4 Helpful Tips for Soothing Your Baby’s Sore Gums
If you notice your baby is increasingly irritable and their gums are becoming red and swollen, there’s a good chance that they’ve officially started teething. Though this stage is normal, it can still be incredibly uncomfortable for your child. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help mitigate their pain and navigate this phase of their development. These are a few helpful tips for soothing your baby’s sore gums.
Deter Them from Harmful Items
When your baby is teething, they’re likely to chew on anything they can get their mouth around, including items that could be harmful or painful should they ingest them. In fact, many babies will start gnawing on harder materials like their crib or even a chair leg in an attempt to relieve their discomfort. As such, it’s crucial that you either remove the threat entirely or find ways to prevent their chewing. And since chewing on these rougher items can cause even more irritation, curbing this behavior can also reduce their pain.
Give Them a Chilled Teething Ring
After taking away what they shouldn’t be teething on, you can replace these items with safer alternatives. Teething rings are baby toys made with a firm rubber material. They’re strong enough to maintain their shape after continual wear but soft enough in texture that your baby can comfortably chew on them. Teething toys are great for working the jaw muscles and easing some of your infant’s pain. You can chill them in the fridge, as well, to provide a bit of extra relief to inflamed gums.
Distract Them from Their Discomfort
Another practical tip for soothing your baby’s sore gums is to try to get their mind off the pain. While this certainly doesn’t eliminate their discomfort, engaging their mind can dull the achiness they feel in their mouths. Some methods include taking them for a stroll or getting them involved with one of their favorite toys.
Ask Your Doctor About Possible Medicines
If you find that your baby still seems to be in a lot of pain regardless of what you do, reach out to your pediatrician. They’ll be able to assess your child’s condition and provide you with additional options for helping them feel better. They may also be able to provide you with pediatric pain relief medication to make this time a bit more manageable.
