As a new parent, it’s important to be aware of the signs of teething in your breastfed baby. Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your baby, but being informed about what to expect can help you prepare and provide comfort to your little one.
What is Teething?
Teething is the process by which an infant’s teeth emerge through the gums. The first teeth usually appear around 6 months of age, although this can vary from child to child. The teething process can continue until all 20 baby teeth have emerged, generally by age 3.
Teething is a normal part of a baby’s development, but it can be uncomfortable and even painful for some babies. As a result, your little one may experience a variety of symptoms that indicate they are teething.
Signs of Teething
The following are common signs that your breastfed baby may be teething:
- Drooling: Your baby may drool more than usual during teething as their mouth produces more saliva to lubricate the gums.
- Chewing: You may notice your little one chewing on their fingers or toys to help relieve pressure on their gums.
- Gum rubbing: Your baby may rub their gums with their fingers or objects to try and soothe any discomfort.
- Biting: Your baby may bite down on objects or even you while breastfeeding as they try to relieve pressure on their gums.
- Irritability: Teething can cause discomfort and irritability in babies, making them fussier than usual.
- Fussiness: Your little one may be fussy due to discomfort from teething, resulting in disrupted sleep and feeding patterns.
- Disrupted sleep: Teething can make it difficult for your baby to sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns for both you and your little one.
- Swollen gums: Your baby’s gums may appear red and swollen during the teething process.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
If your breastfed baby is showing signs of teething, there are several things you can do to help soothe their discomfort:
- Cold objects: Giving your little one something cold to chew on, such as a teething ring that has been chilled in the fridge, can help soothe their gums.
- Mild pain relief: If your baby is experiencing significant pain, you may consider giving them a mild pain reliever such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, always check with your pediatrician before giving any medication.
- Gentle massage: Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help relieve pressure and soothe their discomfort.
- Distraction: Providing your baby with toys or other distractions can help take their mind off the discomfort of teething.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can offer comfort and reassurance to your little one during the teething process. However, be aware that biting may occur during this time. If this happens, gently remove your breast from your baby’s mouth and say “no” firmly but calmly. You may also want to offer a cold teething toy or frozen washcloth before breastfeeding to help soothe their gums beforehand.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
In most cases, teething is a normal part of your baby’s development and does not require medical attention. However, there are some situations in which you should call your pediatrician:
- If your baby has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- If your baby is refusing to eat or drink
- If your baby has diarrhea or vomiting
- If you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors in your little one
It’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your baby’s health.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your breastfed baby, but being aware of the signs and symptoms can help you prepare and provide comfort to your little one. If you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors in your baby, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician for advice.
Remember, teething is a normal part of a baby’s development and with a little patience and care, you can help make this process as comfortable as possible for both you and your little one.
Keywords: teething, breastfed baby, symptoms, signs, drooling, biting, fussiness, irritability, disrupted sleep, swollen gums, chewing, rubbing gums.