Can a 7 week old baby be teething. What are the common symptoms of teething in infants. How can parents soothe their teething baby at night. Are teething gels and alternative remedies effective for infant teething pain. When is it appropriate to give a teething baby infant paracetamol.

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in 7-Week-Old Babies

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, but it can be a challenging time for both infants and parents. While it’s less common for a 7-week-old baby to start teething, it’s not impossible. Understanding the signs and symptoms can help parents provide appropriate care and comfort.

Common teething symptoms in young infants include:

• Red and swollen gums
• Flushed cheeks or face
• Increased drooling
• Gum-rubbing, biting, or sucking
• Ear-rubbing on the same side as an erupting tooth
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Changes in feeding habits
• Increased irritability and fussiness

It’s important to note that not every baby will experience all these symptoms, and some may show only a few signs of teething.

Understanding Why Teething Causes Discomfort

Teething pain occurs as the tooth pushes through the gum line, causing inflammation and sensitivity in the surrounding tissue. This process can be uncomfortable for babies, leading to various symptoms and behavioral changes.

During teething, babies may experience:

• Increased sensitivity in the mouth
• Difficulty feeding due to gum soreness
• Disrupted sleep patterns from discomfort
• Irritability and fussiness from ongoing pain

Understanding the cause of teething pain can help parents empathize with their baby’s discomfort and provide appropriate soothing measures.

Effective Nighttime Soothing Techniques for Teething Babies

Nighttime can be particularly challenging for teething babies and their parents. The lack of daytime distractions can make the pain more noticeable, leading to increased fussiness and sleep disruptions. Here are some effective techniques to soothe a teething baby at night:

1. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to provide comfort and predictability
2. Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger to temporarily numb the pain
3. Offer a chilled teething ring or damp washcloth for the baby to chew on
4. Provide a cold bottle of water or use a feeding cup if appropriate
5. Offer extra cuddles and comfort when other methods aren’t effective

Is it safe to leave a teething ring in the crib. While teething rings can provide relief, it’s crucial to supervise your baby when using them. Never leave a teething ring or any other object that could pose a choking hazard in the crib unattended.

Exploring Teething Gels and Alternative Remedies

Many parents turn to teething gels and alternative remedies to help alleviate their baby’s discomfort. While these products are widely available, it’s essential to understand their effectiveness and potential risks.

Teething Gels

Teething gels can provide temporary relief by numbing the gums. However, their effectiveness is limited, as the gel is often quickly washed away by the baby’s saliva. When using teething gels:

• Choose products specifically designed for infants
• Follow the instructions carefully
• Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for babies under two months old

Alternative Remedies

Some parents opt for homeopathic or herbal remedies, such as powders or granules. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. If considering alternative remedies:

• Ensure the product is sugar-free to protect your baby’s developing teeth
• Be cautious of potential allergic reactions or side effects
• Avoid amber teething necklaces, anklets, or bracelets due to choking and strangulation risks

Do alternative teething remedies pose any risks. While many alternative remedies are marketed as natural and safe, they may still carry risks such as allergic reactions or interactions with other medications. Always consult with a pediatrician before using any new product on your baby.

The Role of Infant Paracetamol in Managing Teething Pain

When other soothing methods prove ineffective, some parents consider using infant paracetamol to manage their baby’s teething pain. However, it’s crucial to approach this option with caution and under proper guidance.

Before administering infant paracetamol:

• Rule out other potential causes of discomfort, such as ear infections
• Consult with a pediatrician, especially for babies under three months old
• Ensure you have the correct dosage based on your baby’s weight and age
• Never exceed the recommended dose or frequency

When should infant paracetamol be considered for teething pain. Infant paracetamol should be used as a last resort when other soothing methods have failed and your baby is experiencing significant distress. Always consult with a healthcare professional before administering any medication to your baby.

Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene During Teething

As your baby’s first teeth begin to emerge, it’s crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits. Proper care of emerging teeth can help prevent dental issues and ensure healthy development of your baby’s smile.

Tips for maintaining oral hygiene during teething:

• Gently clean gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants once teeth appear
• Avoid using toothpaste until your baby is old enough to spit it out
• Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing

How often should you clean a teething baby’s gums. It’s recommended to clean your baby’s gums at least twice a day, ideally after feedings and before bedtime. This helps remove bacteria and food particles that can contribute to tooth decay.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention

While teething is a normal part of development, there are instances when symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. It’s important for parents to be able to distinguish between typical teething discomfort and signs that warrant medical attention.

Seek medical advice if your baby experiences:

• High fever (over 38째C or 100.4째F)
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Unusual rashes or skin changes
• Prolonged refusal to eat or drink
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
• Excessive crying or irritability that cannot be soothed

Can teething cause high fever in babies. While teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, it typically does not cause high fever. If your baby has a temperature above 38째C (100.4째F), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider as this may indicate an underlying infection or illness unrelated to teething.

Supporting Your Baby’s Overall Development During Teething

Teething is just one aspect of your baby’s overall development. While managing teething discomfort is important, it’s equally crucial to continue supporting your baby’s growth in other areas.

Ways to support your baby’s development during teething:

• Maintain regular feeding schedules as much as possible
• Encourage play and exploration to distract from discomfort

li>Continue with age-appropriate activities and stimulation

• Provide extra comfort and reassurance during challenging periods
• Monitor developmental milestones and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician

How does teething affect a baby’s sleep patterns. Teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep due to discomfort, potentially leading to more frequent night wakings. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and providing appropriate soothing measures can help minimize sleep disturbances during teething periods.

Adapting Feeding Practices During Teething

Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s feeding habits, whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. Understanding how to adapt feeding practices during this time can help ensure your baby continues to receive proper nutrition.

Tips for feeding a teething baby:

• Offer smaller, more frequent feeds if your baby seems uncomfortable during longer feeding sessions
• Try different feeding positions to find what’s most comfortable for your baby
• For bottle-fed babies, experiment with different nipple flows to find the most suitable option
• Be patient and allow extra time for feedings, as your baby may need breaks due to gum discomfort

Should you change your baby’s diet during teething. While it’s not necessary to make significant changes to your baby’s diet during teething, some babies may prefer cooler foods or drinks if they’ve started solid foods. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods or changing your baby’s diet.

The Emotional Impact of Teething on Parents

Dealing with a teething baby can be emotionally challenging for parents. The disrupted sleep, constant fussiness, and feeling of helplessness can take a toll on parental well-being. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to cope.

Strategies for managing parental stress during teething:

• Share childcare responsibilities with a partner or family member when possible
• Take short breaks to recharge, even if it’s just for a few minutes
• Connect with other parents for support and advice
• Practice self-care techniques like deep breathing or brief meditation
• Remember that teething is a temporary phase and will pass

How can parents maintain their own well-being while caring for a teething baby. Prioritizing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and maintaining realistic expectations can help parents navigate the challenges of caring for a teething baby while preserving their own mental and emotional health.

Long-Term Dental Health Considerations

While teething is a temporary phase, it marks the beginning of your child’s dental journey. Establishing good oral health habits early on can set the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Long-term dental health considerations for teething babies:

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay
• Limit sugary foods and drinks once your baby starts solid foods
• Introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears
• Schedule regular dental check-ups starting from the first birthday
• Be mindful of habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use, which can affect dental development

When should a child transition from a baby toothbrush to a regular toothbrush. Most children can transition to a regular, child-sized toothbrush around age 3 or 4, when they have developed better motor skills and can brush more effectively. However, continue to supervise brushing until around age 7 or 8 to ensure proper technique.

Tracking Teething Progress and Milestones

Keeping track of your baby’s teething progress can help you anticipate future episodes and better prepare for them. It can also be a fun way to document your child’s growth and development.

Tips for tracking teething progress:

• Keep a teething journal noting when each tooth appears
• Take photos of your baby’s smile as new teeth emerge
• Note any changes in behavior or sleep patterns associated with teething
• Share updates with your pediatrician during regular check-ups
• Be aware of the typical order of tooth eruption to anticipate future teething episodes

What is the typical order of tooth eruption in babies. Generally, the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) appear first, followed by the upper central incisors. However, the exact order can vary from baby to baby. Your pediatrician can provide a tooth eruption chart for reference.

Preparing for Future Teething Episodes

As your baby grows, they will continue to experience teething episodes until all their primary teeth have emerged, usually by around age 3. Being prepared for these future episodes can help make the process smoother for both you and your baby.

Strategies for preparing for future teething episodes:

• Keep a variety of teething toys and remedies on hand
• Note which soothing techniques work best for your baby
• Be aware of your baby’s teething patterns to anticipate future episodes
• Maintain consistent oral hygiene routines between teething episodes
• Stay informed about age-appropriate pain relief options as your baby grows

How long does the entire teething process typically last. The teething process usually begins around 6 months of age and continues until all 20 primary teeth have emerged, typically by age 3. However, the timing can vary significantly from child to child, with some babies starting to teeth as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months.

By understanding the teething process, recognizing symptoms, and implementing effective soothing strategies, parents can help their babies navigate this challenging developmental stage with greater ease. Remember that each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience, consistency, and attentiveness to your baby’s needs are key to successfully managing teething discomfort.

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.