Monday, February 8, 2010

Cutting teeth

They don't call it Cutting teeth for nothing.


Sweet little Haley has been miserable for weeks. I keep hoping that I will wake up in the moning to find that her first teeth have erupted over night. Once they break through they won't be putting as much pressure on her sensitive gums. She has been so fussy lately because of the pain, and there is not a whole lot I can do to help.

Haley has been biting everything she can get her hands on, even her hands themselves. She has been chewing on her burp cloths constantly, and has really taken to some of her teething toys, especially the little giraffe head. I have tried keeping things in the refrigerator and the freezer to add to their soothing ability, but even her teething toys don't always do the trick.



I don't know what we would do without the orajel and little teethers. I actually tried this stuff out on myself, I figured if I was going to give it to my baby I should at least know what it feels like, and let me tell you, it works fast. I try to use it only when necessary, only when she screaming and nothing else seems to work. I have also used the tylenol on occasion, but I prefer the teething gel because it works faster and goes right to the source of the problem.

I have done some research and it's a little early for Haley's teeth to appear, but certainly not out of the question. Plus the worst of the teething actually happens before the pearly whites poke through.

signs and symptoms
excesive drooling
biting behavior
swollen gums
sleep problems
fussiness
irritability



Some also say fever, loose stools, and a runny nose may accompany teething. However, these can be signs of a bigger problem, such as an ear infection, so they should not be ignored or written off.

for more information check out parenting or baby center

I also found this great chart. Now I know what to expect for Haley's teething future. 20 baby teeth here we come!
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2 comments:

Kara @ Just1Step said...

Aw poor Haley. :( Her pictures are adorable, though!!

bethan said...

actually elijah got his first four teeth right around his six month bday, the front two on the top and bottom. he got the four next to those around seven months, all four first molars around twelve months and all four canines around fourteen months. every baby is different, i don't really like all these things that tell when they should be doing what, they freak me out! ... you should get her a sophie the giraffe teether, that was by far the very best one we've had... good luck!