Happy Teething!

So the holiday season has arrived and your teething baby or toddler is a cranky, drooling mess. Don’t despair! There are things you can do to prevent your little one from becoming a permanent Grinch. If your little one has excessive drooling, rash, fever, trouble sleeping through the night, and irritability without any signs of a cold or flu-like illness, chances are it’s teething related. Here are some strategies that we are currently using at home to help our toddler enjoy the holidays.

1) Make sure your baby/toddler gets plenty of rest during the day. Even if they are sleeping through the night, extra long naps can be very beneficial during this time. My daughter is taking 2-3 hour naps these days. We keep her room dark and use an air filter to act as white noise. I find that her mood greatly improves after she’s had some down time.
2) Avoid crowded and noisy places like malls, restaurants, grocery stores, ect. Your baby/toddler will feel most comfortable at home in a calm, familiar environment. If you have to go out in public bring Belle’s Biscuits for distraction and instant pain relief.
3) Make sure you have a mesh teether on hand. They can be stuffed with ice cubes and frozen fruit. The cold can reduce inflammation and numb the gums. They’re a little messy so have your little one wear a bib.
4) Keep your temper under control. The beginning of the new year can be a stressful time in general, but if your baby/toddler is teething they may push your buttons even more than usual. Please recognize that getting mad will only make the situation worse for you and your little one. So stay calm when they act up.
5) Take heart, this will pass! You’re daily routine may be disrupted and you might find yourself exhausted, but know that teething comes and goes in waves. Very soon your little one will be back to their normal self. For now, do the best you can and don’t let teething spoil your day!

Happy Holidays from the folks at Belle’s Biscuits!

Happy Teething!

 Dr. John Merch at www.medicinenet.com has written a very informative article on the most common signs and symptoms of teething.  While it doesn’t take an MD to figure out  that your baby is experiencing teething pain, I’m always interested in the science behind tooth formation.  Perhaps I should  have been a dentist….  

What are the signs and symptoms of teething?

 By John Mersh, MD

Teething is generally associated with gum and jaw discomfort as the infant’s tooth prepares to erupt through the gum surface. As the tooth moves beneath the surface of the gum tissue, the area may appear slightly red or swollen. Sometimes a fluid-filled area similar to a “blood blister” may be seen over the erupting tooth. Some teeth may be more sensitive than others when they erupt. The larger molars may cause more discomfort due to their larger surface area that can’t “slice” through the gum tissue as an erupting incisor is capable of doing. With the exception of the eruption of the third molars eruption of permanent teeth rarely cause the discomfort associated with eruption of “baby” (primary or deciduous) teeth.

Teething may cause the following symptoms:

• Increased drooling
• Restless or decreased sleeping due to gum discomfort
• Refusal of food due to soreness of the gum region
• Fussiness that comes and goes
• Bringing hands to the mouth
• Mild rash around the mouth due to skin irritation secondary to excessive drooling
• Rubbing the cheek or ear region as a consequence of referred pain during the eruption of the molars

Happy Teething!

When we see our children suffering we are compelled to do anything to take away their pain.  That said, it’s no secret that I’m very conservative about giving  OTC (over the counter) medications to babies or toddlers, especially pain relievers.  Now the FDA is  warning doctors, patients, and parents about the potential for a rare but deadly blood disorder associated with benzocaine.  Benzocaine is a drug found in many popular over the counter baby teething medications and a drug that can result in a blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia.  Children are particularly susceptible to his condition.  Here is what the FDA has to say…

• pale, gray or blue skin, lips or nails;
• difficulty breathing;
• fatigue;
• confusion;
• lightheadedness;
• headache; or
• Rapid heart rate

So parents, please pay close attention to warning labels before you give your child any medicine and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist with questions.    

Happy Teething!

Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about taking care of your baby’s teeth…. 

“Ideally, you’ve been running a clean, damp washcloth over your baby’s gums every day. If not, now’s a great time to start. The washcloth can keep bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth. When your baby’s first teeth appear, switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. There’s no need to use toothpaste. Water is all you need until your child learns to spit — about age 2.

It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit after the first tooth erupts and no later than his or her first birthday. Your baby’s teeth and gums will also be examined at well-baby checkups. Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.”

Happy Teething!

I’m very fortunate to know Michelle Whitney, founder of Maisey Mae Designs.  Her luxurious bibs, burp cloths, and blankets are functional and beautiful.  It’s no wonder they have  gained a celebrity baby following to the likes of  Julia Roberts, Courteney Cox, and Gwyneth Paltrow.    The bibs that she has made for Belle’s Biscuits are extra long to catch the drool and backed with a super soft chenille fabric.   And don’t worry if your baby’s teething biscuit gets all over this bib..it’s machine washable! 

                               You can find these bibs at Belle’s Biscuits. 

They make wonderful gifts and are  baby’s best defense against the battle of the drool!

Happy Teething!

You deserve a gold medal if there’s a little teether in your house.  I know first hand how the stress of teething can create mayhem for the whole family.   As much as I love my darling Annabelle, there were times when she was teething that I would give anything to escape to a deserted island with just myself and some good books.  I was overwhelmed and sleep deprived – a nasty combination at a time when my child was experiencing her own trauma.   So if you find yourself in this situation, here’s some unsolicited advice from someone who learned the hard way….

• Ask for help!  Let friends or family members take care of your teething baby so you can catch up on sleep and have some quality time to yourself.
• Take your fussy one to the library.  Most public libraries have story times for infants and toddlers.  This provides a great distraction for your teether and allows you to meet other parents to commiserate.
• If your baby is not sleeping through the night take turns with your spouse getting up.  Fair is fair!
• Keep your pediatrician or nurse practitioner in the loop.  If your baby is having a difficult time they can offer some advice and strategies on keeping them comfortable.
• Know that this will pass!  Teething is temporary and while it may turn your life upside down it will subside and things do return to normal again.

Happy Teething!