Nanny to Rescue: What Are The Best Ways To Relieve My Baby’s Teething Pains?

Our in-house nanny answers your baby, toddler and preschooler questions…

Q: What are the most effective home remedies to adopt for my 7-month-old baby who’s beginning to show signs of teething? It hurts to see her in so much pain.

Tooth buds are formed in your baby’s gums while in the uterus. Now, the teeth are pushing through the gums, making the gum sore and maybe swollen. This can indeed be too much pain for your little cutie. These home remedies may help:

• Rub a clean finger over your baby’s sore gums to numb the pain temporarily.
• Give your baby a teething ring. Experts say solid, silicone-based teething rings are better than the liquid-filled ones, which could leak and cannot be sterilized. Putting the teething ring in the fridge for a while before giving it to your baby may work better.
• You may also offer a dummy as chewing on the teat may help your babyself-soothe.
• For babies older than six months, give cool, soft foods, such as a banana, to chew on. Cold fruit purees may also help.
• Also, try putting a clean small towel or washcloth in the freezer or pouring very cold water on it and placingon your baby’s sore and swollen gums.
• Offer lots of cuddles.

Overall, see your baby’s paediatrician to be sure it’s really teething and get a prescription, and remember, like any trying time, your baby’s teething pains will soon pass.

Q: My 4-month-old son gets a diaper rash so often. What could be responsible and how can I prevent it?

Your baby likely has a very sensitive skin and this is usually easily irritated by moisture, friction and exposure to faeces and urine.Make sure his diaper is changed frequently, both during day and at night, so his bottom stays dry more often.

In addition, clean your baby’s private area thoroughly after each diaper change to keep bacteria at bay. Avoid vigorous scrubbing while cleaning, use a mild soap only and pat skin dry afterwards. Also, ensure the diaper is worn loosely as a tight diaper will prevent air circulation and may make his skin more prone to irritation.

Note that it’s normal for most babies to develop mild irritation in the diaper area from time to time no matter how much you try to prevent it. However, diaper rashes that do not improve few days after administering a baby diaper rash cream should be evaluated by a paediatrician to rule out allergies, other underlying problems and get the most appropriate prescription.

Extra tip: Did you know a natural remedy to getting rid of diaper rash is applying breast milk to the affected areas?