Can a 7-week-old baby be teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How to soothe a teething baby at night. Are teething gels safe for young babies. When should you consult a doctor for teething symptoms.

Understanding Teething in 7-Week-Old Babies

Teething is a natural process that typically begins around 6 months of age, but it’s not uncommon for some babies to start teething earlier. While it’s rare for a 7-week-old baby to be teething, it’s not impossible. Early teething can be a challenging experience for both babies and parents, especially during nighttime hours when the discomfort may seem more pronounced.

Is it normal for a 7-week-old to be teething?

While not typical, some babies may show signs of teething as early as 7 weeks old. This is often referred to as “early teething.” However, it’s essential to note that true tooth eruption at this age is rare. What parents might be observing could be early signs of teething or other developmental changes that mimic teething symptoms.

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in Young Infants

Identifying teething symptoms in very young babies can be challenging, as many of these signs overlap with normal infant behaviors. However, there are several key indicators that parents can look out for:

• Increased drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Irritability and fussiness
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Loss of appetite
• Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
• Mild temperature elevation (not a high fever)

It’s important to remember that not all babies will experience all of these symptoms, and some may show no obvious signs of teething at all.

Can teething cause fever in a 7-week-old?

Teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it doesn’t typically cause a high fever. If your 7-week-old has a temperature above 100.4째F (38째C), it’s more likely due to an illness rather than teething. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult with a pediatrician promptly.

Soothing Techniques for Teething Babies at Night

Nighttime can be particularly challenging for teething babies and their parents. Here are some effective soothing techniques to help your little one find comfort:

1. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger
2. Offer a cold, damp washcloth for your baby to chew on
3. Use refrigerated (not frozen) teething rings
4. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
5. Provide extra cuddles and comfort

Remember, what works for one baby may not work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the best soothing method for your child.

How can I help my baby sleep through teething discomfort?

Helping your baby sleep through teething discomfort involves a combination of pain relief and sleep hygiene. Stick to your regular bedtime routine, offer comfort when needed, and consider using safe pain relief methods recommended by your pediatrician. Consistency is key in helping your baby learn to self-soothe and sleep through minor discomforts.

Safe Pain Relief Options for Teething Infants

When it comes to pain relief for teething babies, especially those as young as 7 weeks, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medications or remedies. Here are some safe options to consider:

• Teething toys: Choose safe, age-appropriate teething toys that can be refrigerated for added relief
• Cold compress: A cold washcloth can provide numbing relief when applied to the gums
• Gentle massage: Using a clean finger to massage the gums can offer temporary relief
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Only use as directed by a healthcare professional, especially for very young infants

Are teething gels safe for 7-week-old babies?

Teething gels are generally not recommended for babies under two months old. For a 7-week-old, it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician before using any teething gel or medication. Some gels contain ingredients that may not be safe for very young infants, and the numbing effect could interfere with suckling reflexes.

Natural Remedies for Teething Discomfort

Many parents prefer natural remedies to help soothe their teething babies. While these methods may not have strong scientific backing, some parents find them helpful:

• Chamomile tea: Offering a small amount of cooled chamomile tea may have a calming effect
• Breastmilk popsicles: For breastfed babies, frozen breastmilk can be a soothing treat
• Amber necklaces: While popular, these pose a choking hazard and are not recommended by medical professionals
• Coconut oil: Gently massaging gums with coconut oil may provide some relief

It’s important to note that any natural remedy should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially for very young infants.

Can dietary changes in breastfeeding mothers help teething babies?

While there’s no direct evidence linking maternal diet to teething discomfort in babies, some breastfeeding mothers report that reducing inflammatory foods in their diet seems to help their teething infants. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

When to Consult a Doctor for Teething Symptoms

While teething is a normal part of infant development, there are times when it’s necessary to seek medical advice. Contact your pediatrician if:

• Your baby has a fever over 100.4째F (38째C)
• There are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, less than 4-6 wet diapers in 24 hours)
• Your baby seems to be in severe pain
• There’s bleeding or pus around the gums
• Your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
• You notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby’s health, especially for infants as young as 7 weeks old.

How can I differentiate between teething pain and other health issues?

Distinguishing between teething pain and other health issues can be challenging. Teething typically doesn’t cause high fevers, diarrhea, or excessive crying. If these symptoms are present, or if your baby seems unusually distressed, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other potential health concerns.

Long-Term Oral Care for Teething Babies

While dealing with immediate teething discomfort is important, it’s also crucial to think about long-term oral health for your baby. Here are some tips to ensure good oral hygiene from an early age:

• Start cleaning gums before teeth emerge: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feedings
• Introduce a toothbrush early: Once the first tooth appears, start using an infant toothbrush with water
• Avoid bottle decay: Don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice
• Schedule the first dental visit: Plan your baby’s first dental checkup by their first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing
• Be cautious with fluoride: Consult your pediatrician about when to start using fluoride toothpaste

Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

When should I expect to see my baby’s first tooth?

While some babies may show signs of teething very early, like at 7 weeks, most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. However, it’s important to remember that every baby is different, and some may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday. If you’re concerned about your baby’s dental development, consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist.

Understanding the Teething Timeline

Teething is a process that continues well beyond the appearance of the first tooth. Understanding the typical teething timeline can help parents prepare and manage their expectations:

1. Lower central incisors: 6-10 months
2. Upper central incisors: 8-12 months
3. Upper lateral incisors: 9-13 months
4. Lower lateral incisors: 10-16 months
5. First molars: 13-19 months
6. Canines: 16-23 months
7. Second molars: 23-33 months

Remember, this timeline is just a general guide. Some babies may teeth earlier or later, and teeth may not always appear in this exact order.

How long does each teething episode typically last?

The duration of teething discomfort can vary greatly from baby to baby and tooth to tooth. Typically, the pain and discomfort associated with a tooth breaking through the gum lasts about 3-5 days. However, teething symptoms may come and go over several weeks or even months as teeth slowly move into place.

Balancing Teething Care with Overall Development

While teething is an important milestone, it’s crucial not to attribute all behavioral changes to teething, especially in very young infants like 7-week-olds. During this time, babies are going through numerous developmental changes that can affect their behavior, sleep patterns, and feeding habits. Here are some tips for maintaining a holistic approach to your baby’s development during teething:

• Continue regular feeding schedules as much as possible
• Maintain consistent sleep routines
• Engage in age-appropriate play and stimulation
• Monitor overall growth and development milestones
• Keep up with regular pediatric check-ups
• Be attuned to your baby’s cues for comfort and needs

By focusing on your baby’s overall well-being, you can ensure that teething doesn’t overshadow other important aspects of their growth and development.

How can I support my baby’s development while managing teething discomfort?

Supporting your baby’s development while managing teething discomfort involves maintaining a balance between addressing their immediate needs and fostering their overall growth. Continue with regular developmental activities, such as tummy time, reading, and interactive play. Offer extra comfort during teething episodes, but try to maintain normal routines as much as possible. This approach helps your baby feel secure while continuing to progress in all areas of development.

Emotional Support for Parents of Teething Babies

Dealing with a teething baby, especially one as young as 7 weeks old, can be emotionally and physically draining for parents. It’s important to acknowledge these challenges and find ways to cope:

• Practice self-care: Take breaks when possible, even if just for a few minutes
• Share responsibilities: If possible, alternate night duties with a partner or family member
• Seek support: Connect with other parents or join support groups
• Stay informed: Knowledge about teething can help reduce anxiety
• Be patient: Remember that this phase is temporary
• Consult professionals: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from pediatricians or child development experts

Remember, taking care of your own well-being is crucial in providing the best care for your teething baby.

How can partners support each other during the teething phase?

Partners can support each other during the teething phase by sharing responsibilities, offering emotional support, and ensuring each parent gets adequate rest. This might involve taking turns for night duties, providing breaks for self-care, and maintaining open communication about challenges and strategies. Working as a team can significantly reduce stress and improve the overall experience for both parents and the baby.

Navigating the teething process with a very young infant like a 7-week-old can be challenging, but with patience, knowledge, and the right strategies, parents can help their babies through this developmental milestone. Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay attuned to your baby’s needs, maintain consistent routines, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. With time and care, both you and your baby will successfully navigate through the teething phase, emerging with bright smiles and stronger bonds.

My baby is teething at night. How can I soothe her?

In this article

• How can I help my baby cope with teething pain at night?
• Why does teething hurt?
• How can I soothe sore gums during the night?
• Should I use teething gels or alternative remedies?
• Can I give my baby infant paracetamol?
• How long does teething last?

How can I help my baby cope with teething pain at night?

During the day, your baby’s regular activities will help distract her from the discomfort of teething. At night, the lack of distractions may make the pain more noticeable and your baby may start to get upset.

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether your baby’s unsettled behaviour during the night is actually due to teething.

If your baby is teething, you may notice some of these signs, although not every baby will get every symptom:

• red and swollen gums
• red, flushed cheeks or face
• heavy dribbling
• gum-rubbing, biting or sucking
• rubbing her ear on the same side as an erupting tooth
• being sleepless at night and during daytime naps
• not feeding as well
• being irritable and unsettled (NICE 2014, NHS2016a)

If you think your baby is waking regularly due to teething, try to keep to her usual bedtime routine. If you change your approach, for example, staying longer with her while she settles, she may start to depend on your presence to be able to fall asleep.

If she cries out for you during the night you’ll need to go to her, to work out whether or not she’s in pain. Use your instincts to decide whether to pick her up to comfort her or whether reassuring words and strokes are enough to soothe her back to sleep.

If your baby’s sleep carries on being disrupted after her teething symptoms have gone, get back to her old routine as quickly as possible. A few nights of perseverance should soon get you back on track.

Why does teething hurt?

As your baby’s tooth emerges, the gum around it may be inflamed, swollen and sore. It’s thought this is what causes the pain.

Your baby’s mouth will generally be much more sensitive at this time. You may find that your baby rejects your breast or her bottle during her usual night feeds. Try not to worry if she does; she’s likely to catch up on her feeds when she’s feeling better.

Some babies may prefer more frequent feeds to help them cope with teething pain, often for shorter periods (LLLGB 2017). So you may find your sleep is more interrupted than normal during a bout of teething.

How can I soothe sore gums during the night?

Simply rubbing a clean finger over sore gums can temporarily numb the pain (NICE 2014). Giving your baby something clean and cool to bite on may relieve the pressure on her gums and provide a welcome distraction from any pain (NHS 2016b, NICE 2014).

Anything cold will be soothing and numb her gums, so keep teethers in the fridge or give your baby a well-chilled, damp flannel to bite on when she wakes with teething pain. Make sure you stay with her and don’t leave anything she could choke on in her cot.

Don’t give your baby anything from the freezer, as it could hurt her gums (NHS 2016b). Cold water in a bottle or, if she prefers, a feeding cup, may also help to calm her gums.

There will be times, however, when your baby will reject all of these offerings. This is when a soothing cuddle is the best therapy you can supply.

Should I use teething gels or alternative remedies?

Teething gels can soothe your baby’s gums by numbing them a little, although the effect is only temporary and the gel is often moved immediately by your baby’s tongue or saliva (NICE 2014).

There isn’t much evidence that gels are effective, although lots of parents say they help (NICE, 2014). If you want to use a teething gel make sure you buy one specially for babies and follow the instructions (NHS 2016b).

If your baby’s teething before two months, check with your GP or pharmacist before giving her teething gel or other remedies (NHS2016b).

How do I soothe my teething baby?

Our health visitor reveals the most common signs of teething and how you can help ease your baby’s distress.More baby videos

Some parents use homeopathic or herbal powders or granules, which you pour into your baby’s mouth. There’s no medical evidence that these work (NHS 2018, NICE 2014). If you do try one, check that the brand you are buying is sugar-free.

In some parts of Europe, it’s traditional for teething babies to wear amber necklaces, anklets or bracelets to ease pain. However, these can pose a serious strangling or choking risk if they get caught on something (Markman 2009)

Can I give my baby infant paracetamol?

Before giving your baby painkillers to ease teething pain, first make sure that her pain isn’t caused by something else. It’s easy to mistake an ear infection for teething (NICE 2014). If your baby has a high temperature you should take her to see a doctor.

If your baby is very distressed, you can give her the correct dose of infant paracetamol or infant ibuprofen. Always check the instructions on the packet, or ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure. Never give your baby paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time or keep switching between the two unless advised by a doctor (NHS2017b).

Your baby will probably be teething on-and-off for some time, so try to avoid giving her medicines too often.

How long does teething last?

There’s no set date when your baby’s first tooth will arrive. Every child is different. She may be troubled for just a few nights before a tooth emerges, or she may display all the symptoms of teething for weeks, with nothing to show for it.

Take comfort in the fact that it may become easier to distract your baby as she gets older. So the first few teeth are likely to be the worst. Once your baby learns that putting a teething ring in her mouth may help to reduce teething pain, she may even be able to soothe herself.

Now you know a bit more about teething, find out which of your baby’s teeth are likely to appear first.

References

BNF for Children.2018. Emollients. British National Formulary for Children

LLLGB. 2017. Breastfeeding and teething. www.laleche.org.uk [Accessed July 2018]

Markman L. 2009. Teething: facts and fiction. Pediatr. Rev. 2;30;e59-e64 [Accessed July 2018]

NHS. 2018. Homeopathy. NHS Choices, Health A-Z [Accessed July 2018]

NHS.2017a. Medicines for babies and toddlers. NHS Choices, Health A-Z [Accessed July 2018]

NHS. 2016a. Baby teething symptoms. NHS Choices, Health A-Z [Accessed July 2018]

NHS. 2016b. Tips for helping your teething baby. NHS Choices, Health A-Z [Accessed July 2018]

NHS.2017b. Can I give my child paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time? NHS Choices, Common health questionsNCT. nd. Teething. National Childbirth Trust [Accessed July 2018]

NICE. 2014. Teething. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Clinical Knowledge Summaries [Accessed July 2018]

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20 Week Old Baby | Clingy, Solids & Teething

At 20 weeks, your baby is now 5 months old. Where has that time gone?

Your 20 week old baby is coming on leaps and bounds, but is still in Leap 4 of the Wonder Weeks.

You can expect him to be a little clingy, cranky and crying during this time.

Related article: Wonder Weeks – How They Help You Understand Your Baby.

20 week old baby development

Your baby is changing fast but there are still plenty of growth milestones approaching.

You can also expect to see changes in sleeping at night and feeding patterns for the whole of this month.

What should a 20 week old baby be doing?

Play and development

Your 20 week old baby is enjoying the sound of his own voice almost as much as you are.

He will be practising his language skills and making a range of simple sounds now. He will delight in your response as you mimic him or introduce him to sounds of your own.

Your baby will love to hear you sing simple songs and play games such as peekaboo. Games like this will help him develop ‘object permanence’.

Object permanence means that babies begin to understand that objects (or people) still exist, even when they can’t see or hear them. This is a key step to reducing separation anxiety, which is common at this stage.

To learn more read our article Separation Anxiety in Babies | 4 Helpful Tips.

Social interactions

As long as you remain close, your 20 week old baby will love to meet and interact with other babies, kids and adults.

Joining a local stay and play group with other children will help your little one build and develop social skills; it will also give you the opportunity to meet other parents and enjoy some much needed adult conversation.

Having you there, and being around others, will help your baby feel more confident in exploring social situations and seeing new faces.

It is part of a baby’s general nature to be inquisitive. Babies love to see animated faces and expressions. Play fun games with your little one by making silly faces and watching his reaction.

Your baby is loving life as a social being, so look out for opportunities for him to meet other people and children and experience new things.

Find out more about boredom and your baby by reading our article Do Babies Get Bored?

Feeding your 20 week old baby

As a parent, you might be wondering when to start introducing solid foods to your baby. This process is known as weaning.

Over the next four weeks, you will see increasing signs that your baby is developmentally ready to begin eating solids.

Some of the signs babies are ready:

• They can sit up by themselves. Good head and trunk control is required to enable them to sit without support
• Increased interest in food. Reaching out for food (normally someone else’s), and being able to bring it to the mouth
• Absence of tongue-extrusion (or tongue thrust) reflex. This reflex means that when something solid or semi-solid is placed in a baby’s mouth, his tongue will push it away. This reflex needs to cease before your baby is ready for solid foods.The tongue-thrust reflex is present in newborns and remains until around 4-6 months of life. This prevents choking in the early months of a baby’s development, as his body is not yet ready to cope with solids.

Can I feed my 20 week old baby solid foods?

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life, because of its proven health benefits for both mother and child.

After 6 months, for a baby’s health, he will need more than just breast milk, or infant first milk, to enable him to reach all development milestones. Your little one will need the added nutrients and vitamins from complementary foods to support his health, in addition to normal milk.

The recommendation of ‘around six months’ takes into consideration the normal variation between babies as they reach the milestones recognized as important for taking this next step.

Your 20 week old baby will probably reach these in the next eight weeks. But don’t worry, there is no need to rush or to be concerned if he is ready a little before or after 24-26 weeks of age.

Weaning tips

Introducing solids can feel like an event or milestone but it often happens spontaneously and without planning, when a baby reaches out and helps himself from his parent’s plate.

Unless the food is especially unsuitable for a baby you can allow him to explore his stolen treasure, mouthing it as he does other things he grasps in his hands. Whole nuts and honey are not recommended before 12 months; fast food, cakes and desserts are not ideal first foods either.

You might try handing your baby finger-sized pieces of meat, fruit, vegetables or other family foods at mealtimes, for him to suck and play with before he actually begins consuming them. This is part of the natural process of baby-led weaning and is typical, especially of babies who share mealtimes with the family.

Your breastfed or formula fed baby is probably still easily distracted at feed times and will need quiet space to feed effectively during the day. This should gradually improve over the coming weeks, as most babies develop the ability to screen out distractions by around six months.

Of course, some babies will always be hyper-aware of what is happening around them and will interrupt feeds to check out what’s going on. This developmental distraction eases in the second half-year.

Learn more in our article Baby Led Weaning – What Is It And Should I Be Doing It?

At what age do babies start rolling over?

Your 20 week old baby is now probably rolling from his belly to his back and from belly to side. Rolling from back to tummy typically happens a little later – between 5.5 and 7.5 months.

This means he is probably moving around while sleeping, practising his mobility during the night and getting into awkward positions he might need rescuing from.

Once your baby can move himself from back to belly, in the coming weeks, he will also do that in his sleep – making it much harder to follow the ‘back to sleep’ SIDS guidelines.

Some parents worry they need to wake regularly during the night to return their baby to the back position; however, it is generally accepted that once your healthy baby can move himself into such a position, he can also move himself out of it if needed, so there’s no need for you to lose any more sleep during the night.

Learn more about the importance of safe sleep by reading our article SIDS And Safe Sleep – How Safe Is Your Baby?

20 week old baby – sleep tips

Continue to follow the remaining guidelines, especially regarding bedding, bumpers and toys in his cot; they can become a danger when a mobile baby comes up against them in his sleep.

Choose a sleeping bag instead of sheets and blankets, and cease swaddling once your baby begins rolling. Once he’s able to get onto his tummy, he will soon be preparing his body for crawling – the next big step in his mobile development.

Related reading: 5 Sleep Options For Your Baby – Where Will Your Baby Sleep?

Can babies teeth at 5 months?

Your 20 week old baby might have already popped a first tooth, which typically appears between 4 and 7 months of age.

Baby teeth, also known as primary or milk teeth, often arrive in a typical order but not all babies follow this pattern and it isn’t a problem if they don’t.

The first teeth to appear will usually be the two central bottom teeth.

These are the smallest and simplest of all teeth and tend to arrive after a short period of signs and symptoms we refer to as ‘teething’, although sometimes they pop through with no sign they were coming.

Teething is an ongoing process, which takes place over a period of two years – and that’s just the temporary ‘baby teeth’.

Typical teething order sees the individual teeth becoming larger and more complex, until the arrival of the two year old molars, which slowly emerge in the third year of life.

Erupting teeth come up through the gum tissue and ‘cut’ through the gum line, which actually splits naturally, rather than being cut by the tooth. This movement usually creates some degree of discomfort or pain during the acute stage.

Teething symptoms

Debate rages between doctors, who say babies do not show symptoms such as fever while teething,and parents, who see signs such as red cheeks, increased dribbling, running noses and high temperatures as physical signs teeth are erupting.

Find out more in our article Teething Symptoms | 9 Signs Baby Is Teething.

It’s important not to assume automatically that teething is responsible for your 20 week old baby’s discomfort or distress.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that teething occurs over a long period of time and will therefore coincide with most of your baby’s development stages at 4-12 months and beyond.