As a new parent, few things can be more unsettling than your sweet, smiley baby suddenly turning into a tiny gnawing machine. If your little one has started using you (or anything within reach) as a makeshift teething ring, you’re not alone. Biting is a perfectly normal—and unavoidable—phase of infant development. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when those little chompers clamp down on your skin!
Understanding the Teething Process
Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, when the first few teeth start pushing through those tender little gums. And while every baby is different, the entire teething process can last until around age 3, with the full set of 20 baby teeth finally making their grand appearance.
During this extended phase, babies experience significant discomfort, irritability, and the overwhelming urge to bite and gnaw on anything they can get their mouth around. It’s their instinctive way of relieving the pressure and pain caused by those new teeth erupting.
The Developmental Milestones of Teething
To help you know what to expect, here’s a general teething timeline with the age ranges when most babies cut their first set of teeth:
| Age | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 6-12 months | First front teeth (central incisors) emerge |
| 8-16 months | Lateral incisors (beside the front teeth) appear |
| 14-18 months | First molars (back teeth) start coming in |
| 16-22 months | Canine teeth (the sharp, pointy ones) emerge |
| 20-30 months | Second molars complete the full set of 20 baby teeth |
Soothing Solutions for Teething Babies
While there’s no way to skip this rite of passage completely, there are plenty of tricks to help ease your little one’s teething woes. Here are some mom-approved remedies to have in your arsenal:
- Cold teething rings or clean, wet washcloths (chill them first) for baby to gnaw on
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (check with your pediatrician first)
- Gently massaging baby’s gums with a clean finger
- Distracting with extra snuggles, books, and playtime
- Offering cold foods like yogurt, applesauce, or frozen fruit purees
Handling the Biting Phase
Unfortunately, biting often comes hand-in-hand (literally) with teething. While it’s a natural instinct for babies to bite down on things that relieve mouth pain, it’s also a habit you’ll want to nip in the bud sooner rather than later.
When your teething tot starts treating your arm like a chew toy, stay calm and remember that biting is their way of communicating discomfort, not a sign of aggression. Try these tips to discourage the behavior:
- Say a firm “No” and remove your arm from their mouth.
- Offer an acceptable chew toy or teething ring as a replacement.
- Distract and redirect their attention with a new activity.
- Never bite them back—this only teaches that biting is okay.
With consistency and patience, the biting phase will eventually pass as more teeth emerge and your baby finds other ways to self-soothe.
“There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother.” —Sarah Josepha Hale
While teething is a short-term struggle, it’s also a remarkable developmental leap for your growing baby. By understanding what’s happening and having a few tricks up your sleeve, you can weather this storm with empathy and grace—because that’s what being a rising mother is all about.
FAQs on Raising Happy, Well-Adjusted Kids
Q: How do I handle my toddler’s tantrums in public?
Public tantrums can be incredibly embarrassing, but try to stay calm. Remove your child from the situation if possible, get down to their level, and speak in a soothing voice. Validate their feelings (“I know you’re upset…”) while setting clear boundaries. If the tantrum persists, you may need to follow through with an age-appropriate consequence at home.
Remember, tantrums are a normal part of development as children learn to express their emotions. With patience and consistency, this phase will pass.
Q: How much screen time is too much for young kids?
While a little screen time is okay, too much can negatively impact childhood development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen use for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. For ages 2-5, aim for no more than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, and make sure to watch together as a family.
Whenever possible, prioritize interactive play, reading books, outdoor activities, and quality family time over passive screen consumption.
Q: My child seems to misbehave more around certain people. Why?
Kids often act out more around certain relatives, friends, or caregivers. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re “picking favorites.” More likely, they’re testing boundaries or feeling insecure in less familiar environments. Remain consistent with your discipline approach and communicate your expectations clearly.
If the issue persists, have an open discussion with your child about their feelings and behaviors. With empathy and positive reinforcement, you can overcome this bump in the road.
Q: How can I encourage positive behaviors in my children?
The key is to catch your kids being good! Praise and celebrate their positive actions, however small. You can use a simple rewards system (e.g., sticker charts) to reinforce good habits. Most importantly, model the behaviors you want to see, like kindness, patience, and respect.
Children will rise to the high expectations you set, as long as you provide unconditional love and support along the way.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all guide to parenting, but these general principles can help steer you in the right direction: Stay patient and consistent. Communicate with empathy. Prioritize quality time together. And always, always trust your instincts as a mother.
Every child is a unique individual, blossoming at their own pace. By providing a nurturing, loving environment, you’re giving your kids the strong foundation they need to grow into happy, well-adjusted adults. So keep doing you, Supermom!
“Making the decision to have a child—it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” —Elizabeth Stone