As your baby approaches their fifth month, you may start to notice a new milestone on the horizon: teething. Teething is a natural process in which your baby's teeth begin to emerge from their gums, and while it's an exciting time, it can also be a challenging one for both you and your little one. In this guide, we'll explore what you can expect during this stage of development, and offer some tips on how to ease your baby's discomfort and care for their new teeth.
Signs of Teething
One of the first signs that your baby is teething is increased drooling. You may notice that your baby is drooling more than usual and that their chin and neck are constantly wet. This can lead to skin irritation, so it's important to keep your baby's skin clean and dry.
Another common sign of teething is increased fussiness. As your baby's teeth start to push through the gums, they may experience discomfort and pain. This can lead to fussiness, irritability, and disrupted sleep patterns. If your baby is having trouble sleeping, try offering them a teething toy or cold washcloth to chew on. You can also try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger or using a teething gel to ease their discomfort.
Other signs of teething may include
- Loss of appetite or a change in eating patterns
- Ear pulling or rubbing
- Cheek rubbing
- Increased chewing on toys or other objects
- A mild fever (below 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
If you notice any of their babies is likely baby is teething. However, it's important to note that some babies may not exhibit any signs of teething at all, so it's not a definitive indicator of what's happening.