Teething Babies
When your little one is about six to nine months old, teeth will start to show through the gums. Although this is a very exciting milestone, it could also be a very painful one. So, what can you do to ease the pain?
• Massage your baby's gums with a clean finger or a cooled washcloth for about 2 minutes.
• Give your baby a snack of ice lollies.
• Give your child something hard to chew on, like teething rings that can be cooled in the fridge. Don't freeze the teething rings though, as the extreme cold can be harmful rather than soothing.
• Teething gels containing local anaesthetics (these should not be given to babies under four months old). Paediatricians recommend using gels sparingly, because it may numb the throat if ingested. Also avoid gels with benzocaine due to potential side effects.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for children. Read the labels to ensure that the amount is appropriate for the child's age. Under no circumstance should you give your child aspirin.
• Teething necklaces are also growing in popularity.
Remember that general advice should never be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. Our pharmacists at The Local Choice Pharmacy are here for you with trusted medical advice.
