Parents are always excited when their babies cross the expected milestones. One of the major milestones for babies at around 4-6 months is teething. You may want to know the signs your baby is teething, along with ways to soothe the gums.

Teething, however, is an unpleasant time for your baby. While they may naturally be a jolly child, you may suddenly start to notice their irritability, scratching cheeks, and drooling. All these are just some signs that your baby’s first teeth are trying to break through their sensitive gums.

How to Tell that Your Baby is Starting to Teeth:

1. Irritability 

While different babies react to teething in different ways, one of the most common signs of teething is a change in mood. You may notice that they get annoyed easily and cry more often than usual.

This irritability is likely going to continue and increase until the teeth break through the gums and then suddenly start to improve as the teeth continue to grow out of their gums.

2. Drooling

Babies will tend to drool. But if you notice that your baby has started to drool more than usual, then this is a sure sign that they are starting to teeth.

You may notice that within a short period, your baby dampens their chest with saliva and may even dampen clothes.

3. Biting Down on Stuff Including You

If you notice that your baby is suddenly trying to bite everything even your finger or hand, then this is a good sign that they are about to teeth.

You may even realize that they will bite down on the nipple when suckling.

Babies will often bite down on stuff they get their little hands on to try and relieve the pressure that they feel inside their gums due to the growing teeth.

4. Disrupted Eating and Sleeping Patterns

Due to the irritation caused by the growing teeth, you will also notice a change in sleeping patterns. Suddenly baby doesn’t sleep as well as they used to.

The same is true for their eating patterns. When teeth are very ear to pop out of the gums, the baby will also tend to not want to put things in their mouth. This is because their gums are highly sensitive and are under pressure and thus painful.

5. Pulling on The Ears and Rubbing Cheeks

Among other common signs, your baby is teething is when the baby starts to continuously rub on their cheeks. Keep in mind that the ears, cheeks, and gums all share the same neuro-pathways.

This means that pain in the gums will also translate to the ears and the cheeks

That said, babies who tend to have an ear infection will also display the same behavior, so it\’s important that you have the baby checked by a doctor to rule out the possibility of an ear infection.

6. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of those common symptoms of teething. If your notice that your baby’s stool is a bit loose, and if you’ve noticed some of the other symptoms that we’ve mentioned so far, then it can be a telltale sign of teething.

That said, your baby may have diarrhea due to an infection or due to other stomach issues. Whether it’s teething or otherwise, it is best to consult your pediatrician to help find the true cause.

Always ensure that you provide your baby with enough water to keep them hydrated. This will help replenish lost fluids and ensure that your baby does not become dehydrated.

7. Slight or Low-Grade Fever

Low-grade fever means a temperature that is between 98F and 100F.

If you find that your infant has a low-grade fever, then this may be a sign that they are teething. Keep in mind however that any type of fever should prompt you to take your baby to the pediatrician.

7 Ways to Soothe Baby When Teething

No parent wants to see their baby struggle through the pain and discomfort of the teething process. The good thing is that there are a few things that you can do to soothe your baby during this stage in their young lives.

1. Buying teething rings

It is always a good idea to have teething rings ready for when your baby starts to teeth. Make sure the teething rings are solid plastic and not filled with any gel.

The baby will bite down on these, which will help relieve the pressure that they feel in their gums from the growing teeth.

Even better if you can put the teething rings in the fridge. The cold will also help soothe the gums.

2. Use a Washcloth to Offer a Cooling Effect on the Baby’s Gums

Soothing your infant’s gums while they are teething is easy if you use a cold washcloth.

You can freeze a washcloth by making sure it is clean and wringing it out until it is damp, after which you can put it in the freezer or refrigerator. When it has cooled, fold it up and give it to your baby to chew on.

Using this will provide comfort to the baby by soothing their gums and giving them a soft surface to bite into.

Always supervise your baby when chewing on a washcloth to avoid choking hazards.

3. Metal Spoon to Soothe Teething Gums

The method is simple, but it is effective. All you need is a standard teaspoon and a refrigerator. The spoon will offer instant relief if you rub its back against your baby\’s gums after it has cooled.

4. Keep Them Dry

Always ensure that you wipe the drool off their face, neck, and chest. One way you can even make the process much easier is to use drool bibs.

These are simple to remove and replace and ensure that the baby does not dampen their chest.

You may also want to apply Vaseline to create a moisture barrier and ensure that the drool doesn’t get to their skin. Left unattended, the drool can easily cause skill irritation, which only adds to the problem.

5. Applying Pressure on Baby’s gums

Pressure on your baby’s gums feels good and there are several methods for doing so.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and then rub your baby’s gums while gently applying pressure.

• You can also give your baby celery or a hard cracker. Whenever you give them hard foods, make sure you\’re nearby in case a small piece breaks, to prevent them from choking.

6. Popsicles Made from Milk

When teething, many infants and toddlers refuse to eat. Your little one can stay hydrated and soothe their gums by eating milk or formula popsicles.

Ideally, popsicles should be placed on a washable towel or blanket, or on a surface that can be easily cleaned.

7. Talk to Your Pediatrician

One of the best sources of information on how to soothe your baby is the pediatrician. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience with many babies and with different teething issues.

They will be able to inspect your baby and not only recommend medication but also advise on what to do when your baby shows irritation due to teething. 

 Final thoughts

One of the proudest moments in any parent’s life is when their baby passes its milestones. One of the most critical of these is teething. Unfortunately, it is also an unpleasant time for the baby.

Luckily there are a few things that you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly for your baby.