My 13 week old baby son is very upset tonight - he's very distressed, constantly dribbling, rubbing at his mouth and putting his hands in his mouth, and crying inconsolably! His cheeks are red and rosy and so are his lips.
He was like this a few days ago and I told my Health Visitor but she said that he couldn't be teething yet and it was just his mouth getting ready for when he starts solids.
But I feel he is teething - his gums look swollen and I have read this is a sign of teething.
I've given him a dose of Calpol as I can't bear to see him so upset, and he's gone to sleep now. Should I call the doctor? I'm a first time mum so not sure what to do. I didn't think babies started teething this early?
I have some teething gel which my other half bought a few days ago - should I try that? I just don't know what to do and its horrible to see my baby in such distress, its breaking my heart!
2007-03-03 08:05:16 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
"Sgt Steve" please drop dead.
Well thanks for your replies everyone. I've got my little Arthur some teething Gel (says "suitable from birth" on the box) and an "early-teether" ring today (suitable from birth also) which can be cooled in the fridge. He's still very fretful and I just don't know how to console him. He doesn't want to sleep or to cuddle, the only thing he wants to do is sit in his baby chair and have music playing or the TV on, maybe the sounds distract him, I don't know. He had a cuddle with his dad earlier on today but he doesn't seem to want to be cuddled at all tonight.
I'll go and see my Health Visitor tommorrow and if I don't feel I've got a satisfactory answer from her I'll see the GP. I can't stand seeing my baby in this much distress!
2007-03-04 07:57:23 · update #1
this sounds just like teething..i suggest you ignore your health visitor as this time mum knows best! my son had his 1st 2 teeth come through when he just turned 4 months. was chewing his hands and dribbling at 3 months too.your son might not get any teeth for another year,bt show signs until then. babies teeth come thru at different times.i know someone who was born with 4 teeth!!!!!! my son had a full set at 15 months but my friends baby has only got 4 at 17months.
there is not alot you can do for teething,the only thing that will cure it is when the tooth breaks thru. you can only really try to comfort your son by giving him calpol,teething powders, cold things to chew on etc..which is more or less what you have been doing.
speak to your dr if you want but i dont think there is anything else they can offer you unfortunately...
goodluck to you i know how horrible it is when your baby is in pain, you sound like a good mummy and i'm sure your son will feel better knowing he has you looking after him and giving him cuddles when he feels unhappy x
2007-03-07 04:00:01 · answer #1 · answered by yummy_mummy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not but babies have been known to be born with teeth. I know being a 1st time mum can be really scary and in my experience most health visitors go by a book there is only one hv i know that actually as children. When it comes to your kids if something doesn't feel right then i suggest always go to your doctors even if its just to ease your mind.They wont call you for it you wont be the 1st to go when it might be nothing and you will probably find they are really sympathetic that's what they are there for to make you better and ease your mind. try a teething ring place it in the freezer and let your baby chew or suck on it the cooling will help numb their gums and ease the pain
2007-03-03 08:37:47 · answer #2 · answered by CLARE B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes your baby could easily be teething, teething is a process, the teeth have to get pushed up to the gums, and then they have to push through the gums. Not all children are the same, some children are even born with teeth. I remember that first mom feeling. Walgreen's or a pharmacy sell these homeopathic teething tablets, they are amazing and your little one could take them with out you worrying about it affecting him. They are called Hylands homeopathic Teething Tablets. They work really good. No need to call the dr. unless you think it's something more serious. If he stops eating and drinking, or gets a high fever. Things like that. But you can give him these tablets worry free. I used it on both of my children; my 15mo is getting big teeth in so it doesn't get any easier. Hope this passes fast.
2007-03-03 08:18:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend taking him to the doctor to rule out anything else.
If he is teething give him something cold to chew on, such as a teething ring from the fridge. Some people suggest wetting a baby washcloth with cold water and allowing the baby to chew on this.
Teething gel can be helpful, but it lasts 20 minutes and can only be given every 6 hours. Because it can impair the gag reflex and impair swallowing, you need to wait 1 hour after applying to feed your son.
Tylenol is helpful. You can buy infants tylenol over the counter. Look for a bottle with weight-based dosing, not age-based because weight-based is more accurate.
2007-03-03 08:11:20 · answer #4 · answered by Laura H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go top docs as soon as poss and voice your concerns,in the mean time yes use teething gel and see what happens. It is poss that your baby could be teething as al babys are different. Did you know that it has been known for babys to be born with teethe apparently.
I never heard of the diagnosis that your health visitor gave you. Sounds really strange and im going to ask my health visitor if thats a true diagnosis.Anyway your his mum and you know best so listen to your own instincts.
(use teething rings.)
2007-03-04 07:28:10 · answer #5 · answered by carinaburke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son did the same thing starting at 3 months. It would last a couple days then stop. And that continued off and on since then. He is 7 months old now and is finally cutting a tooth, the top left canine. It was hard to see him be so uncomfortable but as he got older he got used to it and didnt get so distressed. You can try putting your finger on ice for a minute then massaging his gums, my son enjoyed this.
2007-03-03 17:23:24 · answer #6 · answered by Deb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot beleive a health visitor would say its just his mouth getting ready for solids?? WTF does that mean? Honestly, some of them are usless.
Its does sound like teething and it isn't to early. Some babies are born with teeth already through!! Calpol and teething gel are a good start. Parsons Teething powders are amazing things - ask your pharmacist for them.
Don't fret to much, its tough seeing them like that but all you can do is reassure them with cuddles.
2007-03-04 09:54:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He could definitely be teething. My daughter got her first 2 teeth at the same time when she was four months old. I used a frozen washcloth for her. Another thing that I did was freeze a couple of baby spoons for her to gum. Other than that, I gave her infant Tylenol for the pain.
2007-03-03 08:17:46 · answer #8 · answered by pattypuff76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My little boy was just like this he has just turned 1 and has ALL his teeth (yes he does look a bit freaky!!!) But beware ear infections can sometimes have the same symptons as teething and you do need to see GP for that so I would suggest going there anyway. Better safe than sorry
2007-03-07 01:13:41 · answer #9 · answered by silent1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My second son started early. I don't think teething gel will hurt and of course baby tylenol. I'd try a cold teething ring and call the doctor.
2007-03-03 08:13:50 · answer #10 · answered by laura d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋