Teething, oh lovely lovely teething. Little Sunshine is what I would call the in between stage of teething. The stage "MUST.KNAW.ON.EVERYTHING". It comes right after "Drooling puddles the size of The Gulf of Mexico" and before "Breaking skin and in pain...ahhh tooth has arrived!". Teething is a long process and your little one can go back and forth in between these lovely stages. Little Sunshine decided to trick us week of Christmas. She was chewing on everything and was cranky as all get out (which is unusual for her), and rubbing on her gums relieved her pain. So I thought, "Oh man oh man, my little girl is going to have her first tooth shortly after Christmas." No such luck, we are a month later and no sight of that little sucker.
Now teething is different for every child. The average is 7 months for the first tooth to appear, but it can be as early as 3 or as late as 12. Now for us, it could be worse. Not gonna lie, I secretly prayed that Little Sunshine would be one of those who would have a cranky day or two and then BAM, over night a pretty little pearly white waiting for me. But I am fortunate that she isn't those who are up all night screaming bloody murder. If this is you, I light a candle in prayer for you.
What is a parent to do!?!?! If you are at home all day and all night with a fussy and cranky baby, one could loose their mind! I was fortunate the first time she was cranky during the holidays, so I had relatives who wanted to play with her which also distracted her. There are things you can do to help alleviate the pain. Let them chew! Yes nothing you own will be dry ever again, but it helps. Usually something cold and wet can numb the pain, but again every child is different. Little Sunshine loves to chew on Wonderful Hubby's fingers and her plastic keys. If you are trying solids, something cold to eat or drink might also help.
Worst case scenario, give the kid some infant Tylenol! It's OK to give it to your baby as long as you follow the instructions and give them the right dosage. I know some mom's don't want to over medicate their baby and worry about their livers, but as long as you confer with your doctor and don't over do it, It's OKAY! Let me tell you once more, It's perfectly OKAY to give your kid Tylenol. If it helps with your baby's pain, it is not only helps them, but frankly it helps you stay sane or get a decent nights sleep. You have to not only take care of your baby but take care of you also. You can not take care of your baby well if you are not well enough yourself. We will address Mommy Care later in a post or two.
If you are concerned about anything, call your pediatrician, that's what you pay them for in visits. If they start drooling at 4 months go ahead and spark the convo with them, if not probably at your 6 month check up with do. But alas, teething is one of those "fun" parts of enjoying your little baby grow. Just sit back, try to relax, and have fun waiting for those little pearly suckers to pop out of those adorable pinky gummy gums!
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