Guest Blog from Gumigems

We see it all the time in the forums, on twitter, facebook and on line! ‘My baby is teething, please help!’ or ‘ I am not getting any sleep! I am fed up of the drool!’ Health visitors and people who run many baby class activities, say it is one of the most frequently asked questions. How can I help my baby through teething?

It’s a tough one and as usual the stock answer holds strong. Every baby is different. It’s odd how some cruise through and a tooth pops out and you never even knew it was on its way, while others scream for months, with burning red cheeks, drool to fill a sink and chomping on anything they can stuff in their pudgy little mouths! It can start from as early as three months and last beyond them turning two.

If you look at the history of teething and teething remedies one of the oldest and most effective has to be the teething ring. The first reference to this is over 3000 years ago on the Sumerian sandstone tablets.

In the 1600’s in Vienna bagels were given as gifts to new mothers who would use these to allow babies to bite down on them to relieve pain and discomfort.

You will all be familiar with the saying ‘born with a silver spoon in his mouth’. Would it surprise you to know this apparently originates from trying to find a solution to teething too!

Fortunately things have moved on, but the teething ring remains a firm favourite in many different forms from ‘Sophie le giraffe’ to standard teething rings and of course a gorgeous Gumigem necklace. All of these are made from rubber or silicone which is non toxic, allows a baby to relieve discomfort by having a hard bite on them, but without fear of it causing wear or damage to the new baby teeth. Be wary of letting your child chew on things that are particularly hard. Many dentists feel this is not ideal as there is a potential risk it can cause wear on the teeth. I guess that’s why we don’t see babies still chomping on silver spoons and things have evolved! Teething toys and rings remain the most popular teething remedy for mothers, mainly because they are mostly free of harmful chemicals unlike many teething gels. There is so much available on the market for teething, in a range of colours, shapes and styles, you are bound to find something that suits your baby.

Caring for teething toys:

• You can chill a teething toy in the fridge – but never freeze as it may damage it.
• Wash them regularly – check whether they can be sterilised or put in the dishwasher, not all can
• If the teether gets damaged throw it away! Tears and breaks can be a hazard

What else can we do?

Babies can become very upset when teething and is it any wonder! We can only be thankful they don’t remember it!  Here are a few ideas to help:

• Cooling or freezing a facecloth and letting your baby chew on it. You can even dip it in something like chamomile tea before cooling as its known to have very effective anti-inflammatory properties.
•  Ice cube remedy. Simply wrap ice cubes in a hanky, secure it and crush the cubes. You can even freeze breast milk for this too!
• Teething gels have a place and can be effective, but don’t overuse them, there is some evidence to suggest it can effect a babies gag reflex.

.So I hope that’s of some use! But unfortunately there is no magic answer! The babies get their teeth grow up and forget about it! We however suffer sleepless nights and the agony of seeing our babies in discomfort. But the best advice I can give, is a large dose of patience and regular dosing of cuddles and distraction. It will pass!

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