What in the Sam Hell is Teething?
I know this seems like a silly question! We all know that teething is when our baby’s teeth start poking through, right? Well.. right! To actually witness it though- yikes. Our poor tiny humans. When you actually watch those little primary (baby) teeth pop through- NO WONDER THEY ACT THE WAY THEY DO! So, what is teething exactly? It’s when those first chompers start to make their way through the gums. The teeth will actually “cut” their way through like some type of horror scene. There will probably be some nights of “what the hell is this” moments, but you will get through it! I promise. In this post, I’ll go over some teething hacks you need in your life, and hopefully will make the experience much easier on you and baby!
When Does Teething Start?
Honestly, this is a good question! I know some people whose little one started teething super early. Like at 3 MONTHS EARLY! Bless their souls. Typically it will start around the 6 month mark, or even wait until 9 months.
My baby girl fooled us when we thought she was teething at 4 months old. NOPE. She waited until half-way through her 9th month, and we are still going strong! It has definitely been an adventure.
Ultimately, teething can start when you’re least expecting it. So just look out for the signs!! And PREPARE YOURSELF.
The Dreaded Signs of Teething
- Fussiness
- Low Grade Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Chewing on EVERYTHING
- Slobbers Galore
- Longer/Shorter Naps
- Cheek Rubbing
- Ear Pulling
- Extra Cuddly
- Extra Poops – Runny, Nasty Poops
Side Note: I would like to mention that as my little girl continues to teeth, she does have moments of wanting to be attached to me! She will come from across the room-crawling and raising hell- and plow directly into me. Or on me. Whatever she wants- it’s cool. She will also take longer naps than usual. This is mainly because we stick to a strict schedule. But if we by chance get off that schedule… yeah. SHORT NAPS it is.
How Do You Soothe a Teething Baby?
The wait is OVER! Here is my list of 9 teething hacks that you need in your life.
**This post does include affiliate links. If any items are purchased through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!**
1. Become the Ultimate Cuddle MOMster
Lots and lots of cuddles!! Teething is like being sick and wanting to be curled up on the couch or bed with a giant fluffy comforter. Well WE ARE THE COMFORTER now, and they want all the snuggles. I know I will never say no to extra baby lovin’s.
2. Boobie Milk Popsicles
This is a great hack if you have some breast milk stowed away in the freezer! I like to break a bag up into chunks and put it inside the Dr. Brown’s Silicone Feeder. Just make sure you have a bib and wet cloth ready. My girl absolutely LOVES this.
3. Keeping it Chill
Frida Baby and Nuby have some good options with teething toys. I like to pop those in the fridge and get them chilled enough to cool down my baby’s gummies.
The same goes for little bit’s pacifiers. My girl only took to the silicone pacifiers, so I can’t speak on any other kind besides the Itzy Ritzy paci’s. Anything soft and chilled to the gums is like heaven for my “babers“.
4. Frozen Washcloth Ring
It is exactly how it sounds. Take a small damp washcloth, roll it up (cinnamon roll-style) and pop it in the freezer! BAM
5. Just FREEZE
I think you are getting the idea with the frozen and chilled tricks. Since my daughter doesn’t take to “solid-solid” foods just yet, I am straying away from seedy fruits, frozen strawberries. Bananas, mango, and melons have been a HUGE hit with her.
6. Massage, Please!
A massage sounds amazing, right? Yeah, well it is amazing for those little irritated gummies too. Just the pressure alone can help soothe those gums. I had done some my own research when it came to my baby’s chompers popping through and I found Maty’s Organic Teething Oil. I will tell you now- she loves it! We will use this most nights as it helps to soothe the gums, and numbs the pain of those teeth cutting through. Amazing find!
7. Good Vibrations!!
I figured this out by total accident. I had left my breast massager out- when I was trying to rid myself of a milk clog- and little bit found it on the edge of the couch. It is silicone and waterproof by the way. She found it and popped it in her mouth and somehow managed to turn it on. Her little face lit up like the Griswald’s house. I’m sure there are some vibrating teethers out there, but if you have a milk clog vibrator go ahead and try it out. The vibrations will soothe the gums and basically cause a distraction from the pain!
8. Stick to the Schedule
Like I mentioned earlier-this is very important. Your little one is already feeling like complete poop. Taking their routine away is just going to make things worse for the both of you! Stick to that schedule as best as you can.
9. Bust Out the Good Stuff
If you are OK with giving medications to your mini-me, then go ahead and give that dose of Tylenol! Check with the doctor though to get the correct dosage though. If my girl has had a rough day-mainly due to the short naps- she gets way too irritable. This usually hits right before bedtime, so I just give her one dose right after her bath and it is LIGHTS OUT!
How Long Does This Go On?
You can bet your boots that this teething thing will be going on for SEVERAL months! Luckily though, you should be able to get some breaks. Teething pain will typically last for a few days until the little one can get that pesky chomper through the gum-line. With all those tips on how to make teething a tiny bit more pleasant, I think you and baby can find some relief. I strongly believe that these are teething hacks that you need in your life!
I hope that this list will help you and your baby during this lovely time! It has saved our sanity, that is for sure. If you have tried any of these hacks, let me know in the comments!!
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