A baby brings loads of happiness for new parents, but the challenges they bring along can also not be ignored. One such problem is teething - it is a natural developmental milestone which every baby has to go through, but it can often be a challenging time for both babies as well as parents.

Understanding what teething demands, teething issues that can happen, and how to handle them can make the journey smoother for everyone involved. At A Toddler Thing, just like a good friend, we are here with another guide, where we will help you deal with the problems associated with teething in babies, and provide some handy practical tips for tackling the problems. As we always say, we are here to make parenting a little less difficult for you!

Understanding teething in babies- 

Teething is a natural process, in which a baby’s first set of teeth - as we call them "baby teeth" or "milk teeth" – start to appear through the gums. Teething typically starts at the age of about six months, but it can vary from child to child. The process of teething needs the baby teeth to push through the gums, ouch! No wonder why it causes discomfort and irritability in babies, and a whole lot of other issues.

Common baby teething issues you can see: 

Teething shows different symptoms in different babies. Some common baby teething issues include:

• Irritable babies: Due to all that pain and discomfort, babies may become more irritable than usual, and cry more frequently. They might also become harder to soothe.
• Swollen and tender gums: Babies’ gums may look red and swollen. They may also feel tender to the touch as the teeth are about to come through.
• Fussiness to eat: Due to the discomfort and pain from teething, babies can refuse to eat or have difficulty even while breastfeeding.
• Drooling: Many babies drool excessively, and this is a common teething symptom. This can also lead to skin irritation around the lips and chin.
• Trouble sleeping: Teething discomfort may worsen at night, which may lead to sleep disturbances for both babies and parents.

What to do for children's tooth pain during teething:

While teething can be a challenging time, there are several simple things parents can do to help soothe their baby's discomfort and help them sleep better. Here are a few things to help your baby through the painful teething process:

1. Soothe the pain in the gums:

• You can apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to your baby's cheek for short periods.
• Gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger or a soft bristled toothbrush.
• Baby teething toys made of safe and chemical free materials can be of great help too. Consider chilling them in the fridge, it will help them even more. 

2. Manage drooling:

• Use a soft cotton or muslin baby bib to clean the excess drool and keep your baby dry.
• If your baby's clothes get wet from the drool, change them immediately to make them feel comfortable. 

3. Help them deal with the baby teething sleep issues:

• Sticking to a regular bedtime and wake-up time can create a predictable sleep pattern. This will help them train to fall asleep involuntarily.
• Creating a calming environment such as dim lights, reading a book, or singing a lullaby can help them fall asleep better. 
• Make them sleep in comfortable jhulas or thottils, such as the cotton jhulas for babies, which offer a warm and comfortable cuddle.

4. Reduce the irritability in babies:

• Distraction works wonders! Keep the baby busy in play, read their favourite book, or probably sing songs to distract them from the discomfort.
• Swaddling or rocking your baby can have a calming effect and help soothe their discomfort.
• Nothing better than mumma’s hugs or dadda’s cuddles in making babies feel safe and supported.

5. Encourage them to chew:

• Teething toys made of safe and chemical free materials that babies can chew, can be of great help.
• Alternatively, you can offer them frozen fruit, such as banana or berries, in a nibbler or mesh feeder.

If your baby is experiencing severe pain and discomfort, consult your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.

Indian home remedies for teething babies

Apart from the above tips, there are several grandma’s remedies or Indian home remedies that have been used for generations to soothe teething discomfort:

• Clove oil: Apply a very diluted solution of clove oil to your baby's gums to relieve pain.
• Tulsi leaves: Make a mild decoction by boiling Tulsi leaves and with a clean cloth apply the same on the baby’s gums. Tulsi’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can soothe the gums.
• Pure ghee: Massaging the gums with mildly warm ghee can help soothe the pain.
• Turmeric: Making a thin paste of turmeric in ghee and gently massage the gums with it to reduce the inflammation
• Acacia or babool: A popular component of Ayurveda, babool bark powder mixed with water and applied on the gums can be of great comfort for the baby. 

Baby’s world made comfortable at Toddler Thing

Remember, every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one. With patience, love, and a little creativity, you can help your teething baby find relief and enjoy smoother nights of sleep for all.

Teething is a natural part of a baby's development, but it can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. From soft bibs and aloe vera baby bath towels to keep your baby clean from drooling, to soft muslin swaddles and blankets for a relaxed sleep, we have everything you need to navigate your baby through the troubles of teething.