anthony
2006-12-18 05:36:36 UTC
Just when you think you have your baby's routine all sorted out, a
little white thing pokes through his rosy gum, and suddenly your
household is thrown into chaos. You have to contend with waking up at
nite, food being spat out at you, and a grizzly, dribbly little person
who needs round-the-clock attention.
Of course, teething isn't always like this. We all know someone whose
baby cut his first teeth without so much as a whimper, but if you are
finding it hard work dealing with a teething baby, you are certainly
not alone. Most babies go through a period of being very uncomfortable
and grumpy when they are cutting their pearly whites. The pain and
discomfort is caused by the pressure that is exerted against the gum
tissues as the crown of the tooth break through the membranes. But, the
good news is that this period is usually relatively shortlived, and
there's plenty you can do to help soothe the pain.
Top Teething Tips
Gives him something cool and hard to chew on. Most babies love to chomp
when they are teething, and something cool to chew on is especially
good. A teething ring that you can put in the fridge is ideal, or try
cold carrot sticks or apple rings. But, never leave your baby alone for
these, as they can pose a risk of chocking (and don't put teethers in
the freezer, as this can damage his gums).
If dribbling is a problem, use a bib to soak up the drool, and put
vaseline on your baby's chin to stop it from becoming raw and sore.
Distraction can help take your baby's mind off teething. Take him for a
walk, read him a story - and give him plenty of cuddles to reassure
him.
Scour your supermarket for sugar-free teething biscuits like Take One
Baby Bites, or the pharmacist for a teething gel such as Dentinox that
numbs the gums. As with any remedy, be sure to check the correct dose
for the age of your baby.
Cleaning Teeth
As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, you should start regular
brushing. Brush your baby's teeth twice a day - every morning and again
at bedtime. A baby toothbrush is fine. If it's easier at first, simply
wipe the teeth and gums with a clean cloth wrapped around your finger.
Or use a "finger brush" - a soft brush which you can pop on your
fingetip like a thimble. Use baby toothpaste - adult versions are too
high in fluoride.
It's also important to watch what your baby eats and drinks. For
drinks, stick to milk and water. Fruite juice is high in natural
sugars, so avoid it unless it's at mealtimes. If you give your baby
water and milk to start with, he will gets used to it and not crave
anything else.
If you do give your baby fruit juice, dilute it down ( one part juice
to five pars water) and put it in sippy cup (not a bottle) when your
baby is six months old.
more articles : http://mummycorner.com
little white thing pokes through his rosy gum, and suddenly your
household is thrown into chaos. You have to contend with waking up at
nite, food being spat out at you, and a grizzly, dribbly little person
who needs round-the-clock attention.
Of course, teething isn't always like this. We all know someone whose
baby cut his first teeth without so much as a whimper, but if you are
finding it hard work dealing with a teething baby, you are certainly
not alone. Most babies go through a period of being very uncomfortable
and grumpy when they are cutting their pearly whites. The pain and
discomfort is caused by the pressure that is exerted against the gum
tissues as the crown of the tooth break through the membranes. But, the
good news is that this period is usually relatively shortlived, and
there's plenty you can do to help soothe the pain.
Top Teething Tips
Gives him something cool and hard to chew on. Most babies love to chomp
when they are teething, and something cool to chew on is especially
good. A teething ring that you can put in the fridge is ideal, or try
cold carrot sticks or apple rings. But, never leave your baby alone for
these, as they can pose a risk of chocking (and don't put teethers in
the freezer, as this can damage his gums).
If dribbling is a problem, use a bib to soak up the drool, and put
vaseline on your baby's chin to stop it from becoming raw and sore.
Distraction can help take your baby's mind off teething. Take him for a
walk, read him a story - and give him plenty of cuddles to reassure
him.
Scour your supermarket for sugar-free teething biscuits like Take One
Baby Bites, or the pharmacist for a teething gel such as Dentinox that
numbs the gums. As with any remedy, be sure to check the correct dose
for the age of your baby.
Cleaning Teeth
As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, you should start regular
brushing. Brush your baby's teeth twice a day - every morning and again
at bedtime. A baby toothbrush is fine. If it's easier at first, simply
wipe the teeth and gums with a clean cloth wrapped around your finger.
Or use a "finger brush" - a soft brush which you can pop on your
fingetip like a thimble. Use baby toothpaste - adult versions are too
high in fluoride.
It's also important to watch what your baby eats and drinks. For
drinks, stick to milk and water. Fruite juice is high in natural
sugars, so avoid it unless it's at mealtimes. If you give your baby
water and milk to start with, he will gets used to it and not crave
anything else.
If you do give your baby fruit juice, dilute it down ( one part juice
to five pars water) and put it in sippy cup (not a bottle) when your
baby is six months old.
more articles : http://mummycorner.com