baby’s individual teething process.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging time for both parents and babies. However, by understanding the teething process and providing your baby with appropriate remedies and care, you can help alleviate their discomfort and support them through this exciting milestone.
If you have concerns about your baby’s teething process or need additional advice, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional or lactation consultant. With patience and care, you can help your breastfed baby navigate the teething process with ease.