When Baby Hurts: Teething and Diaper Rash Remedies

Many parents have been nearly brought to their knees with feelings of helplessness when the baby is in pain. There are a few things that can cause cries that sound as if the poor little baby is being tortured, but there are also things to help bring some comfort. Two of the biggest culprits of causing our babies pain are teething and diaper rash.

Teething problems? What's a parent to do?

One definite time in a parent's life when we feel terrible for not being able to help the baby is when teething is happening. We know it hurts terribly; that sharp piece of calcium pushing through those tender little gums would be enough to make the toughest of us cringe.

The answer to whether or not there is anything we can do to help the baby feel better is not an easy one since all babies respond to these attempts to comfort them differently. One thing that babies are alike in, however, is that those teeth will eventually start coming in and there's no way around it.

When will the first tooth start pushing through the gums? Most babies get the first tooth at six or seven months, but it could start a few months earlier or later. After the first tooth, the others will start coming every few weeks.

Expect the four front teeth to be the first that arrive, starting with the bottom and then followed by the top two. Babies have twenty teeth, ten on top and ten on bottom, so you will be able to know how much more discomfort is in the future if you keep track of how many teeth have already come in.

You will usually know that teething is starting because you will notice the baby chewing on his or her hands, toys, or basically anything else that is in a position to be moved to the mouth. His gums will appear red and sore where the tooth is about to come in and there will be irritability and fussiness. There will be excess drooling and the baby may rub at the face or cheek.

Anything else I can do to help?

As with other things involving your baby, be sure to ask his doctor about treatments you are not sure of before trying something. Sometimes the teething creams will give some comfort and the doctor may suggest some form of medicine for babies that will help with the slight fever that may come along with teething as well as the soreness.

Many parents choose to give the baby something cold to chew on. NOT frozen, just cold, and many of the teethers that are sold now can be put into the refrigerator to make them cold before giving them to baby. Many babies enjoy chewing on terrycloth such as a toy made from that material or a washcloth. Make it wet and then put it into the refrigerator for a while, but of course be sure it hadn't been washed in bleach or some other harmful substance previously.

You may want to massage the baby's gum with your fingers that you have just washed or try some teething gel. This is sugar free and it works for some babies, but if the teething starts before the baby is four months old, do not use the gel. Bear in mind that there are different types of gels. Some are homeopathic and others "medication" so be sure to know what you're buying and what the baby's doctor recommends.

For many years parents heard that certain things are caused by teething. Some of these are earaches, rashes, and diarrhea. Always speak with your doctor about these things instead of just "blaming" them on teething because it could be an illness and you will not want to let something serious go untreated.

And for the other end . . . diaper rash

Another huge discomfort that will cause more than a few baby (and parent!) tears is diaper rash. This doesn't generally happen as much while the baby is having only breast milk or formula, but it usually becomes more of a problem after solid food has been started.

The most important thing to remember is that it is very much easier to take preventative steps to avoid diaper rash than to treat it after it has appeared. That is not to say that it can be prevented each time because that certainly is not true, but following a few simple steps will help to prevent some of outbreaks that would have happened otherwise.

How do I help prevent diaper rash?

Always keep the diaper dry and clean no matter how short of a time you changed it before. If it is wet or soiled, it needs to be changed again.

Change the diaper at least 10 or 12 times a day, but even more if needed.

Use talc free and perfume free powder. This really isn't just for the problem of diaper rash, but a rule for all times. Powder with talc or perfumes, and even the cornstarch powder that was once so popular are not recommended to be used with babies. Even if you have chosen a medicated powder, you need to be sure it doesn't have talc. If you are not sure, ask the baby's doctor for a recommendation.

How do I treat diaper rash if it is already present?

To begin with, the same steps above apply here. Keep the diaper clean and dry. It is even more important if the rash has already started. Change the diaper as often as the baby wets or dirties it.

Do NOT use baby wipes if you are dealing with diaper rash. A soft wash cloth with warm water should be your choice for cleaning the baby. If the diaper had been soiled you can use a little mild soap that you normally use for the baby.

But I need more than water!

Yes, there are things to do besides keeping the baby dry and clean when diaper rash has appeared to trouble you and the baby. One such thing is a cream that is specifically made to treat diaper rash. Be sure that the cream you choose contains zinc oxide. This ingredient will help to put a layer between a wet diaper and the baby's tender skin.

One word of advice . . .

Sometimes babies can get other outbreaks of things such as a yeast infection that may look like diaper rash. If the rash you are treating thinking that it is diaper rash does not respond to the ways you are treating it, take a moment and ask the baby's doctor about it. Chances are that it is just a stubborn diaper rash after all, but you will want to make certain. If you know how long diaper rash usually lasts and the things to expect with it, it will be much easier to make a decision about whether or not to call the doctor if the rash is not responding.

In closing

Teething can't be slowed or averted but diaper rash can indeed be prevented in many cases. Being prepared to deal with these two maladies when they arise will prevent some of the stress that may have shown up had you not been prepared. Keep some teething cream and diaper rash ointment on hand before you need it. One thing most veteran parents know and new parents learn very quickly is that very often things like teething pain first become manifest in the middle of the night. You will be extra happy to go the medicine cabinet to help baby at 3 a.m. instead of to the local all-night drug store.