Additional Tips for Easing Teething Discomfort:
- Provide teething toys or chilled washcloths for your baby to chew on.
- Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger to help alleviate discomfort.
- Offer cold foods like applesauce or yogurt to help soothe sore gums.
- Use over-the-counter remedies like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (consult with your pediatrician first).
- Ensure proper oral hygiene by gently cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth.
Signs of Teething:
- Irritability and fussiness
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Red and swollen gums
Remember to always monitor your baby’s teething journey closely and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s teething process. With patience and care, you can help your baby navigate through this challenging but important stage of development.
Identifying Common Teething Signs
Teething Signs and How to Soothe Them

To alleviate your child’s teething woes, consider simple actions like massaging their gums, providing chilled teething items, serving cold foods, and seeking guidance from a pediatrician for pain relief measures.
Practical Tips for Comforting Your Teething Baby
Take steps to maintain dryness and cleanliness on your baby’s face to prevent skin irritation from increased drooling during teething.
Avoid the Use of:
- Teething gels or liquids for babies under 2 years old due to potential side effects of benzocaine
- Liquid-filled teething rings to prevent choking hazards
- Tying a teething ring around the baby’s neck as it poses safety risks and choking hazards
- Hard objects to evade gum or teeth damage
- Pacifiers with liquid inserts as they can rupture and are not advised
Effective Ways to Provide Relief during Teething
Invest in:
- Safe teething toys for distraction and gum pressure relief
- Giving your baby a warm bath to aid relaxation and indirectly lessen teething discomfort
- Comforting and cuddling your baby to instill a sense of security and reduce distress
- Ensuring your baby stays hydrated to flush out excess saliva and maintain oral hygiene
- Gently brushing emerging teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to minimize irritation
Consulting Your Pediatrician during Teething
If you have concerns or notice severe symptoms in your baby, seek personalized advice and guidance from your pediatrician to ensure your baby’s well-being and comfort during the teething process.
Fevers in Babies: Causes and Management
Fevers during teething are usually low-grade and unrelated to the teething process. High fevers during teething might signify separate health issues necessitating medical attention.
Causes of Fevers in Babies
Babies can develop fevers due to illnesses or infections, and not directly due to teething. Any occurrence of fever during teething must be monitored and promptly addressed to rule out potential serious medical conditions.
The simultaneous onset of teething and heightened susceptibility to infections in babies can lead to fevers independent of teething. It is important to be aware that fevers in babies can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, so always seek advice from your healthcare provider on managing fevers in babies.
Debunking Common Myths About Teething and Fevers
There is a common misconception that high fevers are directly caused by teething. However, studies have shown that teething itself does not raise body temperature to fever levels. It is important to differentiate between teething-related discomfort and symptoms of an actual illness.
Managing Fevers During Teething
If your baby is experiencing a low-grade fever during teething, you can help alleviate their discomfort by providing them with teething toys or gentle gum massages. It is also important to ensure they stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
However, if your baby develops a high fever during teething, it is crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can determine the cause of the fever and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Overall, while teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, it is essential to stay informed and seek medical guidance when necessary. By understanding the facts about teething and fevers, you can better support your baby during this developmental milestone.
Recognizing Teething Symptoms
Teething symptoms encompass tender gums, chewing desires, occasional low-grade fevers, and mild irritability. Reach out to a healthcare provider for insights on soothing teething discomfort.
Watch the video below for additional tips on comforting a teething baby.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), seek medical help immediately as this could be a sign of a serious infection.
If your baby is between 3 to 6 months old and has a fever above 101°F (38.3°C), contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
For babies older than 6 months, a fever above 103°F (39.4°C) may require medical attention.
Treating Fevers at Home
Keep your baby hydrated by offering plenty of breast milk or formula. Dress your baby in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your healthcare provider to help reduce fever.
Monitor your baby’s temperature regularly and look out for any changes in behavior or symptoms that may indicate the need for medical evaluation.
Final Thoughts

Fevers in babies can be concerning, but with proper care and attention, most fevers resolve on their own without complications. Trust your instincts as a parent and always seek medical advice if you have any doubts or concerns about your baby’s health.
Teething Timeline and Symptoms in Newborns
Teething often begins around 6 months of age, but some babies might embark on this journey sooner or later. More teeth continue to emerge every few months post the initial set.
Key indicators of teething in newborns include:
1. Pain: Gum discomfort during teething due to emerging teeth can lead to pain. Bacteria entering the irritated gum could intensify the discomfort.
2. Irritability: Gum pain may cause increased crying and irritability in some babies. Persistent crying should be approached cautiously as it might indicate other problems or illnesses.
Tips for Easing Teething Discomfort
To alleviate your teething baby’s distress, consider:
- Massaging gums with a clean finger or gauze
- Using a non-frozen teething ring or cold spoon
- Providing over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if necessary
Avoid certain teething aids to ensure your baby’s safety:
- Avoid homeopathic teething pills and gels
- Avoid teething tablets containing benzocaine or lidocaine
- Avoid teething jewelry like anklets or bracelets
Understanding Teething Symptoms and Duration
Each baby undergoes teething uniquely, with some experiencing discomfort while others may not. These symptoms are usually transient and do not typically include fever. A fever during teething could hint at an underlying illness or infection, warranting evaluation by a medical professional.