Teething – When the first little teeth come in

The milk teeth are already formed in the jawbone before birth. When they make their way up, it can be quite uncomfortable for your baby. In this article, we will tell you how to recognize the signs that the first tooth is about to emerge and give you tips on how to support your baby during teething.

When and in what order do the primary teeth come in?

For most children, teeth start to break through around the 6th month. It usually begins with the front incisors in the lower jaw, and the molars are the last to appear. By the age of 3, the primary dentition is usually complete. If your baby starts teething earlier or later, there's no need to worry. The exact time when the first tooth appears varies from child to child.

The first tooth is a special moment. To help you capture this event for eternity, we have a milestone card set for you: simply download, print, take a photo of your smiling child, and enjoy! :)

How can I tell that my baby is teething?

Even though every baby behaves differently when teething, there are some typical symptoms that many children exhibit during this phase:

• Weinerlichkeit – Unfortunately, teething can be a painful experience for your little explorer, after all, the little teeth first have to find their way through the gums. No wonder that your baby is often cranky during this time and demands lots of cuddles from mom and dad.

• It is tinkering with everything. – Is your little one currently biting everything within reach, maybe even their own hand? Then their first tooth might be making its way through. Chewing acts like a jaw massage for your baby and provides relief from sore gums. At the same time, it helps the teeth break through.

• Severe drooling – Increased drooling is a common accompanying symptom of teething, which in some cases can also lead to irritated skin around the mouth.

• Reddened cheeks – To help the new tooth break through the gums more easily, the body ensures improved blood circulation in this area. Well-perfused cheeks can thus be a sign that a new tooth is about to emerge in your baby.

• Swollen and red gums – Similar to flushed cheeks, red gums are also a sign of increased blood flow, which prepares your baby for teething. Additionally, the gums may be swollen and cause your little explorer discomfort with feelings of tension.

• Leicht erhöhte Körpertemperatur – Even though fever is often mentioned as a symptom in teething babies, an elevated temperature does not necessarily mean teething is the cause. Pediatricians believe that children are more susceptible to infections during this time because their immune system is weakened by teething. So if you notice an elevated temperature in your baby, it probably has a minor infection. Even if this is not directly caused by teething, it could coincide with the eruption of the first tooth. If you are unsure, your pediatrician will be happy to assist you.

• Soft chair – Is your baby's stool very soft or even does it? Diarrhea , can also be a consequence of an infection caught during teething. To prevent any issues even with soft stool, are LILLYDOO diapers especially highly absorbent and ensure that you have one less worry during the teething phase. Since they are also extra soft and skin-friendly, the diapers do not irritate your little explorer's bottom any further. However, if diarrhea persists, please always consult your pediatrician.

• Appetitlosigkeit – If your baby is less hungry than usual, this can also be a sign of a teething process. After all, a painful jaw can sometimes cause a loss of appetite! ;)

In this video, pediatrician Ariane from LILLYDOO explains everything important about babies' teeth.

How can I provide relief for my baby?

Pain and discomfort during teething do not have to be simply endured, fortunately. The following tips can help you alleviate teething discomfort in your baby:

• Kauen und Kühlen – With teething rings made of wood or non-toxic plastic, your baby can satisfy their chewing urge. They massage the gums and support teething. The advantage of plastic teething rings is that you can put them in the refrigerator first (not the freezer!). This way, your baby's jaw is additionally cooled, helping to reduce any swelling. Alternatives include a cooled metal spoon or a damp washcloth. For hygienic reasons, you should replace the latter several times a day.

  The , such as bread crust, apple or carrot sticks, or a piece of cooled cucumber, has the same effect for your teething baby. Due to the risk of choking, you should only let your little explorer chew on foods under supervision.

• Gum massage – In addition to your baby's 'self-massage' through chewing and biting, you can also perform a gentle gum massage yourself to reduce the tension in the jaw and help the little teeth break through. You only need your clean fingers for this. For an extra massage effect, you can alternatively use a textured silicone finger cot from the pharmacy. It is also suitable later for your baby's first dental care.

• Foot reflexology massage – The reflex zones of your baby's gums are located on the tips of the toes. By gently massaging the toes, you can relieve teething pain and do something good for your little one. You can also add a drop of lavender oil if you like. If you feel that the massage benefits your baby, consider incorporating it into your evening diapering ritual.

• Bib – If your baby's top is constantly soaked due to increased salivation, it can easily catch a cold. To prevent you from having to change your child constantly, bibs that can be quickly replaced are helpful.

• Pain-relieving gel – If nothing else helps, you can also provide your baby with some relief using a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory teething gel. This is simply applied to the chewing area with clean fingers. It is best to consult your pediatrician or pharmacist for advice on this.

• Homeopathy – Many parents swear by the small white pellets. To provide relief for babies during teething, various active ingredients are used. If you want to try homeopathic remedies to support your baby during teething, you can consult a homeopath or your pediatrician.

The same applies to teething as to overall development: every baby is different. For some, the first tooth appears as early as 10-12 weeks, while for others it may be almost a year. Some have almost no symptoms, while others suffer greatly from the emerging little teeth. In addition to all the tips you will find in this article, tenderness and loving distraction remain the best remedies to help your baby forget the pain and to get both of you through the teething phase smoothly.

We hope our tips can help you so that your baby can soon happily show their teeth with a grin!