Is your baby teething? What are some of the symptons?

There's no telling when your baby might start teething. Some say that it may be hereditary so depending on what age mom and dad were when they got their first tooth, your baby might follow.

The average baby get's his/her first tooth during the seventh month. The teething process is different for every baby. One baby might wake up in the morning and have a new tooth in their mouth while another baby might have a raised bump under their gums for several weeks and be irritable and in pain until the tooth decides to poke through.

Most children will have their first full set of primary teeth between the age of two and three. Then they start to lose their primary teeth at around age six and this can last until the age of twelve as all of their adult teeth come in.

Just as "timing" varies from child to child so do the symptoms. Some babies seem to show cold or flu like symptoms including.....coughing, runny nose, diarrhea, low-grade fever and irritability.

Other babies like to bite and chew on everything which causes alot of drooling and can result in a rash on their chin and face.

Symptoms and pain can happen any time of the day or night. It always seems to be worse at night which keeps them awake and you as well.

Here are some simple remedies that you can use to try and ease the pain of their little gums.

* There are teething rings that can be chilled that feel soothing on their gums as they chew on them. The manufacturer's stress that it is NOT intended to be frozen because they may rupture. I just want to say that I have always frozen my rings and never had one break but if they were to, they are only filled with purified water. Don't follow my example. I suggest that you follow the manufacturer's directions or use AT YOUR OWN RISK.

* There is also over-the-counter gel like Baby Orajel to gently numb the gums and help ease the pain.

* Also, after getting your doctor's permission, you can give them some Infant Tylenol (acetaminpophen) that will help with the pain as well.

Below is an example chart to give you an idea of the age each tooth may come in. Remember every child is different.

The bottom line is that if it's not poinsonous, a choking hazard or dangerous in any way, let them chew and bite on it to help ease their pain. You can also place a piece of frozen fruit in a Teething Feeder. This way they are not just chewing away for nothing, at least they will have a sweet treat at the same time.

Hopefully this phase will not last too long and before you know it, they will be showing off their new pearly whites!

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