Toddler teething can disrupt normal life and can be so painful for the kids. While it’s a rite of passage for the kids, here’s what to expect, toddler teething charts, symptoms to look for, the deal with 2 year molars, and toddler teething remedies.
Image credit iStock
Toddler Teething: What to Expect
Babies usually start teething around 6 months, with some kids starting closer to 3 months and some not getting their first tooth until 12 months, and most kids will have 20 teeth by the time they’re 3. Which means that they get a lot of new teeth during the toddler years! Symptoms can also range quite widely and it can often be very hard to know when a child is actually teething.
TIP: This post should at least give you some baseline information so you can know what to expect and how to soothe those sore gums when you do know they’re teething.
Image via Orajel
Toddler Teething Chart
Orajel has a great chart that shows when to expect babies and toddlers to get certain teeth in. Remember that this can vary widely from kid to kid, so don’t worry if your child gets certain teeth earlier or later than cousins or friends. Teeth generally emerge symmetrically, so they’ll get the corresponding teeth on the left and right sides at similar times.
What are the symptoms of toddler teething?
A teething kiddo may drool more than normal, be cranky, chew on more objects than normal, and/or have a slight increase in fever. Clearly it can be hard to know when things are normal and not, especially since little kids often put everything into their mouths on normal days!
How do you know if 2 year molars are coming in?
The first molars can start coming in right around a child’s first birthday (13-19 months is the average) and two year molars around the second birthday (25-33 months). Some kids are a total wreck with molars—my first daughter’s first birthday was a total hot mess due to her getting her molars—and some kids get their molars without making a blip (my second kiddo). It’s hard to know what to expect until you’re in it…or past it.
When should I start brushing their teeth?
As soon as a a baby or toddler has teeth, it’s recommended that we start to brush them with a soft brush twice a day to help prevent cavities and get into a good routine as they grow.
TIP: You really only need to use toothpaste that’s about the size of a grain of rice.
Toddler Teething Remedies
Toddler Teething RemediesHere are some easy options to help soothe sore gums when you suspect that your kiddo may be getting in a new tooth.
- Rub their gums with a clean finger or clean gauze.
- Offer a cold washcloth for them to chew on.
- Reach out to your child’s doctor about over the counter pain relievers.
- Cold freezer pops such as Strawberry Greek Frozen Yogurt Pops.
- Frozen fruit in mesh feeders.
- Smoothies.
- Homemade Yogurt Melts
- Soft, cold foods such as applesauce, yogurt, mashed sweet potato, and cottage cheese.
- Soft foods like Chocolate Avocado Pudding.
- Homemade gummies.
TIP: Medical experts recommend that you avoid amber teething necklaces due to their risk of choking. The Mayo Clinic also advises that we avoid homeopathic teething tablets and gels since some have been found to have more of the ingredients listed on the label and have caused health issues including seizures and breathing difficulties.
Leave a Reply