All for the Baby

When will my toddler get all of his teeth?

Teething patterns vary greatly from child to child — some don’t have any teeth at their first birthday, while others are sporting a mouthful by then. The vast majority of babies sprout their first teeth between 4 and 7 months of age. (If your child still doesn’t have any teeth by 15 to 18 months, schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist.)

Teeth generally appear one at a time over a period of months, and often — but not always — in this order: First the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back. (They may not all come in straight, but don’t worry — they usually straighten out over time.) Your toddler’s first molars, the wider teeth in the back of the mouth, will probably start to appear by the time he turns 1.

The last teeth to appear (the second molars, found in the very back of the mouth on the top and bottom) are usually all in place by a child’s second birthday. By age 3, your child should have a full set of 20 baby teeth, which shouldn’t fall out until his permanent teeth are ready to start coming in, around age 6.

What teething symptoms will my toddler experience?

Because your child’s molars are bigger and more blunt than the middle teeth that came in first, you might expect their eruption to cause more pain. Actually, it’s likely that that your child’s final teeth will come in practically unnoticed. Laura Grunbaum, a pediatrician in San Leandro, California, says few parents complain to her about their toddler’s teething, either because they know what to do by now or their child simply isn’t in much pain.

In fact, experts disagree about whether teething causes symptoms — like fussiness, diarrhea, and fever — or whether these common symptoms are not related to teething at all and just coincidentally appear at the same time as emerging teeth. Regardless, many parents maintain that their teething children do suffer discomfort (though some children get through the process with no problems at all). If your toddler does have teething trouble, here are the symptoms he’s most likely to experience:

• Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
• Gum swelling and sensitivity
• Irritability or fussiness
• Biting behavior
• Refusing food
• Sleep problems

Though many parents report that their children have loose stools, runny noses, or a fever just before a new tooth arrives, most experts don’t think teething is to blame for these symptoms. One who does is William Sears, pediatrician and author of The Baby Book. Sears believes that teething can cause diarrhea and a mild diaper rash because your child’s excessive saliva ends up in his gut and loosens his stools. Inflammation in the gums, he thinks, may cause a low fever (under 101 degrees Fahrenheit).

On the other hand, child development experts such as Penelope Leach assert that teething cannot cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite and that these are signs of illness that should be checked out. Noted pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton says such symptoms are probably due to an infection unrelated to teething, but that the stress associated with teething could make your child more vulnerable to infection right before a new tooth appears.

The one thing experts agree on is that you should call your child’s doctor if your toddler has symptoms that worry you or a rectal temperature of 102 degrees F or higher. The doctor can help determine whether your child is showing signs of a problem that needs medical attention, like an ear infection. If your toddler has loose stools — but not diarrhea — don’t worry. The condition will clear up on its own.

What can I do to ease my toddler’s discomfort?

The same tactics you used when he was younger may help your child now. Your teething toddler will probably continue to want to chew on things to ease the soreness in his gums. Offer him a rubber teething ring or a cold washcloth to gnaw on. Hard-baked toast, apple slices, or a frozen bagel are also a good bet. Not only are these foods soothing, but chewing them is good practice for his developing jaw. He may also get some relief from eating cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt.

If these methods aren’t working, some doctors recommend giving a teething child a small dose of pain reliever such as children’s acetaminophen — but check with your doctor before giving your toddler any medication. (Never give your toddler aspirin or even rub it on his gums to ease the pain. The use of aspirin in children is associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.)

Rubbing the gums with a topical pain relief gel is also an option, but you may want to ask your toddler’s doctor before trying it. If you use too much, it can numb the back of your child’s throat and weaken his gag reflex (which helps prevent him from choking on his saliva). The gels are generally safe to use, but in rare cases can cause an allergic reaction.

If drool causes a rash on your child’s face, wipe, but don’t rub, the drool away with a soft cotton cloth. You can also smooth petroleum jelly on his chin before a nap or bedtime to protect the skin from further irritation.

For advice from other parents specific to your toddler’s teething woes, visit our Surviving teething bulletin board.

Being a parent is not something you can really prepare for. While you are pregnant and even after your baby is born, you will get advice from all angles. Some of the advice will make you laugh, other advice will make you mad and other advice will make you discouraged that it didn’t work. The most important thing to remember as a new parent is that every baby is different and you have to find what works for you and your baby. With the advice you are about to get, take it in stride, and don’t get mad or discouraged if it doesn’t work for you.

During the first few weeks, you may want to think about having a family member come stay with you to help out. You probably won’t feel much like cooking or cleaning at first. You will want to spend your time getting to know your new baby and sleeping. Having a family member around can be a lifesaver because they can help you get your chores done. They will also appreciate the time they get to spend with your new baby and will gladly help you out because of it.

Adjusting to the sounds of a screaming baby can be a nerve racking experience. Don’t stress yourself out if your baby doesn’t calm herself instantly when you pick her up. Sometimes your baby will cry inconsolably. Do your best to make her comfortable but don’t worry if she doesn’t stop crying immediately. It’s natural.

The first few weeks after your baby is born will be a bit hectic and you won’t want to have to run to the store to pick up any baby items you forgot or didn’t realize you needed. At least a month before your baby is born, in case she comes early, you should have everything you need for at least the first few weeks. Although some of these items are optional, you may want to consider them or what you will use in place of them. Don’t get too caught up with extra items you aren’t sure you’ll use because although something like a wipe warmer sounds like a good idea now, they aren’t all that practical.

Part 1

You will be amazed at the rate your baby goes through clothes. Between spitting up and leaking through their diapers, your baby will go through several outfits every day. Make sure you have a good selection of the following items for your baby: Bibs, socks, sleepers, gowns, hats, bodysuits, pants, blankets, and t-shirts. A few of each of these items should do. You might want to invest in a few more sleepers, gowns and blankets as you will be going through them like water during the first few weeks after your baby arrives.

You will go through 10-12 diapers a day, at least at first, so be sure to stock up on plenty of these before your baby gets here. You may want to get at least one package of preemie or newborn diapers for the first few days. Newborns can be extremely small and don’t always fit into the first size of diapers right away. You will also want to have plenty of wipes on hand; sometimes you will need quite a few for just one diaper change! You should also have diaper rash ointment, thermometer, respirator (though you’ll usually get one at the hospital), nail clippers and a diaper pail.

The diaper bag is an essential part of taking your baby out, even if only for a few minutes. Always make sure you have your bag packed with a few diapers, wipes, changing pad, extra change of clothes, socks, rattle or toy, an extra bib or two and a blanket. You may want to throw 10 or 20 dollars in your bag for “just in case” money, you never know when you are going to lose a bottle or need another pacifier.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, you really don’t need anything unless you plan on pumping, in which case you would need to invest in a breast pump, storage baggies and bottles. If you plan on bottle feeding, even if it’s only part time, you will need to stock up on supplies to ensure you don’t run out of anything when your baby needs to be fed. Buy both small and large bottles, sometimes your baby will be hungrier than others. You will also need a short list of essential items such as: bottle liners or brushes, plenty of formula and a bottle warmer and sterilizer.

Part 2

There are lots of dangers in your house for a baby which is why it is extremely important that new parents baby-proof everything they can to prevent harming their baby. When you think of baby-proofing, you probably think of outlet covers and those ridiculous cupboard locks that make it practically impossible for anyone to reach into the cupboard. Although these child-proofing tools are important, there are many more things that a new parent should do to prepare for their little one.

Preparing the right sleep environment is very important. You should have tight fitting sheets on your baby’s crib. Make sure there is no room between the crib and the mattress for your baby to fall into.

If your baby sleeps with you, exercise great care and remove any lofty quilts or blankets that your baby could roll over and suffocate on. Never place your baby on a sofa, pillow or any other soft surface where she could roll over, suffocate or fall.

Before your baby arrives, you must educate yourself on what is and is not a choking hazard to your little one. Clear any areas within baby’s reach of small items such as buttons, coins or nails. Always do this long in advance of your baby being able to reach it or you will always be pulling things out of her mouth that she shouldn’t have.

Also be sure not to feed your infant anything they cannot chew properly such as nuts, grapes, popcorn or hard candy. Children should never eat unsupervised. One wrong swallow can send them into a choking fit, and they would have no means to alert you.

Part 3

Your baby’s first bath is a special time for both baby and her parents alike. However, a baby is much more sensitive to hot water than adults. A baby’s bath water should be tepid, no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent accidental burns, turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind that burns don’t occur only from water, never leave a cigarette unattended near a child or light a match in their presence. (You shouldn’t smoke around a child either!)

Talk to your baby. It may seem silly talking to your baby at first, but it is how your baby develops speech. It doesn’t matter if your baby understands you or not, the important thing is that she is listening to you and picking up on more than you probably think. There are lots of ways to communicate with your baby, try chatting, asking questions, reading a book or even singing as a way to introduce various language and communication skills

Use your baby’s name in conversation. Although she won’t respond for some time, she will begin to understand her name being spoken rather quickly. You should also refer to yourself in the third person because pronouns such as “I” or “me” can be confusing to a baby just beginning to develop language skills.

Ask your baby a lot of questions and always give her time to respond. Although you won’t expect a response right away, before you know it, your baby will be responding to you with her cute “yah” and “no.” Pausing a bit allows your baby time to think about what you have said and even if she doesn’t have an answer, she won’t feel as though she is being talked over or unimportant to the “conversation.”

Reading to your baby also helps develop very important language and communication skills. Simply by reading a story to your child, you will be exposing her to language that you may not normally incorporate into your daily routine. Through books, your baby will learn what different things are such as farm animals. Keep your baby involved in the story by using sounds, rattles or motions. Use a lively voice to bring the pages of the book to life for your child.

It may seem silly, but enjoy your new baby. Don’t let the stress of the lost sleep get to you. Enjoy every minute you get to spend with your new baby because you won’t ever get those minutes back. Your baby will be the most precious thing you’ve ever seen don’t spend your time being so frazzled, spend your time enjoying the company of your new baby.

New Mom Baby Tips - Preparing For Your New Arrival!

baby blocks

The first few weeks after your baby is born will be a bit hectic and you won’t want to have to run to the store to pick up any baby items you forgot or didn’t realize you needed. At least a month before your baby is born, in case she comes early, you should have everything you need for at least the first few weeks. Although some of these items are optional, you may want to consider them or what you will use in place of them. Don’t get too caught up with extra items you aren’t sure you’ll use because although something like a wipe warmer sounds like a good idea now, they aren’t all that practical.

Clothing your baby

You will be amazed at the rate your baby goes through clothes. Between spitting up and leaking through their diapers, your baby will go through several outfits every day. Make sure you have a good selection of the following items for your baby: Bibs, socks, sleepers, gowns, hats, bodysuits, pants, blankets, and t-shirts. A few of each of these items should do. You might want to invest in a few more sleepers, gowns and blankets as you will be going through them like water during the first few weeks after your baby arrives.

Diapers and such

You will go through 10-12 diapers a day, at least at first, so be sure to stock up on plenty of these before your baby gets here. You may want to get at least one package of preemie or newborn diapers for the first few days. Newborns can be extremely small and don’t always fit into the first size of diapers right away. You will also want to have plenty of wipes on hand; sometimes you will need quite a few for just one diaper change! You should also have diaper rash ointment, thermometer, respirator (though you’ll usually get one at the hospital), nail clippers and a diaper pail.

The diaper bag

The diaper bag is an essential part of taking your baby out, even if only for a few minutes. Always make sure you have your bag packed with a few diapers, wipes, changing pad, extra change of clothes, socks, rattle or toy, an extra bib or two and a blanket. You may want to throw 10 or 20 dollars in your bag for “just in case” money, you never know when you are going to lose a bottle or need another pacifier.

Feeding essentials

If you are planning on breastfeeding, you really don’t need anything unless you plan on pumping, in which case you would need to invest in a breast pump, storage baggies and bottles. If you plan on bottle feeding, even if it’s only part time, you will need to stock up on supplies to ensure you don’t run out of anything when your baby needs to be fed. Buy both small and large bottles, sometimes your baby will be hungrier than others. You will also need a short list of essential items such as: bottle liners or brushes, plenty of formula and a bottle warmer and sterilizer.

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