Child Care

Have you noticed your child crying and waking up at night?  Is he drooling a lot and experiencing poor appetite?  Does he have red, swollen and inflamed gums?  Has it occurred to you that your child is probably expecting new company?  For first time parents, you may not realize this but your child is showing signs of teething. 

A new tooth that breaks out into the gums can be a very uneasy and painful experience for a baby.  You may soon notice that the once happy and bubbly toddler may suddenly become grumpy and restless all night long.  Proper child care is important especially during this stage when your child may feel a lot of discomfort brought about by his erupting teeth.   

Children experience teething at different age levels.  During the first year, a child's front teeth usually start to erupt.  While at the age of 1 and 3, the first and second molars usually start to come out.  Most often, the front teeth do not cause so much trouble for many children although some may get fussy with every tooth erupting in their oral cavity.  It is however observed that the first and second molars cause more discomfort than any other teeth.  These are usually more painful as well as disrupting his eating and sleeping routines.  Each new tooth usually causes discomfort that lasts for a few days. 

A teething child may show some of these signs and symptoms.   

1. A child may act cranky with clingy behavior and often cries at night while unable to sleep.

2. The child drools a lot. 

3. The gums start to appear red, inflamed and swollen. 

4. The child chews on anything he can place in his mouth like his fingers, teething rings, toys and other objects. 

5. The child may ask for more bottle feeding or nursing so that he will be able to rub and relieve his itching gums against the nipples.  However, he may also refuse bottle or breast-feeding because the sucking action hurts his sore gums. 

6. The child shows poor appetite. 

Good child care provided by a loving and caring parent will make the child more comfortable during the difficult and formative years.  Don't scold a child who acts grumpy and irritable.  His actions are just normal responses to the feelings of discomfort he is experiencing.  A good hug or a warm cuddle will comfort and distract him from his pain.  Help him ease the soreness in his gums by providing him something to chew on like a clean teething ring.  Gum Inflammation can be reduced by gently applying a cold compress unto the gums using an ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth. 

When your child's discomfort is beyond your capacity to relieve and you notice the following signs, it is wise to call the doctor for proper management. 

1. Your child may be showing signs more serious than teething when he runs a fever lasting for more than 48 hours or if his temperature is higher than 100 degrees.   

2. When your child is suffering from diarrhea and is lethargic. 

3. If you see signs of cold symptoms in your child with constant fever and he has trouble eating or sleeping.  If you notice him grabbing one side of his face or tugging his ears, he may be suffering from an ear infection and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible

4. If after 12 months, your child still doesn't show any signs of erupting teeth, you should see a doctor.  This may either mean your child is experiencing late teething that is sometimes inherited or he may be experiencing delayed bone growth. 

Taking care of a child is not an easy part of parenthood.  However difficult it is for parents to carry out child care, the feeling is nevertheless rewarding and fulfilling.