Q: My 15-month-old has swollen gums and cries a lot from teething molars. What can I do to help him?

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Question:

My 15-month-old is teething, with both molars and incisors coming in. His gums look very swollen, and he is crying a lot more than usual from the pain. What can I do to help soothe his discomfort? His birth weight was 3.5 kg, and his current weight is 13 kg.

Answer:

I understand how tough it can be to watch your little one in pain. From what you’ve shared, your baby’s weight gain sounds healthy, moving from 3.5 kg at birth to 13 kg now. Molars and incisors can be especially painful as they come in, and it’s common for babies to show fussiness and swollen gums during this stage.

Something I’ve seen help many parents is offering a cold washcloth or chilled teething ring for their baby to chew on. The cool sensation can gently numb the gums and bring some relief. Another trick is to use a clean finger to massage your baby’s gums for a minute or two. That light pressure often soothes the ache. If the discomfort seems quite severe, you could consider a baby-safe pain reliever such as paracetamol, but make sure to check in with a doctor or pharmacist for the correct dosage based on your child’s weight.

Keep an eye out for higher fevers, pus or bleeding from the gums, refusal to eat or drink, or any signs of extreme tiredness or irritability. Those could indicate something more serious, and I’d recommend seeing a healthcare professional if any of them appear. Most of the time, though, teething simply takes some patience and gentle care at home. I promise this phase won’t last forever, and it’s wonderful that you’re being so attentive. If you have any lingering concerns or questions, please talk with your pediatrician, as this is general guidance and not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us