I know for new parents, not excluding us, teething is a difficult time- full of long, sleepless nights, little fevers, and tireless frozen treats in mesh bags. We are in the throws again! Little Gwen is such a trooper though- as much as she's hurting, she still plays and tries her best to be smiley and enjoy herself. Oh, and *shhh, don't tell anyone* it's kind of turning her in to a snuggle bug... which you know makes my day. :)
I have compiled a short list of teething tips for parents... I hope these are aside from the obvious ones that are geared more for the kiddies. These are how YOU can manage to keep your head on straight, and reserve at least a tiny bit of energy for your partner.
1. Don't stress!
Literally, there is so little you can do as it is. If you are trying everything and still you are feeling forlorn and as if you are failing miserably, you aren't! They are just teething. And teething sucks! So- if they proceed to scream and hold their face, rolling around on the floor, and you have already done the medication/frozen/teething tablet, etc route- just let them cry. It's ok and it does not make you a bad parent. Snuggle them a bit, try to reassure them but don't let their distress get YOU down.
2. Remember this doesn't last too long...
Be patient when it is 4 am and once again, your child is up every couple hours, yelling like a newborn. While this disrupted sleep schedule is surely nightmarish for you- imagine how they must feel! They (probably) aren't fully aware why they want to chew on everything (including you) or why there mouth feels as raw as it does- and they need the sleep even more than you do, with their growing rate and what not. Take advantage of the late night calls. Read some more books together, sing a little, snuggle a lot- try to look at it as an extra opportunity to love on your kiddo and stay relaxed. The more relaxed you are, the more likely your child will be too. This too shall pass!
3. Sleep when they sleep!
Personally, I am terrible at this- but I am getting better! If she naps, you nap too- and when you put her down to bed, do the same for yourself. (If you can, of course.) The first things that go for most human being's when they are tired is their ability to rationalize, be patient or understanding, and it tends to bring out the "stressy" emotions... none of these are good to have present when trying to sooth a babe. Stock up on the sweet dreams. You will not regret it!
4. Make it FUN
When you are trying to soothe little one, try doing something a little bit fun first. This acts as a really great distraction, so that they CAN be ready for some comfort.
Hope this helps anyone with a teeth-er at home right now. Or if you are expecting in the future- hope it helps!
First of all, good luck with teething. It really does suck. Zoey got her teeth really late, so we only had small teething bouts here and there and never an all out knock down drag out fit. I am thankful for that, especially now that I realize it. Secondly, that is very good advice! The no stressing is the most important. Because if you get worked up the baby will get worked up even when it isn't about her teeth. And sleep...yes, I do get very grouchy when I don't get sleep. I like the make it fun part. For us, distraction was about the best tool.
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