Getting new teeth can be uncomfortable for your baby. You may notice more crying around three months as your child starts to teeth, but babies can begin teething anywhere from three to 12 months. Some symptoms to watch for include drooling, redness around the mouth because of drooling, extra coughing or gagging, biting and unusual crying. Babies may also fidget with their faces, wake up in the middle of the night or be too cranky to feed.

While your baby should be fine in the long run, incoming teeth cause more than a little discomfort. Help your baby coax teeth through by

  • Rubbing a clean finger over sore gums. To reduce the spread of germs, cover your finger with a gauze pad.

  • Giving him or her something cool to chew on, such as a washcloth or chilled teething ring. The coldness will numb the pain, like an ice pack.

  • Feeding your baby hard foods if he or she is old enough to eat solid foods. A peeled cucumber or carrot can apply pressure to gums that relieves pain. Usually, a baby cannot eat solid food until four to six months, when he or she can sit up in a high chair

Be patient while your baby endures these new sensations, but always take your baby to a healthcare provider if you suspect there is a different underlying cause.

 

Disclaimer: If your baby has a fever or other symptoms, or you have concerns about the growth and development of your child, always seek care with your healthcare provider.