We all love our newborn’s gummy smile, and before you know it, a little speck of white starts to pop through their gum. It’s a tooth! What an important milestone! This is the beginning of your baby getting their baby teeth. Baby teeth will help your little one eat, drink, and talk. Unfortunately, with this important milestone comes a bit of discomfort. A lot is going on in their mouth and it feels weird, different, and uncomfortable. Your baby may be trying to put anything and everything in their mouth, they may be drooling a lot, not feel like eating, and may be a little fussier. It is a difficult time for both baby and their caretakers.
Here are five ways to naturally help your baby while they’re teething as shared by Dr. Erica, a dentist, mum and ambassador for Grin Natural.
Massage Their Gums
Use a clean finger and rub your baby’s gums with gentle pressure. Your baby may want to chew on your finger as well which is perfectly fine. It’s a great option if your baby wakes up in the middle of the night. You can also use a Silicone Finger Brush to massage their gums.
These silicone finger brushes are a safe and hygienic way to clean your baby's teeth and gums. The double sided brush features a soft brush side for cleaning teeth and a dimpled side to massage sensitive gums. The brushes are made from food grade silicone and are safe to sterilise.
Frozen Washcloth
Take a damp washcloth and tie it up and put it in the freezer. After a few hours, you can give it to your baby to chew on. It’s super gentle and soothing.
Our Green + Kind Reusable Bamboo Face Cloth's are are super easy to clean. Simply handwash with warm water and natural soap or pop it in a laundry bag to go in the washing machine and they're ready to use again.
Pacifiers & Teethers
You can also put your baby’s pacifiers and teethers in the refrigerator to get them super cold. The cold effects of the pacifiers and teethers will be soothing. Choose teethers that are made of food-grade silicone and rubber because they are safe, durable, and flexible for your baby to chew on. These are the best types to be chilled. Lastly, always do a quick check to make sure that your baby’s pacifiers and teethers are intact so small parts won’t break off causing a choking hazard.
Smoothies & Frozen Foods
(If age appropriate)- Once your baby has begun their solids journey, you can offer frozen fruit in a mesh feeder for your baby to gnaw on and enjoy the cold fruit juice. This will also help your baby learn how to chew and taste new flavours! If your baby isn’t eating solids yet, you can make mini popsicles with frozen breastmilk.
Our Reusable Silicone Food Pouches and Bags are a great way to store your frozen fruits in the freezer.
Maintain Your Bedtime Routine
During this difficult time, try to keep your daily routines as consistent as possible. Routines help babies feel comfortable because they know what to expect throughout the day. It helps them feel secure, and at least they will feel comfort in knowing that although there are many changes going on in their mouth, the rest of the day and night will go on as usual.
As a bonus tip, give your baby more hugs and kisses! Your baby will need you more than ever so give them all the rocking, soothing, and snuggles that they need. There is no such thing as too many snuggles.
Additionally, try the Amazing Oils Magnesium Baby Calm Gel Roll On. It's designed to assist with sleep, growing pains, irritability and restlessness. Massage this into your baby’s feet and lower legs before bedtime to help them get a good night's sleep.
Your child’s gums and teeth may be sore and sensitive, but it’s still really important to take care of their oral health. Continue to wipe their gums with a damp washcloth, and brush their teeth two times a day because once their teeth break through, they are vulnerable to cavities. Grin Natural’s Kids Berry-licious Toothpaste has fluoride to help protect teeth the second they erupt! If any teeth are touching each other, you can start flossing. Grin Natural Kids Biodegradable Flossers makes flossing easy for caretakers. The Australian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit is once their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Grin Natural’s full oral care range is available to shop on Flora & Fauna.
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