Your baby is likely chewing on her gums because she is teething.
Teething is a normal developmental stage where a baby's teeth begin to erupt through the gums. This process can cause discomfort and pain, leading babies to chew on their gums as a way to relieve the pressure and irritation. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Teething Symptoms
Beyond gum chewing, other common signs your baby might be teething include:
- Irritability: Your baby may be fussier than usual.
- Disrupted Sleep: Teething discomfort can interfere with sleep patterns.
- Swollen or Inflamed Gums: You might notice redness or swelling on the gums where the teeth are emerging.
- Drooling: Increased saliva production is common during teething.
- Loss of Appetite: Sore gums can make eating less appealing.
- Rash Around the Mouth: Excessive drool can irritate the skin around the mouth.
- Mild Temperature: Some babies may experience a slight fever.
- Increased Biting and Gum-Rubbing: This is a primary method for relieving gum discomfort.
- Ear-Rubbing: The pain from teething can sometimes be referred to the ears.
How to Help Your Teething Baby
Here are some ways to soothe your baby's gums:
- Offer teething toys: Provide safe, firm rubber or silicone teething toys for your baby to chew on.
- Cold compress: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger or a cold, wet washcloth. You can also chill teething toys in the refrigerator (but not the freezer, as they can become too hard).
- Pain relievers: If your baby is very uncomfortable, consult with your pediatrician about using infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow your doctor's instructions and dosage guidelines.
- Gum massage: Gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.
- Keep your baby clean and dry: Wipe away drool frequently to prevent skin irritation.
When to See a Doctor
While teething is a normal process, consult your pediatrician if your baby experiences:
- A high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C).
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than a day or two.
- Signs of infection, such as pus or excessive redness around the gums.
