My Baby is Teething and I'm Scared...

Philippines
May 4, 2010 2:00am CST
Dylan is my first child. I just discovered about three days ago that he has two teeth coming in. I thought everything will be fine. However, on the second day he started to become irritable. He also started to have slight fever which made me really scared. He can't sleep well and is drooling. He sometimes cough and does not want to be left alone. I don't know what to do. I called his pediatrician and was advise that everything will be fine. However, I'm still not convinced. Help me! It's just me and the Nanny. My husband is out of town due to work and will not be back at home until next weekend. My in- laws and parents are living in another city, two airplane rides away from us. I've been asking them for advices. They kept on assuring me it's normal but I'm not so sure. Oh! Help me! Are those symptoms really normal? I can't bear hearing him moans with seems to be pain that he is experiencing. Whenever he cries he looks so helpless and pitiful. :(
3 people like this
17 responses
@anuraa32 (2446)
• India
4 May 10
Fever and irritation is common. Both my neice and nephew went through the same phase. Even a vaccination can result in this. But the cough. That you show to the doctor. It may be just a throat infection and nothing related to the teeth. The first teeth are always a problem. Dont fret. Your fear can be sensed by the child. You be strong. I am so sure your child is going to pull through with flying colours. Drooling ofcourse, he has to get used to the new teeth in his mouth. Its his first time. About sleep, well remember how horrible it is for us when we finally get our wisdom tooth. So dont fret. When you yourself are at peace, Dylan will find it whole lot easier to deal with the new milestone in his development.
@anuraa32 (2446)
• India
22 May 10
I am so glad to know that it was only because of the drooling. And am so glad that your baby is doing so fine. I hope you and your baby have a wonderful time.
• Philippines
9 May 10
Hi, Good day! I brought my baby to his pedia on the 3rd day of his fever just for me to have a peace of mind. It turned out he does not have a cough. It's just an effect of his drooling. He soetimes gets choked of his own saliva. It was explained to me by the pedia. Thanks a lot for your advice. You are right! I should not let my baby feel that I'm stressed out. Everything's fine now. At least I'm sure there is nothing wrong with him. Happy Mylotting to you!
1 person likes this
@gerald_lian (2188)
• Australia
4 May 10
As a pharmacist, based on your child's symptoms I would say that he is perfectly normal. Children who are teething are likely to experience fever and irritability when the first few tooths start to appear. During this time, it is most important that you just continue to shower your love and attention to your child. It has been recommended that paracetamol (Panadol) syrup can be used to reduce the fever and any associated pain, so if you're desperate for some measures perhaps that is the best thing to do at the moment. Teething gels such as Bonjela can be used too, but if you are to use them try not to use it for too long. Anyway, during my intern year I have done a Powerpoint presentation about Baby Care. If you would like me to send that presentation to you (which contains some good info), just PM me with your email address and I will be happy to send the presentation to you.
• Australia
8 May 10
Hello again! Come to think of it, perhaps you don't have to PM me your email address for privacy reasons. Do keep your email address safe. I have uploaded that presentation onto a public server which you can download from this address: http://sharecash.org/download.php?file=720249 I hope the information is useful! And congrats for expecting another child soon!
• Philippines
8 May 10
Wow! That's going to be a great help. I'll PM you my email address and I'll wait for that presentation. I know it will help a lot. You see I'm just left with my son's Nanny at home. Aside from her and my baby's prediatrician of course whom we get to see once a month for his regular check- ups and series of vaccines there is no one else to help me about the things I need to learn or know about child- rearing. I'd be a mother again soon about three months from now. :) So that means I'm going to have my second child. Though this time I bet I'll be more experienced already when it comes to child- rearing.
• United States
5 May 10
There are little ice rings in the baby section filled with gel. Buy a few,put them in the freezer for an hour or so and give one to baby. The cold soothes his gums and makes him much happier. Then make yourself a tall gin and tonic. If he doesn't stop moaning and crying, you won't care! Good luck.
• Philippines
9 May 10
Hahahaha! That's the best advice but I'm gald I would not have to do that. He is perfectly fine now. No more fever. He's back to normal- playful, active and naughty little boy... Thanks for making me laugh and have a nice day!
@ada8may21 (2405)
• Philippines
4 May 10
There is nothing to worry about when it comes to teething. Its normal that your kid feels irritable just handle it easily. Then after a while it will be ok. When my son had his teething it's so easy for me to handle it. Because my mom done some rituals on his teeth so that he would not feel any pain or have fever. True enough all his teeth comes out and I even did not notice it. I just notice it when he start biting me.
• Philippines
8 May 10
Thanks a lot! :) I just really don't know what to do. My parents and in- laws are living in a place very far from where we are. I'm just with my son's Nanny because my husband is out of town. He will not be back until next week. Dylan is my first child so I was really panicking the first time I've felt that his temperature is not normal. He's doing fine now though.
@ada8may21 (2405)
• Philippines
11 May 10
I understand, that's always what we felt when we had our first baby. But dont worry too much, because that might lead you to panicking and you might dont know what you are going to do. Stay calm with every situation. That's good to hear, his doing good.
@rosie230 (1696)
4 May 10
Don't panic it is normal, I have a one year old, and he was really early getting his teeth, which for me was a good thing and a bad thing, but he almost has all his teeth now, he just has 2 more back ones to come and he is done. Generally when your baby starts teething, they get a cold, or a really snotty nose, actually that is the only way in which i know that my little one has got teeth coming, other than that you can also tell because they tend to put their fingers or hands in their mouths to try and bite them. I found that Biccypegs, were brilliant for my little boy in the beginning and they helped the teeth comethrough a lot quicker, but i dont know if you can buy them in shops, i got mine from ebay. They are really hard, and made of wheat, but you can tie a ribbon onto it, and then tie that on your baby'w rist and they hold it themselves. With fever as well, you can just give your baby some calpol or nurofen or other pain relief for babies. They normally work really well. One other thing that I did with my little boy was to get him to brush what teeth he had... i know how stupid this sounds, but i bought him a baby toothbrush, and when he is in the bath, i gave it to him without toothpaste, and he started biting down on it, and he loved it, and i think it helped with his teeth. Now he has a longer toothbrush and can just about reach it to the sink himself now, and he loves the flavour of toothpaste, he wont use it without toothpaste now LOL. I hope this helps you, but you have no need to worry, he will be fine. Get him eating things as well like give him a biscuit to suck on. It will help.
• Philippines
8 May 10
Thanks a lot for that advice. :) I did the same thing. I bought a little toothbrush for him which I can slip on his fingers and he loves biting it. I also bought him a teething ring. Aside from that he also love the oatmeal cookies. I also did some online research and learned a great deal. However, it is still more comforting to hear advices from parents who experienced the same thing in real life. I'm not that worried now. :) He's already taking drops given by his pediatrician for his fever. In fact, he has not have any fever since yesterday.
@rosie230 (1696)
17 May 10
awwww... thats really good to know, and i am glad that i have helped you... once they get biting on things it normally helps the teeth break through quicker, it's not nice when your baby is in pain and has fever though, but i am glad all is well and he is feeling better !! :))) xx
@kreez21 (52)
• Netherlands
11 May 10
After a week that my baby was born, a tooth sprung out from her lower gums. It was so strange, and so special, I thought that she was so blessed that she wouldn't have to go through all those nasty pains that babies normally go through when they first have their teeth. My baby is five months old now and she has two teeth already, and there are several teeth sprouting from her gums all at once and she sometimes gets fussy and dribbles a lot but after a few drops of the meds the pharmacist gave us she's all well again.
• Philippines
17 May 10
Wow! That's amazing. It's a good thing your baby does not need to undergo so much pain during her teething period. I'm glad my baby is perfectly fine now after three days fever and mild diarrhea. We will be going to his pedia tomorrow for his third shot of Rotavirus 3. It's not an injection. It's just a drops. I hate it when they have to do injection on his 5 in 1 and 6 in 1 vaccines. He really cried a lot. :( Thanks for sharing!
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
4 May 10
As much as you are goin to do it anyway because you are a first time mom...TRY to stop stressing...its PERFECTLY NORMAL...both the fussing and the slight fever..I know wiht my first it scared me too for a short time but its nothing to worry about....Like its been mentioned...giving him a cool teething ring (put it in the fridge NEVER the freezer!) will help ease his pain..
• Philippines
8 May 10
You are right. Stressing my self will not help. I have to stay calm for my baby. I know they can also feel it if we are scared or something. It took me three days before I was able to completely assure my self that everything will be fine. Aside from asking parents here in Mylot I also did online research and I asked my officemates who are already parents about it. They also shared their experiences to me. For three days I can't convince my self that there is nothing to worry. I even go home for an hour during my lunch break just to check if he is doing fine. I also do phone calls just to ask the Nanny if my son is fine. You can't blame me. As you said I'm a first time parent away from my parents and in- laws. Thanks a lot to you! Have a nice day always...
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
4 May 10
Yes it is all normal. Your baby is in pain because his teeth are cutting thru the gums. He will be fussy, drool and maybe even run a slight fever. All you can do is comfort him the best you can during this time. They do sell teething rings which you put in the freezer and the baby can hold on his gums. The cold soothes him. There is also oragel made just for teething babies. Hopefully his teeth will pop thru soon and your baby will feel better.
• Philippines
9 May 10
Thank you so much! He feels better now. :) His fever is gone. All that I'm finding it hard to handle as of now is his tantrums. He is kind of irritable. Maybe he still feels uncomfortable at times. I bought a teething ring for him. I've also stocked a syrup as advised by his pedia in case he will have a fever again. He loves it whenever I clean his teeth with that little baby toothbrush that you can slip on in your finger. He loves biting it too because it's soft. Have a nice day! :)
@chulce (1537)
• United States
4 May 10
Okay, first off, do not worry, the baby can feel that you are stressed and that will add to their irritation. I have 3 children and remember how scared I was to find out that they were teething for the first time as well. Here are some suggestions and things to try. First off, your baby can have a small amount of children's pain reliever, Tylenol or Motrin is recommended by most doctors. There are also teething tablets you may be able to find, depending on where you live called Humphrey's #3, they will help to relax your baby and give them a chance to rest. If you do not wish to use medications, then you can try letting your child chew on cold things like popcicles or chips of ice. This will help numb their mouth and they won't feel the pain. Depending on how old your baby is, there are a lot of things that you can put into the freezer to make cold and icey that they can chew on that will help sooth their mouth. Good luck, and remember relax, it is normal. You have now heard this from a lot of people. :)
• Philippines
9 May 10
Hi Chulce, Good day! Thanks a lot for the advice. You are right. I have to stay calm and now that I've heard it from a lot of Moms out there it does not worry me anymore. As I have noticed my baby also started to feel better after I've finally started getting more calm. His temperature went back to normal yesterday or about two days ago. He is still irritated at times but at least he is now playing and the crying and screaming lessened.
@harmonee (1228)
• United States
4 May 10
I have an 8-month old son and he has two teeth. He did the same thing. It was a different kind of cry, almost a scream. But, he got over it. It's a tough little while when the teeth are coming in, but your son will settle back down. I'm not sure how you feel about medicating, but there are some all natural teething tablets that you can get at the store, or you can give him a little of the infant Tylenol which will help with the fever and the pain. Good luck, I'm sure he will be fine. Everything you described is perfectly normal.
• Philippines
8 May 10
Hi Harmonee, Good day to you! It is the same thing for my son. His cry is more of a scream because of excruciating pain. It's as if someone hit him and he is in great pain. That's what's causing me to panick. I want to ease the pain or discomfrot he feels but I don't know how. Good thing he is now fine. Thanks to the drops given to him by his pedia. He feels more comfortable now without the fever and loose bowel. However, he is still irritable most of the time.
• Philippines
5 May 10
hello Dylan.dont be so alarmed if your baby is having her first tooth..Im also a first time mom and i was so sacred as you..believe in your pediatrician.she is right.and its a normal thing for babys having fever,and feels uncomfortable.My baby got her teeth at five months old. she have her slight fever at the time and her pedia gave her medicine drops for fever...take it easy dylan....
• Philippines
9 May 10
Wow! Good to know we are in the same situation- first time Mom. :) My baby's pedia also gave him a medicine for his fever. He is better now. No more fever. He also started to be active and playful again. He is still irritable at times but at least he is now laughing again and bouncing and smiling. :) Thanks for sharing your experiences. :)
• United States
5 May 10
Some babies they tend to get sick during their teething period but it's normal..just calm down don't panic because your baby can feel it..try to calm her down like rubbing some " orajel " on her gums. don't let her bite any hard toys or hard pacifiers.. it's okey your baby is depending on you when she is not feeling well. just give her soft pacifier so her gums won't swell. Just follow what your pedia advice. My baby didn't get sick. He is now 7 months, he has 4 teeth on his upper gums and two on his lower gum. I never give him hard toys or hard teething ring, anything that's hard, just his pacifier from the hospital, my husband keeps on buying different kinds of teething ring which is hard on him..But I did not give it to him when he was 3 months. so it won't aggrevate his gums as his teeth is sprouting.. I understand how you feel. when things get worst call your pedia right away. okey.
• Philippines
9 May 10
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It really helps to hear those comforting words from a real Mom. As most of you have told me my baby is now fine. He is back to normal- active, playful and happy. Sometimes he is still irritable and I have to be very patient since he will only stop his tantrums once I carried him in my arms. He loves to be cradled. It's tiring sometimes. He has a Nanny but I still prefer carrying or cradling him rather than the nanny doing it. I just have this belief that he will grow up closer to the Nanny rather than me and my husband if he will be closer physically as a baby to his Nanny. Thanks again and have a nice day!
@joyzcare (30)
• Philippines
5 May 10
It is just normal for a teething baby to feel such discomfort. Just have patience for the way he acts and he may have fever sometimes also. As a concerned mom assist the baby in this stage specially monitor the temperature to be sure. But as you have stated here all seems to be ok.
• Philippines
9 May 10
Everything is okay now. :) Just like what you advised I regularly monitor his temperature. Aside from getting irritated at times he seems better and fine. No more fever. The medicine given by his pedia helped a lot. Thanks a lot and happy Myloting!
• Philippines
4 May 10
hi lady slipper! yes it is normal. my child even experienced having diarrhea which is also scary cause i was afraid she'll be dehydrated and it also comes with fever. that stage is really kind of alarming but that's really a part of their teeth development-pain. just calm down
• Philippines
8 May 10
You are right. It's very alarming. I have no experience yet in child- rearing since in our family I'm the eldest and my siblings and also my cousins the same age as mine though already in marrying age still don't have plans of settling down and having their own family. Babies look so fragile and helpless and that's what makes me so worried. Good thing that everything is fine now. Thanks to his pediatrician who in the absence of my parents and in- laws living far away from us has always been there for advices. Thanks to you and have a nice day!
@nishdan01 (3051)
• Singapore
4 May 10
Teething is normal in children. There is nothing too mucg to be worried about teething. For some, it can cause lot of discomfort. Giver your baby some cool things to bite as toothing ring. Even a small piece of cloth dioped in cold water mat be fine. Teethings gels are also available, but avoid them until very necessary. If the fever seems bit high try panadol. Stop worrying as it is natural.
• Philippines
8 May 10
Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I also did some research online about teething and got some tips there. I bought a teething ring for him and he lowes to chew it. His pediatrician also advised to give him tempra drops for his fever. Good thing he does not have fever anymore since yesterday. He is now back to his normal activities.
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
4 May 10
This is quite normal. The first teeth are painful. There are things that will comfort him such as a cool comforter or 'teething ring' and products like Bonjela which you can rub on his gums. You can get soft, gel filled teething rings which you cool by putting them in the fridge. For a while he will just need comforting a lot. He will have a little fever and his bowel movements may be loose. All this will pass, however. All children go through this and for some it's worse than for others.
• Philippines
8 May 10
Thank you so much for the assurance. I'm just worried that it's something serious. However, he's fine now. In fact, he's sleeping peacefully right now beside me. He is still irrititaed most of the time so I always have to make his mood good usually by talking to him, kissing, hugging and most of the time carrying him in my arms. He loves to be cradled most of the time. Just what you said he also had loose bowel movements but it's also getting better now. He had a loose bowel movement for about two days and then everything went back to normal. Thanks again and happy Mylotting!
@Iriene88 (5343)
• Malaysia
4 May 10
Dear ladyslipper, Yes, your padiatrician is right. Normally baby will have slight fever and felt irritated when they are teething. Make sure you check his temperature often. Let him drink more water...he will be all right in a few days. This always happens to baby when they are teething (having new teeth). It is normal. I too agreed with you, we felt so helpless when looking into his eyes, asking us to do something.... Do you 'teether' for him to chew?
• Philippines
8 May 10
Hi Iriene, Good day! Yes I do. Thanks for the advice. My son is better now. Though he is still irritable most of the time and preferred to be cradled or carried in my arms until he gets asleep he no longer has fever. I really feel so helpless seeing him not feeling well. All I could do is comfort him by hugging, kissing and telling him everything is going to be fine. He's beginning to be back to his normal self -jolly, active and happy. Have a nice day!