As a new mom, you’re likely navigating a world full of baby milestones, and two of the most talked-about are teething and growth spurts. These stages can be challenging, but understanding them can help make things a bit easier. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect and how to handle these important phases in your baby’s development.
Everything About Teething
What Is Teething?
Teething is when your baby’s first teeth start to push through their gums. This usually begins around 6 months, but some babies may start earlier or later. It’s a natural part of growing up, but it can be uncomfortable for your little one.
Signs That Your Baby Is Teething
Check out these common signs of teething to help you determine if your little one is going through this stage:
- Drooling more than Usual: Teething often causes increased drooling. You might notice your baby’s clothes or bibs are soaked. This extra saliva can sometimes lead to a rash around their mouth.
- Chewing on everything: To soothe their sore gums, babies love to chew on toys, fingers, or anything they can grab. It’s a normal way for them to relieve the pressure on their gums.
- Swollen gums: You might see that your baby’s gums are red and swollen where the teeth are coming through. Sometimes, you can even feel the tooth buds under the gums.
- Fussiness: Teething can make your baby more irritable. They may cry more often and seem harder to comfort than usual.
- Sleep disruptions: It’s common for teething to affect sleep. Your baby might wake up more frequently during the night or have trouble falling asleep.
5 Stages Of Teething
Teething can feel like a big adventure for both you and your baby. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you might experience during each stage.
1. Early Teething (4-7 Months)
This is usually when those first teeth start to pop up. Your baby’s lower front teeth, called the central incisors, come in first. You might notice lots of drooling, some gum swelling, and your baby’s new love for chewing on anything they can grab. It’s completely normal for them to be a bit fussy and irritable during this time because their gums are sore.
2. Mid Teething (8-12 Months)
Next, the upper central incisors (the two top front teeth) appear, followed by the lateral incisors (teeth on either side of the front teeth). This stage can be accompanied by more noticeable discomfort, disrupted sleep, and continued drooling.
3. Late Teething (12-18 Months)
The first molars begin to come in during this stage. These larger teeth can cause significant discomfort as they push through the gums, often leading to fussiness and changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
4. Canine Teeth (16-22 Months)
The canines, or pointed teeth next to the incisors, erupt during this period. These teeth can be particularly painful as they emerge, and your baby may need extra comfort and soothing.
5. Final Teething Stage (24-33 Months)
The second molars, located at the back of the mouth, are the last to emerge. This stage can be challenging due to the size of the molars and the pressure they create as they break through the gums. By the end of this stage, your child should have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
How To Help Your Teething Baby
When your baby is teething, it can be tough to see them so uncomfortable, but there are some simple ways to ease their discomfort. Teething toys can be a real lifesaver. Try giving your baby teething rings or soft toys designed for chewing. Chilled teething rings are particularly soothing because the cold helps numb their sore gums. Just make sure they’re not too cold, as you don’t want to irritate their gums further.
Another quick fix is a cold washcloth. Gently rub a cold, damp washcloth on your baby’s gums. The coolness can offer some relief, but be sure the washcloth isn’t too icy.
Keeping a soothing bedtime routine can also help your baby relax. Gentle rocking, singing, or reading can be very comforting and can make it easier for your little one to settle down.
If the discomfort seems severe, you might consider pain relief options. Before using teething gels or over-the-counter pain relievers, check with your pediatrician to make sure they’re safe for your baby. With these tips, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and make teething a bit easier for both of you.
When To Call The Doctor
If your baby seems to be in severe pain despite your efforts to soothe them, or if you notice unusual symptoms like a high fever or diarrhea, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician.
What To Expect In Growth Spurts
What Are Growth Spurts?
Growth spurts are periods when your baby’s body grows rapidly. These can happen at various times, typically around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. During these times, you may notice some changes in your baby’s behavior and needs.
Signs Of A Growth Spurt
When your baby is going through this stage, you might notice a few telltale signs of growth spurt. First off, increased hunger is a big one. Your little one might seem hungrier than usual and want to feed more frequently. This is their way of getting the extra nutrients they need to grow.
You might also see restlessness. Growth spurts can make babies more irritable and clingy. They might be fussier than usual, and you might notice them needing extra cuddles or comfort.
Changes in sleep patterns are another common sign of growth spurt. Your baby might sleep more during the day and wake up more often at night, or they might have trouble falling asleep at all.Finally, mood swings can become more pronounced. Babies can be extra sensitive and moody during these times, which means they might cry more and need a bit more of your soothing presence.
When Growth Spurts Happen And How Long They Last
- 2-3 Weeks: The first growth spurt typically occurs around 2 to 3 weeks of age. This spurt usually lasts a few days. During this time, you might notice an increased need for feeding and more frequent wake-ups.
- 6 Weeks: Another growth spurt commonly happens around 6 weeks. This period can last from a few days to a week. Your baby might be hungrier than usual and may have changes in their sleeping patterns.
- 3 Months: At around 3 months, your baby may experience a significant growth spurt that can last up to a week. This spurt often includes increased fussiness and a higher demand for feeding.
- 6 Months: A notable growth spurt occurs around 6 months and can last for a week or more. During this time, you may observe increased appetite, potential changes in sleep patterns, and more frequent waking.
How To Manage Growth Spurts
During growth spurts, your baby’s body needs extra fuel to support their rapid development. You might notice they are hungry more often. So, feed them whenever they show signs of hunger—even if it feels like they’re nursing or bottle-feeding constantly. This increased feeding means their body is getting the extra calories it needs to grow. Over time, their appetite will stabilize, and they will receive the right amount of nutrition to support their growth and development.
Pay attention to their cues and respond promptly. If they seem hungrier than usual, it’s perfectly normal and necessary during a growth spurt. Once the spurt is over, their feeding patterns will likely return to normal, and their appetite will decrease.
Be prepared for some changes in their sleep patterns. Growth spurts can sometimes disrupt their usual sleep routine, making them more wakeful or fussy. Offer extra comfort and patience during these times. By staying attentive and flexible, you can help your baby navigate through their growth spurts more comfortably.
When To Seek Medical Advice
If you notice that growth spurts seem extreme or persistent, or if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding or sleeping, consult your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and reassurance.
Expert Tips To Navigate Teething And Growth Spurts
Managing teething and growth spurts will become much easier by following these expert tips from Little Life Lens.
1. Recognize the Signs Early
When your baby is going through a teething phase or a growth spurt, it helps to spot the signs early. For teething, look for symptoms like drooling, gum swelling, or a desire to chew on things. During growth spurts, you might notice increased hunger and more frequent feedings. Recognizing these signs can help you respond appropriately and offer the right support.
2. Adjust Feeding Routines
For Teething: Your baby might want to feed more often to soothe their sore gums. Offer teething-friendly options like chilled teething rings or a cold washcloth to help with discomfort. Keep an eye on their feeding patterns and adjust as needed to keep them comfortable.
For Growth Spurts: If your baby seems hungrier than usual, it’s perfectly normal. Feed them on demand and try to keep up with their increased appetite. Their feeding needs will stabilize once the growth spurt is over, so be patient and responsive to their cues.
3. Maintain a Soothing Bedtime Routine
Teething and growth spurts can disrupt sleep, so a calming bedtime routine is crucial. Stick to soothing activities like gentle rocking, singing, or reading. This helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down, even if their sleep patterns are temporarily off.
4. Use Comfort Measures For Teething
Comfort your baby with extra cuddles and gentle rocking. A warm bath can also help relax them before bed. Be consistent with these comfort measures to provide reassurance and alleviate some of the discomfort they’re experiencing.
5. Monitor Sleep Patterns
During teething and growth spurts, your baby might sleep more during the day and wake up more often at night. Keep a flexible sleep schedule and be prepared for some changes. Plus, the discomfort during teething might lead to more restless nights, so try to create a peaceful sleep environment.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Both teething and growth spurts are temporary phases. Patience is key during these times. Be flexible with your routines and expectations, and remember that this period will pass. Offering extra comfort and adapting to your baby’s needs will help them—and you—navigate these changes more smoothly.
7. Consult with Your Pediatrician
If you’re ever unsure about the symptoms your baby is showing or how to manage their teething and growth spurts, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that your baby’s needs are being met appropriately.
Understanding teething and growth spurts helps you better support your baby through these developmental stages. By recognizing the signs and implementing supportive strategies, you can ease your baby’s discomfort and navigate these changes more effectively. Remember, every baby is unique, so be patient and flexible as you support your little one through these important milestones.
