Teething is a significant milestone in your baby’s development but can often be a challenging time for both you and your little one. It usually starts around six months old, although some babies begin earlier or later, and continues until their full set of primary teeth appears by age three. During this time, you might notice your baby showing signs of discomfort or changes in behaviour as their new teeth push through their gums.

Common signs of teething include your baby chewing on their fingers, toys, or anything else they can get their hands on to relieve the pressure in their gums. Their gums may appear red, swollen, or tender, and they might dribble more than usual, leading to a rash around the mouth or chin. Many babies become more irritable or restless during this time and may struggle to settle at night. Some also experience changes in feeding, either wanting to feed more for comfort or refusing feeds due to discomfort.

There are simple ways to help ease the discomfort of teething. Offering a clean, chilled teething ring can soothe their gums. The coolness provides relief, and chewing helps massage the gums. If your baby is old enough, you can offer them hard foods like chilled carrot sticks or cucumber slices to gnaw on, but always supervise them closely to avoid choking. Rubbing your baby’s gums gently with a clean finger can also provide comfort. If they seem particularly unsettled, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for pain relief, but always follow the dosage guidelines and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

While teething can cause discomfort, it’s worth remembering that not every change in behaviour or health is related to it. Symptoms like a high fever, diarrhoea, or a rash that isn’t around the mouth are unlikely to be caused by teething and should be discussed with your GP or health visitor.

This phase of development can feel tough, but it’s important to remind yourself that teething is temporary. With the right care and support, you can help your baby feel as comfortable as possible as they navigate this milestone.

Katie-Jane recommends managing teething discomfort with a consistent approach during the actively teething stage. This stage begins when symptoms first appear, continues as the tooth pushes through the gum, and lasts until it fully presents itself as a tooth. To help with pain relief during this time, Katie-Jane suggests incorporating teething powders into your daily routine.

A dose of teething powder before the morning nap, another before the afternoon nap, and a final dose after the bedtime feed can be effective. Simply pour the recommended amount for your baby’s age onto their tongue, where it will spread around their mouth and enter their digestive system. Since homeopathy works best when it builds up in the system, giving the powders at regular intervals each day during the teething phase ensures they have the best chance to provide relief.

For additional comfort, you can rub teething gel onto your baby’s gums as a second layer of pain relief. Applying a thin layer of gel about ten minutes before a feed can help, as teething can make gums particularly tender and feeding uncomfortable. This small step can make a big difference, helping your baby feel more comfortable and stay on track with their feeding routine.