Summary: We talk about teething and remedies to solve your baby’s pain. We will also talk to Colleen Pelar author of Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind to get an understanding of how to have kids and dogs in the same house. Plus, we’ve got some products to cover and some tips. We will also conclude our discussion of Preschool. Check out more about Colleen Pelar author of Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind. Teething Tips from Shelly Teething discomfort can start long before the teeth actually appear, as early as 3 months of age. And then it comes and goes as different teeth start to emerge. If teething is unpleasant for your child, don’t worry, it probably won’t be a continuous thing, and they’ll get better at dealing with it as they gain experience. If you can reassure them well and help them confidently handle the discomfort, they’ll be less fearful about it the next time it occurs.Signs of teething:Increased irritability and crankiness, less tolerance of events than usualBut how do you know the crankiness is TEETHING and that he’s not upset about his diaper rash or the stock market trends? Bulging gums, you may actually be able to see the bump where the tooth is trying to push through. Drooling Red cheeks Low fever (brief) not more than 101, and not long lasting. If the fever is higher, and persists, it is probably something else. Pulling at ears (the sensory nerve that feels pain is the same for teeth and ears so they may feel pain in their ears when it is from their teeth, and vice-versa) Night waking, if you notice a change and the baby wakes up in pain Distractions of the day are gone at night so it may be harder to deal with at night. Looser stools, even diarrhea Stronger urges to bite and chew anything and everything, if you stick your finger in their mouth and they clamp down on it, you’ll know! Ideas to help:Most importantly, be understanding of their discomfort. Even they do not understand why they feel a little off (compare yourself with PMS!) so be patient and reassure them by cuddling or distracting them from their pain with a book or a massage or singing to them. You will be surprised how well they can handle the discomfort and settle themselves down when they know you are there to help. You know, anything is more bearable with a friend nearby (remember labor pains! You really need someone to hold your hand or talk you through it). Give your baby a cool bottle of water. Give her a cool washcloth to chew on. This is something you could freeze. Wring it out well so there isn’t much water in it and it won’t stay frozen for long. Acetimenophen or Ibuprofen (I like Ibuprofen better, but every baby is different) for short periods of time when it is worse than others (it does come and go). You have to choose, let the baby wail and spiral out of control (then the pain becomes something to fear and the response may become automatic the next time she feels the discomfort) or give her something you know will help. Do you take medicine when you have a headache? Help her out. Most bouts with teething aren’t going to last weeks at a time. Some people have success with the homeopathic pills (Hylands teething tablets) that go under your tongue. I never used them but I understand they are effective for just a short period of time, but it may be enough to help your baby settle down and get distracted again. Most teethers are only useful for cutting the front teeth. Try to find something so they can get it to their molars, which can be more uncomfortable to cut.Other things to watch for: Keep baby’s chin and neck dry. The extra drooling can cause a rash or irritation. You can use cornstarch to provide a little dryness in all those cute pudgy fat folds! Use a teething bib or even a bandana. I’m more comfortable with things that Velcro on and off to avoid it getting caught on something and choking the bab[...]
