WHEN IT COMES to being pregnant, or parenting a newborn, everyone’s just figuring things out as they go. That’s why it can be so helpful to hear how other people are getting through the mess of it all, from the first nappy change to the countless sleepless nights.
Our Newborn and Baby Parents Panel is made up of parents and parents-to-be, all raising little ones aged up to 24 months.
This week, we asked for product recommendations to help with a milestone that can be pretty distressing for parents and their offspring alike: teething.
First teeth will usually start to “cut” their way through your baby’s gums within the first six months (though for some babies the process starts later than that). Cue drooling, grizzling, swollen gums and lots of irritability as your little one deals with this new kind of discomfort.
So what are the products that our panel have found effective for a teething baby – be it for reducing pain or just adding some welcome distraction?
Here are some of the best suggestions…
The Matchstick Monkey soothes my 10 month old’s gums: Aside from the gels themselves, the monkey is one thing that really helps Jack [it's a teething toy which doubles as a gel applicator]. It’s easy for him to hold, and the back of the monkey’s head mimics a toothbrush which gives him great relief while gnawing on it. Definitely a worthy investment.
- Flora Buckley
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Teetha granules were a big success in our house: The granules come as a powder, so you just shake them into your baby’s mouth. Our soon started to go a bit wild when he saw us holding the packet! My little girl is only nine weeks old but when she starts I’m definitely going to get the Haakaa teething brush as I’m a fan of that range.
- Valerie Murray
A cube of frozen breastmilk gives him instant relief: As our little man isn’t eating solids yet, the best instant teething relief we’ve found (and a bit of fun) is to pop a cube of frozen breastmilk into a weaning soother like this one. It calms him down straight away and allows him to control his own pain relief by holding and feeding himself. We’re always guaranteed some smiles when he sees it coming too!
- Mairéad McHugh
Homemade frozen fruit pops were great when she moved onto solids: We used gel and granules a bit in the early days of teething, if Holly (now two) was having a hard time. When she was a little older, I started to make fruit ice pops for her to have a suck on, and they cooled her gums right down.
- Amy Molyneaux
The pharmacist gave us a great recommendation: For both my kids, teething was accompanied by acidic nappies that led to terrible nappy rash. I tried all the usual creams until one pharmacist recommended Sprilon spray. It’s not specifically for nappy rash but works a dream. We only use it when needed now and it will clear the nappy rash in two uses.
- Aisling Drake
Note: Some parents do note that digestive disruption happens around the same time as teething, though there’s no formal evidence. If your baby has symptoms that are causing you concern, consult your GP.
Our four month old gets great relief from cold chew toys: Not from the freezer though, just the fridge, as we read that there’s a chance of the baby getting freezer burn otherwise.. Aside from that, patience from both parents, lots of bibs for the drool, and simply letting him use his own hands to chew or suck on are the best recommendations!
- Alex Quinn
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