A Teething Survival Guide

Infants-HealthThe appearance of your baby’s first precious pearly whites can be hard on both of you, but you can do quite a few things to make teething easier.

You notice two tiny, white nubs—lower incisors, the bottom front teeth—beginning to emerge from your 5-month-old baby’s lower gums. She has reached another milestone in her physical development: teething.

Your little one is right on schedule. In most babies, teeth begin appearing between 4 and 7 months of age. Incisors erupt first, followed by molars and canines. Some children experience smooth sailing through this rite of passage. For others, however, the journey is rougher, and judging by your baby’s recent occasional crankiness and fitful sleeping, she falls into this category. Not to worry—her symptoms are normal. Here’s how to help:

Provide an appropriate chewing outlet. The edge of the coffee table, the dog’s toy rings, your finger—you name it, and your baby is trying to chew it to ease sore gums. Provide a safe, hygienic and less painful (for you) alternative, such as a lightly frozen washcloth or a cold, solid rubber teething ring.

Stem the tide. You may notice your little one drooling much more than normal during teething. If you allow her chin to stay damp constantly, a rash may form, so keep it dry as much as possible.

Use a gentle touch. Softly massaging your little one’s gums with a clean finger may help relieve discomfort.

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