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What is the best pain relief for teething babies?

Understanding Teething Pain in Babies
Teething is a natural yet often distressing phase in an infant’s development, typically beginning around six months of age. As the baby’s teeth push through the gums, it can lead to discomfort and irritability, leaving parents searching for effective pain relief solutions. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective methods to alleviate teething pain.
Safe Medications for Teething Relief
For parents considering medication, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are commonly recommended for babies aged three months and older. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with teething. However, it is crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided with the medication and consult a healthcare professional if there are any uncertainties. Importantly, aspirin should never be given to children under 16 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition.
Natural Remedies: Cold and Pressure
In addition to medications, many parents find success with natural remedies. Cold items can be particularly soothing for teething babies. Chilling a clean washcloth or a pacifier can provide a numbing effect on sore gums. Babies can hold and chew on these cold items, which not only helps relieve pain but also satisfies their urge to chew.
Another effective method is gentle gum massage. Parents can wash their hands and use their fingers to rub the baby’s gums in gentle, circular motions. This not only provides immediate relief but also encourages the baby to suck or chew on their fingers, which can further soothe discomfort.
Avoiding Harmful Products
While many products claim to relieve teething pain, parents should be cautious. The FDA warns against using topical anesthetics containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can pose serious health risks to infants. Additionally, gel-filled teething rings are discouraged, as they can break and pose a choking hazard.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Teething Relief
In summary, the best pain relief for teething babies often combines safe medications with natural remedies. Parents should consider using paracetamol or ibuprofen for more severe pain, while also employing cold items and gentle gum massages for immediate relief. By taking a holistic approach and avoiding potentially harmful products, parents can help their little ones navigate this challenging developmental stage with greater ease and comfort.

How can I help my baby with severe teething pain?

What You Can Do to Ease Teething Pain. If a child’s gums are swollen and tender, gently rub or massage the gums with your finger, or give the child a firm (not liquid-filled) teether made of rubber to chew on. Make sure the teething ring is not frozen. If the object is too hard, it can hurt the child’s gums.

What stage of teething hurts the most?

Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective.

What is the best pain medication for teething baby?

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older. Children under 16 years old should not have aspirin. Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine.

At what point does teething stop hurting?

Each tooth takes about 1 to 7 days to break through the gum, but the discomfort associated with this process can start a few days before this and then for a few days after. So, for each tooth, the teething process could potentially last for up to a week or two.

Is ibuprofen or Tylenol better for teething 1 year old?

Pain Medicine:
Fussiness often gets better with gum massage. If not, you can give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). If age over 6 months, another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Just do this for one or two days.

What is the best pain reliever for a 1 year old?

Paracetamol can be used for mild to moderate pain in babies over one month old, children, adolescents and adults. However, if too much paracetamol is given to a child for too long, it may harm the child. Ibuprofen can be used for mild to moderate pain in children, adolescents and adults.

What not to do during teething?

But do not use hard foods that could cause choking. Also do not use ice or frozen pops because these can cause frostbite of the gums. Make sure any teething rings are filled with distilled water instead of gel in case your baby’s new teeth put a hole in a ring.

What helps toothache fast?

Keep reading to learn more.

  1. Saltwater rinse. For many people, a saltwater rinse is an effective first-line treatment.
  2. Hydrogen peroxide rinse. A hydrogen peroxide rinse may also help to relieve pain and inflammation.
  3. Cold compress.
  4. Peppermint tea bags.
  5. Garlic.
  6. Vanilla extract.
  7. Other natural remedies.
  8. Clove.

What really works for teething babies?

Best remedies for teething pain

  • Massage. Teething causes gums to be swollen and tender.
  • Pain medicine. The safest choice is acetaminophen (Tylenol) for babies 2 months and older.
  • Lots of cuddling and rocking. This really does help!

What do dentists recommend for teething babies?

Relieving Tooth Pain
Teething babies get the most relief from cold and/or pressure on the affected area. This can be applied with: Chilled teething rings. Cold, wet washcloths.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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