The experience of having a child is different for everyone. No two people’s experience is ever the same. But one thing is for sure, no matter what the early days are like – be they colic filled awfulness or calm and peaceful, they will almost certainly take a turn for the worse when teething starts. This is not an indictment on your baby or your ability as a parent. Teething is simply a hard time to be a baby. Your life is suddenly dominated by a horrible pain in the mouth as teeth push through the gums, cutting their way to the surface. It is probably fair to say that it is never going to be an enjoyable experience for anyone in the family, but it is something that you can make better with some useful techniques. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you through the process.
Chew toys
This might sound like something that you give to a dog, but they are also aids in helping babies work their way through the pain. Designed to be easy to hold and with no small parts that could lead to potential choking hazards, these toys are made from rubber and are soothing when placed between the gums. Probably the most famous of all these teething toys are the teething giraffe, also known as Sophie. She is instantly recognizable and can be found in most baby shops around the world.
Use food
The best way to soothe a baby is to give it something to put into its mouth. And if you don’t fancy a chew toy then look to give the child food instead. This can be tricky is your baby has not yet graduated to solids, but if that is a process on which you are already embarking then look for things that are chewy and durable. Celery works well, as does Jerky or biltong. In short, you want something that is hard and firm, which has a reasonable flavour, and which will not disintegrate quickly. You should also look to avoid foods that contain too much sugar or potentially harmful preservatives or allergens.
Psychological preparation
So much of succeeding in anything is about the mental preparation that is put in. Parents-to-be will often spend weeks going to classes to prepare them for the birth of the baby. Letting them know what to expect and how to manage the situation. But there is very little that is available to prepare a mother or father for what follows – for managing the sleepless nights or the difficulties of teething. So, read up on it and come up with some plans. In short, know what to expect and plan how you intend to tackle it when the situation arises. The old saying suggests that forewarned is forearmed. Well, you have been warned that the teeth will arrive. It will be around the time that they reach six months old (although this is just a rough guide). So, make plans and steel yourself. If you do, it will be easier than you expected.