Is my baby teething?

While every baby photo is cute, it’s especially true of a snapshot of your little one showing off her first tooth. But getting to that major milestone isn’t easy. Teething is synonymous with lots of fussiness, crying and sleepless nights. Read on to find out everything you need to know about teething.

WHEN DO BABIES START TEETHING?

Typically, the first teeth come in around six months of age, but babies can start teething anywhere from six to 13 months. “I have seen them come in as early as four months, but that’s pretty rare,” says Jeffrey Bourne, a paediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

IN WHAT ORDER DO BABY TEETH COME IN?

The front incisors usually come in first. Typically, the bottom front teeth will make an appearance first, but sometimes it’s the top two. Next, the canines will arrive. Your baby’s eight molars usually come in between her first and third birthdays, so she will be teething for a long time!

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BABY IS TEETHING?

At two or three months, you’ll notice your baby start to drool and gnaw on things, including her fingers, your fingers and anything she can get her tiny little hands on. But that’s not a sign of teething, explains Bourne. “Teething is really when the teeth start to erupt,” he says. “You might not see them initially, but you can actually feel little bumps on the gums within a day or two when they start coming through. That’s when it hurts: when they’re poking up through the gums.”

Now you’ve probably heard that fever and diarrhea can be signs of teething, but they’re not. “Teething can cause drooling and irritability, but that’s it,” explains Bourne. “The reason people think teething causes fever, diarrhea and other symptoms is because sometimes babies develop a lot of viral illnesses at that time, so it’s just a coincidence. But teething doesn’t cause a true fever.”

Bourne explains that there are only two signs of teething:

1. FUSSINESS

You can’t blame your baby for being cranky during the teething process: It hurts! Irritability is a major symptom of teething. Expect your little one to be short-tempered and quick to cry during this period. Just like any other time when she is fussy, rocking, shushing and going for car rides can help soothe your baby.

2. DROOLING

You’ve been warned: Lots of drooling is in store when your baby is teething. That’s because teething stimulates saliva, so be prepared with lots of bibs.

Maya Mini 3 Piece Room Set

The Maya range from Obaby is inspired by Scandinavian design, featuring a clean-cut finish and two-tone colourway, making it the perfect addition for families looking to create a modern and stylish nursery. The Maya Mini 3 piece room set consists of the Maya Mini cot bed, changing unit and double wardrobe.

Price: £799.00 www.obaby.co.uk

Lucy Coggle Bear Foot Print

A gorgeous hand drawn baby bear kit for little feet, a great idea for parents!Record your little one’s tiny feet with this personalised footprint kit!

Price: £18.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Olli Ella Mushroom Basket

This striking hand crafted lamp has a beautiful bold design which will add colourful character to a child’s bedroom or play room.

Price: £55.00 www.babipur.co.uk