How to Calm a Teething Child
- 1). Numb the baby's gums with a numbing ointment (such as Baby Orajel) for a quick fix. Your baby will experience instant relief after the first application. Feed baby before using such products, as these agents tend to numb the throat as your baby swallows.
- 2). Use over-the-counter pain relievers before bedtime. Products such as children's acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin) dull the pain for up to 8 hours, allowing your child to get a full night's sleep. They also work in the event your child develops a teething-related fever.
- 3). Use a pillow or wedge under the crib mattress to create an incline if the baby is still waking up in pain. When a baby lies flat, the pain from the gums often radiates back to the ears, causing severe pain. An incline reduces the number of times your child wakes up in pain during the night.
- 4). Allow your child to chew on frozen wash cloths, teething rings and baby popsicles throughout the day. The cold will provide numbing relief to the gums and reduce irritability, without causing drowsiness the way most products do.
- 5). Purchase all natural teething tablets from your local drug store. These tablets have the same effect as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but they are completely natural with no side effects. These products are best used before bed or an afternoon nap, as they cause immediate drowsiness (especially in 4- to 6-month-old infants).
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