Teething is a milestone that some parents dread. There are some common signs, but not all babies teeth the same.
Around the ages of 4-7 months, your baby is going through a transition that can affect how they eat. Teething can be confusing as many of the symptoms can be related to other issues or illnesses. If this is your first baby, it may sneak up on you. If you have had multiple children already, you may find that each child has different symptoms or combination of symptoms.
What are Symptoms of Teething?
- Drool
- Touching face or tugging ears
- Food rejection
- Constant chewing, sucking, or biting
- Irritable mood
- Sleep troubles
- Gums that are swollen or bulging
- A new tooth visible below the gum
The best that you can do for your baby during this time is to make them as comfortable as possible. Blot any drool with a bib or towel to prevent chaffing around the mouth. Provide clean teething toys or chilled teethers to appease their need to chew. Continue feeding and wiping their mouth as usual to prevent bacteria growth around that new tooth.
What are Not Symptoms of Teething?
Your baby may show signs of teething like fever, runny nose, or diarrhea. While your baby may experience these symptoms at the same time, there is no research that shows that there is a correlation between these symptoms and teething. One likely reason for these symptoms is your baby's need to put things in their mouth. This could be toys that have not been sanitized or even their little hands that had not been washed after touching something. Your little one will get through any of these discomforts, but contact your doctor if these symptoms last more than 24 hours or get worse like with vomiting, lack of appetite, or lack of energy.
