Teething tips and advice from a Mother who's been Here before and Survived.
I always say when a baby begins teething is when you first learn their weak spots, usually leading to the first panic trips to the emergency room or late night G.P. teething takes so much from Baby that I really believe it cause so many other symptoms to arise alongside.
My oldest would always get a rash followed by a fever and ending in sore ears or an infection, my youngest was swollen lymph nodes a fever usually followed by a chesty cough and runny nose. After my first two trips to the Emergency Room thinking my oldest rash was all sorts of terrible things I started to put the puzzle together and realise just before a tooth would break the cycle would Begin.
There are a few things I want you to take from this piece of information:
one notice symptoms and be proactive "teething" doesn’t stop until they get to the very last set of teeth and this means you’re able to be aware of your child symptoms and know what to expect and be prepared, my oldest recently got his wisdom teeth and needless to say we had a battle with his ears and sinuses all summer and his hayfever was worse than he has ever been resulting in a strong dose of antibiotics (last resort in our home and I always give a probiotic if they do end up on them. Antibiotics kill all the bad but they also wipe out the goodies we need. The more you give then the more they will need and sometimes when they really do need them they won't work as well) . But saying that if I didn’t know that his wisdom teeth were coming up I would’ve been a lot more concerned.
Fluids and Cool puréed food will be baby's best friend during the worst of it, expect them to Struggle with their feeds and if on solids expect a change in appetite or taste. I spent many sleepless nights with my littles during these stages and sleeping when baby is sleeping "yes I know impossible in many cases", but even if you do have to let the housework and other responsibilities that can wait slide for the time being, get as much rest as possible because an anxious and distressed mother causes an anxious and distressed baby on top of teething and that is a recipe for tears and feeling like your failing (your not every single mother has been exactly where you are and without support it can be even more difficult).
Distraction is key, pop on some music, white noise or a movie with bright colours, get outside, take a bath Baby and Mum, cool or warm compresses on the cheeks, using a using a clean finger brush to massage Babies gums this can help not only soothe the pain, but also help to gently break the skin blisters so teeth can come through. If they are struggling a lot This sometimes eases the struggle. Always keep in mind how you feel if you have a toothache. The last thing you want to do is eat solid food so making sure the babies fluids are kept up and keep an extra eye for dry nappies ( this always a cause for concern and best to contact your doctor) , constipation or nappy rash, I always applied extra barrier cream during teething as my youngest would always get very bad nappy rash right before the tooth would appear, I found Teetha granules to be a lifesaver they are natural safe option and also offer a short distraction as baby tries to figure out the sensation in their mouths, when baby is on solids freezing soft foods, such as yoghurts, homemade ice-lollies or ice creams, fruits and bananas to suck on or placing them in the mesh feeders are great solutions for some relief, I also place soothers and teething toys into the freezer in a freezer bag to have to hand at all times.
Finding support and somebody to talk to during these times can really help. Nobody tells mums how early teething really starts ( anywhere from 2+ months) and how much it really affects the baby, yes in some cases, but not many, babies wake up in the morning with a tooth, but more often than not before there is any sign of a tooth at all. You will notice a lot of other symptoms/ differences with your baby that are hard to associate with teething
I’ve always been surprised by how many mums I’ve talked to, who had no idea or had never been told that the illnesses/ symptoms Baby may be experiencing may also be linked and After I explain my theory more often than not It’s like a lightbulb has been switched on and suddenly the newborn they brought home That woke up one morning a "fussy" baby all makes sense.
Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual so go easy on yourself. And never forget you are learning as they are growing . You’ve never done this before and it’s okay to make mistakes, ¬"only when you know better can you do better." Don't be afraid to reach for the ibuprofen or the paracetamol when really needed, ALWAYS check with your doctor and ALWAYS make sure to read the labels before giving your baby anything from over the counter. Keep in mind the pharmacies are a great place to ask for any tips and advice when you might be struggling, they always have somebody on hand to offer information and support.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF!!! Apart from the basics All Baby really needs is a happy, healthy mother who is not afraid to ask for help. Show me someone who says babies are easy and I'll show you someone who isn't a Parent!
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