All things TEETHING

Say AHHH! Is your babe teething? Teething can start young and go for years. Some babies are even born with teeth! Teething typically starts at around six months, but for lots of babies starts earlier. My daughter started exhibiting teething symptoms around four months of age. What are the symptoms? Your baby may show signs of just a few of these, or all.

The one symptom that nearly every baby has is being extra fussy and needy. Irritability can equal more irregular sleep patterns.

Mild or low grade fevers.

Drooling.

Ear pulling and/or cheek rubbing.

Not wanting to eat.

A rash around their mouth.

Fake coughing and/or gag reflex.

Swollen gums and visible teeth/tooth indents.

Biting and chewing on anything and everything.

Some pediatricians will only recommend teething toys in conjunction with Tylenol. If this is what you feel comfortable doing, GREAT. If you are wanting more options, keep reading! The truth is there are a LOT of options.

Cold or frozen veggies for baby to chew on. Long stalks of carrots and celery are great. There are also mesh teethers that can be filled with ice or frozen fruit, which help to soothe baby's gums.

Teething toys! I have so many in my house. There are different kids for the front and bottom teeth, and long ones to reach the back molars. A lot can be kept in the freezer or refrigerator.

Teething gel, with NO numbing agents. Please don't ever put Orajel or any gel with numbing ingredients. There are MANY options that contain all organic and safe ingredients for baby. Some moms have told me that their pediatricians do NOT recommend any teething gels- to that I say, are they aware of the ingredients? Obviously do what feels best for you, and do your own research. I have used all three below with the blessing of my crunchy doctor, and they have worked great.

Chamomile, as soothing safe herb for babies when they are cranky and fussy from teething. I like to brew up a cup, mix in a little squeeze of fresh orange and give to my 10 month old in a sippy cup. You can also make chamomile ice cubes, and put inside a mesh teether. Lots of homeopathic remedies contain this ancient healing herb. Such as....

Camilia! Camilia can be found in your local stores or online. In one box you will find 30 single dose tabs, which contain a watery substance for babe. I have seen Camilia work on lots of babies, but it did not seem to help mine at all.

Homeopathic teething tablets, made specially for babies under 1 year of age.

Next up, go to Etsy. In the search bar, type in EarthWombApothecary, or simply EarthWomb. There is a woman who hand makes tinctures for adults and babies. For $15.55, you can purchase a 4oz tincture of "Children's Calm," made especially for teething babies or cranky kids. OR ADULTS! This is my second bottle, and I am going to order three more just to have on hand for my girl. The first bottle I mostly finished myself, and now the second bottle I am using just for my daughter. I give her three full droppersful before she goes to bed, and I swear by this stuff!

Lastly, and don't cringe. Yes, when your grandmother told you to rub whiskey on their gums, she was coming from a good place. If you've ever read the book, "How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor," you'll find that Dr. Mendleson comes back to this recommendation time and again. He recommends whiskey over Tylenol many times. I put a little in a dish, then take my finger dip it in, and then rub on my daughter's gums. Just a little bit will do.

Teething necklaces! Of course, wear only when supervised and remove during naps and sleep. Check out www.balticessentials.com

I hope some of these help! Please add your own or any that I missed in the comments below.