The Trials of Teething: Easing Baby's Pain Naturally

Infants first teeth are called Primary Teeth. Babies' teeth begin erupting between 3 and 12 months old. By the time your child is three years old, they will have 20 primary teeth.

How do you know if your child is teething?

• Drooling (sometimes accompied by a facial rash)
• Gums sensitivity and swelling
• Biting Behavior
• Irritability or fussiness
• Refusing Food
• Sleeplessness
• Low Grade Fever (under 100 degrees Fahrenheit)

Symptoms Not Necessarily Related to Teething:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Runny Nose

The onset of the symptoms occur 3 to 5 days prior to the eruption of the tooth through the gums.

Traditional medicine for teething pain is giving the baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen(Motrin) as needed¹. These pain relieving methods do work and should be used if alternative methods don't give your baby any relief. Do not use asprin for anyone under the age of 20 years old as they are at risk for Reye Syndrome.

There are plenty of natural and homeopathic teething solutions available today. From teethers to teething tablets, there is more than one way to get your baby teething relief.

_{1. Always speak to your child's pediatrician about dosing instructions.}

For this remedy all you will need is chamomile tea, apple or grape juice, ice tray and a clean handkerchief.

• Steep two tea bags in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes
• Take tea bags out and add 1/4 cup of apple or grape juice
• Pour combined liquid into ice cube trays and freeze

Once they are frozen, place two in a handkerchief and knot closed securely and give to the baby to chew on.

For this method, simply wet a clean washcloth and put into the freezer 30 minutes. Remove from the freezer and give to the baby to chew.

Teething tablets purpose:

• Counteract Wakefulness & Irritability
• Supports dentition

The main ingredient in teething tablets is Chamomile. Other ingredients in teething tablets are calcium phosphate and coffee. Some tablets contain belladonna, such as, Hyland's Teething Tablets.

Baltic Amber contains succinic acid which is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.

These necklaces are meant to be worn continuously against the skin. It is thought that the succinic acid is absorbed through the skin. These necklaces are individually knotted to prevent the beads from coming off the necklace and becoming a choking hazard. Even though this are called teething necklaces, they are not meant for the baby to actually chew.

If you feel that having your child wear the necklace around their neck is a strangulation hazard, you can also wrap the necklace on your child'a ankle under their sock.

While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that these necklaces have healing properties, there are parents around the world who swear by them.

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Teething pendants are meant to be worn by the baby's parent or caregiver. Children are naturally attracted to the things their parents wear around the neck. These just happen to be chewable and made just for them.

1 drop of clove oil to 2 Tbsp of almond oil or other edible oil.

Clove oil is a known as a natural analgesic and antiseptic. In addition to being pain reliever, it leaves the user with great smelling breath.

Clove oil must be used carefully as it can cause blistering from excessive use. Because of the possibility of injury if used incorrectly, always test the mixture on yourself before administering to a child.

Although they've fallen out of fashion, many parents still rely on them to "scratch" gums and help teeth erupt.

These biscuits should be used with adult supervision.

Teething issues present themselves several times during the first three years of your child's life. What's most important to remember is to have patience and compassion for the little one's plight. They aren't able to communicate what's wrong and often times we dismiss fussiness as a normal part of our child's day.

As with medications, discuss all homeopathic remedies with your child's pediatrician before use.