Teething happens when the teeth growing in your baby’s jaw begin to surface and push through their gums. Plunket tells us that it usually starts around 6 months of age, but may start earlier or up to a year old. Teething may come and go as it flares up then settles down again. If you’re lucky, your baby’s teeth will suddenly appear and you will wonder what all the fuss is about. 

On the flip side, your baby may become quite upset and unsettled with painful teething. This can manifest itself with increased dribbling resulting in rashes on their chin or cheeks, altered feeding patterns, different bowel motions and even nappy rash. Old ladies will sidle up to you in the street and commiserate that your beautiful baby has red cheeks so they must be teething.

You can’t stop teething but you can help manage the pain, bearing in mind that different things work with different children. Just remember never to leave your baby unattended with something to put in their mouth.

• Special teething toys can be put in the fridge and brought out when your baby’s unsettled. They often come in bright colours and cool shapes like keys. These are filled with a non-toxic gel that stays cooler longer than water-filled teethers.
• Chilled fruit or vegetables, like a wedge of peeled and cored apple or a chunk of carrot, wrapped in a piece of muslin is good for your baby to suck and bite. The muslin stops pieces being bitten off and gives your baby something to hold onto. Alternatively you can use a fresh food feeder - these have a mesh bag to put the food in and a snap-tight lid. Like the teething toys, follow the instructions on the packet for washing and care.
• Sugar free teething gels are specially formulated to help provide immediate relief from teething pain. Gently rub the gel onto painful gums. Always read the label carefully and use only as directed.
• Rusks are for babies that are 6 months old and over. Great for getting gummed and chewing on, they are easy to hold and may provide some teething relief.  They have a handy guide on the back of the packet showing roughly when different teeth are expected.
• For babies over 8 months you can make muesli teething biscuits using baby muesli, which is fortified with iron and other nutrients. The book ‘Baby Food and Beyond’ by Alison and Simon Holst has this and other recipes for good teething foods.

Once your baby’s teeth start emerging, they will need cleaning. Gently wipe them with a clean soft cloth and a very small smear of children’s toothpaste. There are special toothpastes formulated for first teeth that are sugar free and low foam but with a nice mild flavour.

Generally speaking, you do not need a toothbrush until your baby is one year old, but many babies like holding a toothbrush and chewing it if you give them a chance! It’s a good idea to get into the habit of gently cleaning their teeth twice a day from early on. This helps to make the transition to a toothbrush easier, as it’s already part of your daily routine.

Endorsed by our New World Nutritionist  ||   Proudly Partnering with Parents Centre

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