My son is 5 1/2 month old is teething, and I feel as though I am not able to help him. We have tried the wet, frozen washcloth (he would rather play with it then let me put it in his mouth), the mesh bag with an ice cube (same thing), and my husband and I are not sure how well those teething tablets work or how safe they are. I try to limit the tylenol use to when he really seems to need it. He wants to be held all the time (shower, anyone?) and that seems to calm him, but the only way he will sleep at night (again) is on my chest. I am at a loss of what to do. Any suggestions? Any would be appreciated.
We used the teething pills with all four of our boys. I loved how quickly they worked and we never saw any adverse effects. Tylenol is great too. I am not one to take or give medicine if it's not needed, but teething hurts. Don't be afraid to ease the pain.
I used the teething tablets with both my kids. That was the only thing that worked for me, tried the orajel and a whole bunch of other things. it dissolves immediately and works. I personally think it's better than orajel, that can sometimes burn the gums... (personal experience), also the animal shape rubber things with water in them that you freeze, that helps too, although i found that they end up playing with it more than actually chewing in it. Good luck on finding something that works for you.
I'll tell you what worked for my daughter (who started teething when she was 4 months old!). The thing that truly worked best for her was the relief she got from topical gels (Orajel or Anbesol). I know that some people think that it's not so great an option because it doesn't last very long, but I will tell you for my daughter - it was amazing! She was able to feed, able to sleep or get back to sleep, and it did the trick or held her over until Tylenol went into effect (if it was bad enough).
We also had her chew the teething tablets - I always used them in conjunction with the topical gel, so I have no idea how effective they are on their own, but I wasn't a big "Tylenol all the time" user either.
I know it's tough, and when kiddos start early like yours and mine, it makes for a long road. Hang in there - I know you'll get great advice on this site!
For us, the washcloth- cold teething items / foods-- worked better after my son turned one.
When he was younger and even now, I use a homeopathic teething fluid Camilia by Boiron. I was not too keen on the tablet idea either.
I believe you can find it at Whole Foods / Wild Oats or online. It works pretty well for us.
We also loved the ultimate baby wrap (babysrus), he was calm almost immediately after being placed in it, and I could hold him and get a few chores done at the same time.
Hang in there! :)
