Teething - Tempe,AZ

Updated on November 17, 2008
A.S. asks from Tempe, AZ
22 answers

Help! Our little guy isn't even 4 months old and already teething. He's so uncomfortable he won't feed, either breast or bottle. He yanks back, cries, pulls off after only 2-3 minutes and is miserable. I've tried cold cloths in between attempts to feed, along with waiting a bit and burping. Any ideas for comforting him/helping him and us get more rest overnight/helping him eat. Yesterday he only took 2 ounces from the bottle over about 30 minutes time, and today he only fed on me for all of 2 minutes. Getting a bit worried he's not eating enough :(

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K.E.

answers from Phoenix on

Have you tried tylenol or any soothing medicines for teething? I am one who does very
little medication for anyone, but when my kids were teething if they were that miserable
I'd give them tylenol and it seems to help. Their are gum numbing medications too.
Baby Oragel, etc.
I hope it gets better soon.
K.

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K.B.

answers from Phoenix on

We had really good luck with the Hyland Teething tablets. It says to put them under their tongue but I would put a tiny bit a water on it and rub it on my daughter's gums.

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E.K.

answers from Flagstaff on

There are some good homeopathics for teething. Try Hyland's Teething Tablets or Boiron Teething Capsules. Since they are homeopathic, they don't have any risks or side effects. Hyland's even makes a homeopathic teething gel, which is safer than the Orajel. Be careful with dosing him with Tylenol or Motrin, as it can cause stomach bleeding. But if the baby needs to sleep, you can slip him some occasional Baby Motrin - just be careful with it.
You have the right idea with cold cloths before nursing.
Remember that teething can also cause stomach upset. You can try Gripe Water for the upset stomach. I prefer Wellements Organic Gripe Water for Colic. They carry it at Mt. Hope. It's water, ginger, fennel and chamomile.

My daughter started teething at 4 months as well, and it took months for the teeth to actually break through. Just hang in there. Keep on breastfeeding, it's the best comfort you can give him right now. And remember that this is only temporary. It will pass. Good luck!

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D.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I would check with the doctor, because, though he is teething, the problem with eating shouldn't be that bad.

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A.D.

answers from Tucson on

Are you sure he doesn't have an ear infection or a cold? Sometimes that can cause them to not want to eat as well. If you are concerned, call the doctor.

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V.B.

answers from Phoenix on

I agree with the advice about the Hyland teething tablets, they are great. I just gave some to my 2 year old today for his 2yr molars. One thing I did to get them down him when he was little... I would use a medicine dropper (one that you could take the top off) and put about a 1/2 tsp water in then drop in the tablet, shake it just a little, put the top back on and give it to him that way, it worked just the same. It does take a little practice of where to put your fingers so the water doesn't spill out, but it was worth it for me, because my son would gag on the tablets when he was really little if they didn't disolve before he got them to the back of his tounge. Also, my son will sometimes not eat when he is teething, but when he got hungry enough, he would. Good luck, some kids just have a rougher time with teething than others.

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S.S.

answers from Tucson on

I'm not sure that he is teething, unless you feel or see swollen areas in his mouth. It could be allergies, it could be an ear infection, it could be many things. I would rule anything out by going to the DR. When a child won't eat at such a young age he is trying to tell you that he hurts. If I have missed the mark and he is indeed teething the Hyland Teething and cold wash rag are the best options.
Good Luck, The Mommie Mentor
www.proactiveparenting.net

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S.D.

answers from Phoenix on

Honestly, I would call the Dr. and see if they want to see him. Are you sure that he is teething and it is not something else? My babies acted like this when they ear infections (that's why I asked). If it is teething, have you tried any of the numbing stuff for his gums? I carry a natural teething oil that works great and doesn't have all the other junk in it. E-mail if you want to know more about it.

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D.P.

answers from Tucson on

I would take him to the pediatrician to rule out other possibilities of illness. If it is truly teething causing this, then you should probably get the natural teething ointment a few mothers have talked about here. I would stay far away from Hylands teething tablets as it has Belladonna in it which is a hallucinogen. I had my first son get his first teeth at 2 months old and so I know it could be teething, but it just usually doesn't effect eating like this. They usually want to nurse more when they are teething. Take care and take him in to see if he has an ear infection or some other congestion causingt pain when he is eating.

D. P.

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A.Q.

answers from Phoenix on

It used to be called a baby safe feeder, but they have one at target now that I'm not sure really has a name. But anyway, it looks like a rattle with a net on the top. You put food in the net part for the kids to eat. I bought one for my daughter, who started teething at 3 months, and put ice in it. It was the only thing that made her feel better and since the net kept her from swollowing big pieces, she could gnaw all the ice away and I didn't have to worry. It really helped her.

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M.C.

answers from Tucson on

I would of course talk to your dr first, but a little baby anbesol can help just to ease the discomfort. My son cut his first tooth at about 6 weeks so I completely understand your dilemma.

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C.C.

answers from Flagstaff on

You might try refrigerating or freezing the nipple to your bottle. That would provide some relief, although you may have to switch nipples partway through feeding. Also, I would check with your dr. just to be on the safe side.

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M.B.

answers from Albuquerque on

HI A.!

I know exactly how you feel. With my oldest he had his first tooth at 4 months and by the time he was a year old he had all his teeth. Try using Humphrey's. It is an all natural suppplement for teething. You give three little pellets and it really helps. Give him those and then a little tylenol. The tylenol numbs the mouth as soon as they take it. Don't use Ibprofin it is not good for them before 6 months of age. In between doses of the medicine take some wash clothes and wet one end of them and stick it in the freezer. This may help also. He may not take it though. If not they sell Pedialight Pops. They are popsicles. You don't have to open them just let him chew on the outside until it melts. That really helps. If you do want to open it, it won't hurt him. I hope things work out. I know it is tough. Good Luck and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

M.

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D.T.

answers from Phoenix on

it sounds like an allergy - the most common one is to dairy - both in your breastmilk from you eating dairy and in the formula. don't give up breastfeeding - it is so awesome. check out www.mothering.com and click on the "discuss" tab and there Are a bunch of forums inc. b-feeding

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L.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I give teething tablets about 3 during the day and 4 at night straight into my son's mouth..no dissolving in water. It works faster that way.

Then if you want a little bit longer at least 4 hours, then we give Infant Tylenol.

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A.V.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi A.,

I'm wondering if it's something else than teething. It really is uncomfortable when babies teeth, and some wee ones are more sensitive than others. Do you think it could be an ear infection? I'm just thinking that because when a baby lies down to sleep, or semi-recline to feed it's really painful in the ears. What other symptoms is he having, and how long has his eating only 2oz a day been happening? If it's only a day...he'll be ok, and the sooner he starts feeling better will be ravenous I'm sure. If you are sure it's teething, there are some great naturopathic teething remedies you can get at an natural health food store, or if you have a naturopathic Dr. he/she can prescribe something.

I feel for both of you..it's hard when our little ones are in pain and we don't know what to do. I encourage you to slowly breathe in and breathe out. Now what else is he telling you? What can you do now to help him?

Much energy to you and your sweet little guy.

In light and joy,
A.

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S.L.

answers from Tucson on

Hi A.-
I got two of those pacifiers you can cool in the refrigerator to help him numb everything. When one wasn't in his mouth, it was cooling in the fridge. Worked great. Re: the food intake and the sleeping. Call your pediatrician, and do what he/she says. Teething tends to be one of those times- a nasty shock, I know- but you'll be doing it off and one for 18 years (for varying reasons, of course:-)S.

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S.L.

answers from Tucson on

The best thing you can give him (and yourself) is called Calmazon. It's an all-natural herbal blend that is completely safe and effective. It calms and balances emotional and physical tension. It also relieves pain. Especially teething pain when applied directly to the gums. It will also help the baby rest. It really works - a good friend used it a couple of summers ago on her teething son and couldn't believe the difference. He finally started sleeping through the night as well. For more info feel free to contact me or you can go to my website: www.shootingstarherbs.amazonherb.net.

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N.S.

answers from Tucson on

our daughter started teething really early too. The good side of it is that they can eat "real" food sooner because of all those teeth!
Give him some Tylenol. Call your doctor to see how much to give him. They also make some "natural" teeth soothers. Camilla is something that comes to mind. They sell it at Sunflower. Walgreen's also sells a nice variety of teething stuff. He's not too young for it and it's more important for him to eat than to not have medication to sooth him.
Good luck. Our daughter got almost all her teeth by 9 months, so she was constantly teething! But the medicine helped. :)

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J.R.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm going through that with my son right now. Things that worked for my daughter, that I'm now trying with him are:

Hyland Teething Tablets
Tylenol
Motrin only after 6 months of age
Babies Bliss Gripe Water

And anything that they are comfortable chewing or sucking on.

My son is fighting the bottle off and on as well but he's old enough for solids and eats like a little oinker so I'm lucky in that respect.

Good Luck!

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D.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi A.!
What helped my little ones was a bottle of CALM that you can find at Sprouts. It is all natural and really helped my girls get through some hard teething times. They were able to sleep a lot better. I hope this helps! :.)
D.

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M.E.

answers from Anchorage on

Hi A. -

Have you tried Hyland's teething tablets? They are a homeopathic blend that works wonders with the teething pain and upset. You can get them at most local health food or natural food stores.

Blessings,

M.

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