Sometime between the 3rd and 9th months,
your baby will start to show the unmistakable signs of teething. These
can include:
Excessive drooling
Swollen gums
Cold like symptoms like runny nose or fever
Crankiness
A baby who sleeps through the night might
start to awaken several times a night.
He may even refuse to eat.
Many of the signs of teething begin to show up months before that first
tooth comes through. Some children never show any signs that new teeth
are coming in, but for the ones showing discomfort, you can ease their
pain in the following ways:
Using a clean finger or a cool wash cloth, gently rub
the affected gums.
Give him something cold and soft to chew on like a refrigerated
teething ring, frozen wash cloth, or a cold metal spoon.
A cold bottle of water/juice mixture helps some babys
find comfort.
If your baby is especially cranky or running a slight
fever, try giving a dose of acetaminophen. Be sure to watch her carefully
should she run a fever. This could be a sign of a more significant
illness.
Over-the-counter teething remedies work well for some
infants. Apply to the affected gums as directed.
Never rub brandy or any form of alcohol on your baby's gums. Alcohol
is a poison to infants.