Tips to help your soothing baby

Teething is a natural process and every baby experiences it. Here are some tips to help!

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There are so many different milestones to look forward to as a parent. Some of those milestones are camera-worthy, like the moment your baby takes its first step or says its first word, but some are simply exhausting.

Teething is one of those milestones that often brings uncertainty and a new routine for both the parents and the baby for a couple of days. Teething is when the baby’s teeth first come through the gum and it can be hard to know what to expect during this time. Some babies are in a lot of pain and others get extra fussy.

If you’re starting to notice that your baby is going through a teething period, here are a handful of ways you can prepare to soothe them, according to experts.

If you’re looking for items to add to your registry or have family members eager to buy something for the baby, Dr. Laura Purdy says you might want to ask for teething toys.

"Teething toys provide infants who are teething with much-needed relief," she said. "By applying pressure directly onto their gums with teething toys, infants can quickly find relief from discomfort caused by emerging teeth."

When searching for teething toys, Dr. Purdy suggests looking for toys made of non-toxic materials like silicone or rubber to provide maximum effectiveness.

Plus, she says you can place one of the toys briefly in the refrigerator, providing additional cooling effects and relieving pressure points on emerging gums.

When you want temporary relief of gum inflammation and discomfort, Dr. Purdy suggests keeping it simple and trying cold compresses.

"Use a clean soft cloth or small piece of gauze dampened in cold water for this application, pressing against the baby's gums gently until any discomfort subsides," she recommends.

If you find yourself on the go and need something to help with teething discomfort, Dr. Purdy shares that you can give your baby a gentle gum massage.

"For best results, be sure that both hands are clean before beginning this strategy and use light pressure with soft hands when massaging the gums circularly with soft strokes to stimulate blood flow which reduces inflammation while offering relief," she says.

Even before your baby starts teething, Dr. Freda Singletary suggests having an over-the-counter pain reliever at home.

"Remember taking pain relief for that wicked toothache or headache? For our little ones, the world of teething is all new, and sometimes they just need a little extra help to cope," she says.

However she does advise that before giving any medicine, have a chat with your pediatrician.

"They'll guide you on what's best for your baby’s age and weight," she says.

While figuring out how to soothe a teething baby can be difficult, Dr. Singletary says to keep trying different things.

"Some days are all about the cuddles, and others might be the cold washcloth trick," she says. "But hey, that's parenthood — full of experiments, love, and always learning on the go."

When handling a teething baby feels frustrating, she reminds parents to hang in there and trust that this too will pass.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Tips from Real Parents: How to Wean Your Baby Off Their Pacifier, Tips for First Time Potty Training, 5 Mistakes I made as a New Mom and What I Learned from Each One

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