Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
WHEN IT COMES to being pregnant, or parenting a newborn, everyone’s just figuring things out as they go. That’s why it can be so helpful to hear how other people are getting through the mess of it all, from the first nappy change to the countless sleepless nights.
Our Newborn and Baby Parents Panel is made up of parents and parents-to-be, all raising little ones aged up to 24 months.
This week, we asked for product recommendations to help with a milestone that can be pretty distressing for parents and their offspring alike: teething.
First teeth will usually start to “cut” their way through your baby’s gums within the first six months (though for some babies the process starts later than that). Cue drooling, grizzling, swollen gums and lots of irritability as your little one deals with this new kind of discomfort.
So what are the products that our panel have found effective for a teething baby – be it for reducing pain or just adding some welcome distraction?
Here are some of the best suggestions…
The Matchstick Monkey soothes my 10 month old’s gums: Aside from the gels themselves, the monkey is one thing that really helps Jack [it's a teething toy which doubles as a gel applicator]. It’s easy for him to hold, and the back of the monkey’s head mimics a toothbrush which gives him great relief while gnawing on it. Definitely a worthy investment.
- Flora Buckley
[image alt="shutterstock_1432428947 (1)" src="https://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2019/08/shutterstock_1432428947-1-630x420.jpg" width="630" height="420" wp-size="size-large" credit-url="" credit-source="Shutterstock%20%2F%20GTbov" credit-via="" credit-via-url="" caption="" title="" wp-id="wp-image-4763883" class="alignnone" /end]
Teetha granules were a big success in our house: The granules come as a powder, so you just shake them into your baby’s mouth. Our soon started to go a bit wild when he saw us holding the packet! My little girl is only nine weeks old but when she starts I’m definitely going to get the Haakaa teething brush as I’m a fan of that range.
- Valerie Murray
A cube of frozen breastmilk gives him instant relief: As our little man isn’t eating solids yet, the best instant teething relief we’ve found (and a bit of fun) is to pop a cube of frozen breastmilk into a weaning soother like this one. It calms him down straight away and allows him to control his own pain relief by holding and feeding himself. We’re always guaranteed some smiles when he sees it coming too!
- Mairéad McHugh
Homemade frozen fruit pops were great when she moved onto solids: We used gel and granules a bit in the early days of teething, if Holly (now two) was having a hard time. When she was a little older, I started to make fruit ice pops for her to have a suck on, and they cooled her gums right down.
- Amy Molyneaux
The pharmacist gave us a great recommendation: For both my kids, teething was accompanied by acidic nappies that led to terrible nappy rash. I tried all the usual creams until one pharmacist recommended Sprilon spray. It’s not specifically for nappy rash but works a dream. We only use it when needed now and it will clear the nappy rash in two uses.
- Aisling Drake
Note: Some parents do note that digestive disruption happens around the same time as teething, though there’s no formal evidence. If your baby has symptoms that are causing you concern, consult your GP.
Our four month old gets great relief from cold chew toys: Not from the freezer though, just the fridge, as we read that there’s a chance of the baby getting freezer burn otherwise.. Aside from that, patience from both parents, lots of bibs for the drool, and simply letting him use his own hands to chew or suck on are the best recommendations!
- Alex Quinn
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Hailo’s message to Uber:……….. Fc*k Off we don’t wan’t competition.
Hailo are supposed to be in trouble over spending and no investment so uber def spells trouble for them
The journal will literally use any opportunity to mention the gay marriage referendum. Move on.
Gay people can get married now? Gosh, that must annoy certain types of people.
I had not noticed the passing reference to the free taxi service to the polling booths for the same sex marriage equality referendum until you drew it to my attention, RoN.
Clearly you would have preferred RoN to have had the service restricted to the opponents of same sex civil marriage.
Thank you for highlighting the Marriage Equality Referendum passed by more than 68% of those who voted.
This topic deserves another separate article so that RoN can get his full rant on.
When will companies and businesses in all industries cop on that they are not in any way simply entitled to your business? If they are out flanked by someone with an innovative idea, the onus is on them to either catch up or offer more appealing innovative ideas of their own.
In theory yes but it seems that the playing field isn’t level. Essentially they are both providing the same service but uber drivers are not vetted or regulated in any way and their costs are lower, for example insurance. Also, I don’t think uber drivers are taxed.
Harry Potters real?
No, just a fictional character who looks a bit like you.
Taxi service in Atlanta is dreadful, everyone i know uses uber and they rave about its convenience, low cost etc. I personally have only used it once and it was bang on, great idea, well executed.
Uber is incredible
Ireland is not Atlanta.
We dont need Uber destroying the jobs of licensed,regulated taxi drivers.
The industry is overcrowded as it is.
They are a scourge on the face of the earth.
The authorities have a responsibility to control this form of unbridled capitalism.
Can we all do part time work as civil servants/teachers/Gardai etc. and put them out of work.?
Not likely.
I hope that Uber is launched in its full form in Ireland, allowing those with a suitable car and a clean criminal background check to apply.
I used ubers multiple times in San Diego this summer and the system works brilliantly and is very cost effective too
No Hailo app for windowsphone…but there is an Uber app, so hailo for f**k off
In the U.S. UBER HAS STARTED DOING LOGISTICS NOW, will Hailo start doing the Ambulance service now???
we only have 12 ambulances in Dublin and these are fully stretched at this time of year… if you need to get to a hospital and a DFB ambulance will be another hour, why not get help?
I can see it happening with the TiSA Agreement privatised hospitals and ambulances, Uber is involved with logistics now. So god knows what the future will bring thanks to TTIP and the Trade in Services Agreement.
Many things are run down in order to change them and the excuse is cost but getting private firms to run things always costs more as the NHS model has shown and the same is starting to happen here now…
Help is one thing but cost will be another???
Given the wages of ambulance drivers, I am sure the government would love it.!
have your say