Congratulations, new mama! You’ve embarked on the incredible journey of parenthood, and with it comes a variety of milestones – both exciting and, at times, frustrating. One such milestone is teething, a natural process where your little one’s pearly whites begin to emerge. This can often be a time of teething symptoms like increased drooling, fussiness, and teething pain. But there’s a common misconception that teething also causes diarrhea. Let’s explore the facts and soothe some of those teething troubles!
Teething Signs and Symptoms:
- Drooling: This is a telltale sign of teething as your baby’s mouth prepares for the eruption of teeth.
- Chewing: Your baby might find relief by gnawing on anything they can get their hands on. Teethers and cool washcloths can be great soothers.
- Gum redness and inflammation: The area around the emerging tooth might be red and swollen, causing discomfort.
- Irritability and fussiness: Teething pain can make your baby cranky and unsettled.
- Mild fever: A slight elevation in temperature (around 100°F) can sometimes accompany teething. However, if the fever is high or persistent, consult your pediatrician.
Teething and Fever:
It’s important to note that a teething fever is usually mild and shouldn’t exceed 100°F (38°C). If your baby has a higher fever or other concerning symptoms, consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
Does Teething Cause Diarrhea?
No, teething itself doesn’t directly cause diarrhea. However, teething often coincides with other developmental stages around the 6-month mark. This is when babies might start on solid foods, which can sometimes lead to looser stools as their digestive systems adjust. Additionally, around this time, babies’ natural immunity from mom starts to wane, making them more susceptible to viruses or bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
Teething Remedies and Relief:
Here are some tips to help ease your baby’s teething discomfort:
- Teethers: Provide chilled teethers for them to gnaw on. Look for teethers made from safe, non-toxic materials and consider different textures to see what your baby prefers.
- Gum massage: Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. This can provide direct relief to the discomfort and may even help expedite the tooth eruption process.
- Cool washcloths: A cool, damp washcloth can be soothing on sore gums. Wet a washcloth with clean water and chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before offering it to your baby.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: If your pediatrician approves, consider infant pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow dosage instructions carefully and never administer medication without consulting your pediatrician first.
Teething Relief Products:
There are also a variety of teething remedies available in stores and online. These can include:
- Mesh feeders: Fill a mesh feeder with fresh fruits or vegetables to allow your baby to safely gnaw on them without choking.
- Teething necklaces: While some parents find these amber or silicone necklaces helpful, there have been safety concerns around strangulation. It’s important to never leave your baby unattended while wearing a teething necklace and to discard it if any beads become loose.
- Teething gels/tablets: These topical medications can provide temporary numbing relief for sore gums. However, use them sparingly and according to the package instructions, as some can contain ingredients that aren’t safe for swallowing.
When to Call the Pediatrician:
- If your baby has a fever higher than 100°F (38°C) or the fever lasts for more than 3 days.
- If your baby has diarrhea that is bloody or persistent (more than 4-6 loose stools a day).
- If your baby is vomiting frequently.
- If your baby seems excessively lethargic or inconsolable.
Final Thoughts:
Teething can be a trying time for both you and your baby. By understanding the typical teething signs and knowing that diarrhea isn’t a usual symptom, you can be better prepared to navigate this phase. Remember, there are plenty of teething remedies available to provide comfort to your little one. Soothe those sore gums, embrace the cuddles, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
What teething troubles have you encountered, mamas? Share your experiences in the comments below!
