Teething gets blamed for everything
Drool, chewing, sore-looking gums and a grumpy night can all come with a tooth. A baby who seems properly unwell needs a different explanation.
A high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea or a body rash should not be brushed off as “just teething”.
The ear pulling fooled us too
Ari often pulled at her ear when teeth were on the way. Most times, for us, it was teeth. But ear pulling with strong pain, fever or a very unhappy baby can also be an ear problem, so it is worth checking.
What soothed Ari
Chilled teethers, gentle pressure on the gums and barrier cream for the dribble rash were simple things we used.
Camilia drops and Zammies teething gel also seemed to help Ari. That is our experience, not a promise that they will suit every baby. Check medicines and teething products with your baby’s doctor or pharmacist.
We would skip anything worn around the neck and anything that is not clearly made and approved for babies.
If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or more, refuses feeds, is hard to wake or seems genuinely unwell, call your baby’s doctor or nurse.
Call your doctor if
- Under three months with 38°C or more
- Fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or a body rash
- Refusing feeds or hard to wake
- Ear pulling with fever or strong pain
