Any parent knows that teething babies can be really cranky. The sore, swollen gums are a source of anywhere from mild to severe discomfort and can last for weeks or months. The constant drooling and chewing on anything they can get in their mouths are clear signs of teething babies. Parents and caregivers are relentlessly looking for ways to ease the discomfort for these infants, but they don’t want to do more harm than good. Here are 10 items that are safe to use for teething babies.
1. Teething rings – There are a multitude of teething rings and toys available to purchase. The solid rubber ones are the safest and teething babies appreciate the ones with different textures. Gel filled teething toys can be placed in the refrigerator but should be avoided after the baby has teeth because they may rupture. Putting rubber or plastic teething rings in the freezer can hurt baby’s gums, so don’t try that.
2. Cold washcloth – Cold is the key to soothing an infants sore gums. Tie a knot in a damp washcloth and put it in the freezer. Babies like the cold and rough texture and the washcloth helps to absorb the excess drool as they chew. Keep a few on hand in a plastic bag in the freezer.
3. Finger – Merely rubbing the baby’s swollen gums with your finger can help sooth the discomfort from teething. Make sure your fingers are clean first and be careful with long, sharp fingernails. You can let your baby chew on your knuckle any time.
4. Cold food – Babies who are old enough to be eating solid foods can get some relief from frozen bananas, bagels, applesauce or yogurt. Be careful not to let them chew off a frozen chunk they can choke on.
5. Mesh feeder bag – To avoid a choking hazard, a mesh feeder bag can be filled with frozen or cold food for teething babies to chew on. These baby safe feeders allow you to use foods like carrots, apples or grapes and can be purchased in stores or made at home.
6. Medication – Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and is safe if used in moderation. Medication can be helpful if your baby is having trouble sleeping because of the teething, but be sure to use the dosage recommended and never use aspirin.
7. Teething gel – Topical teething gels and powders are also only safe if used in moderation. Lidocaine is the safest numbing agent to use, but using too much can cause it to numb the baby’s throat and inhibit the gag reflex.
8. Crackers – Teething crackers and zwieback toast are other food items that are safe for babies to chew on for relief. Make sure they’re unsweetened, textured and hard for the best effect.
9. Household items – Let your baby chew on a rubber gum massager or toothbrush while he’s teething. Other household items include wooden or plastic spoons, cups or anything hard and large enough not to be swallowed and cause a choking hazard.
10. Popsicles – Frozen juice make great popsicles that can sooth tender gums that are safe for teething infants. They can get pretty messy though.
Always make sure anything that goes into a baby’s mouth is disinfected and clean. Babies will chew on anything and everything when they’re teething so keep choking hazards out of their reach. Even though this can be a trying time in your baby’s development, remember that it’s only temporary. Watch for those first teeth to emerge and after that you’ll want to give your baby anything to chew on but your fingers. Ouch!
Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the company or PR firm to share. Thanks to babysittingjobs.com for the article. The expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.
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