Easing Teething Pain

Easing teething pain will probably be a necessity at some point in your newborn's life. All new parents have heard the horror stories of babies being kept awake all night by teething pain. New parents need not fear, however; there are many things you can do to comfort a baby who is suffering from the discomfort of teething. Here are some tried and true methods to ease the pain of your baby's teething.

• Teething gel, which is rubbed on your baby's sore gums, works by numbing the area, thus making your baby more comfortable. Be aware, however, that the numbness that takes away the pain can also make it difficult for some babies to nurse.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are often given to teething babies to reduce the pain of cutting teeth. However, the teething process can go on for many months, and it's not a good idea to give your baby acetaminophen too often. Excessive use of acetaminophen is linked to liver problems, so if you do choose to use it, do so sparingly. Save it for the days when your baby is exceptionally uncomfortable. Never give aspirin to your baby. This painkiller has been linked to Reye's Syndrome, a fatal disease that attacks the brain.
• Many parents swear by homeopathic teething tablets. While some pediatricians are skeptical that homeopathy is really effective, parents who use teething tablets say they do seem to calm and soothe their fussy, teething babies. Because the tablets are completely safe and non-toxic, they can be used freely without worrying about unpleasant side effects.
• Teething toys, the old standbys, were probably what your mother used to ease your teething pain. Some are meant to be chilled in the freezer, some have little textured bumps to massage baby's sore gums. You can experiment with different ones, to find out which your baby prefers.
• The secret weapon that many parents use to combat teething pain is a frozen washcloth. Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out and freeze it. When your baby is experiencing discomfort from teething, give it to her to chew on. Many babies find the combination of the cold and the texture of the cloth quite soothing.

Keep in mind that the teething process is different for every baby. Some babies experience no teething pain at all, while others can be extremely uncomfortable. If your baby is experiencing symptoms, it is important to rule out any other possible illness by looking for symptoms that don't come with teething, such as a fever. When in doubt, always consult your pediatrician.