How do I know when baby is teething?

when baby is teething

When a baby is teething it can be a frustrating and stressful time for both baby and parents. Sleepless nights, irritability, hot rosy cheeks, excessive dribbling and even diarrhea are just a few teething symptoms that your little one may experience. You may also notice that the gums are very red, too.

Ages for teething

Babies’ teeth, sometimes known as “milk teeth”, can appear from as early as 3 months, however the first signs of teeth generally start at about 6 months. Milk teeth are so-called because they resemble the color of milk, and are whiter than the permanent teeth that replace them. Apparently, they also refract light similarly to milk!

The first baby teeth to make an appearance are usually the 2 front bottom teeth, known as the incisors. The chart below, which you can also find on our website, shows you the order and the approximate timing of which teeth develop when. As you can see it’s quite a long process – taking up to 24 months to complete! But it’s usually only the first few teeth that are a problem.

Even before you can see your baby’s first tooth it’s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping their gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. The easiest way to wipe your baby’s gums is to wrap the gauze or washcloth around your index finger and rub gently over their gums. Bacteria in the mouth usually can’t harm the gums before the baby teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you’ll want to start early. Getting your baby used to having their mouth cleaned as part of their daily routine should make it easier to transition into tooth brushing later on, too.

Toothpaste for baby

Baby-suitable toothpaste should be used from the time the first tooth appears. Toothpaste that is specifically designed for babies (not children or adults) ensures the appropriate amount of fluoride is provided and they are not as abrasive. As your baby’s teeth start to appear, look for a baby toothbrush with a small head and grip suitable for your hand. Use a tiny amount of babies’ toothpaste. A dot the size of a grain of rice or a thin smear is all you need. Twice a day, gently brush on the inside and outside of each of your baby’s teeth to dislodge bacteria that can cause bad breath. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed.

Natural teething remedies

When babies are teething it is a painful time for them as new teeth begin to cut through the gums. But babies instintively chew things, both to get the teeth through and to try to ease the discomfort. Bellamy’s Toothiepegs organic milk rusks can bring your baby’s gums extra relief during the teething months. Designed so that your baby can bite down hard without cracking or splintering the rusk, they are a great alternative to teething rings because they are made from certified organic milk and wheat and contain no added sugar. You can also try popping them in the fridge to bring extra relief to your baby’s sore gums.

No rusks to hand? Don’t forget that your (clean!!) finger is always a good standby.

Some cold fruit is always good, too.

If you think the gums look really painful, you can try a clean wet washcloth that’s been in the fridge for a while to get really cold.

Remember, though, do not use things that are small enough to create a chocking hazzard or could break up into bits. So no adult biscuits – use a teething rusk.