$Unique_ID{BRK01492}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Help For Parents of a Teething Baby}
$Subject{teething baby}
$Volume{I-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Help For Parents of a Teething Baby


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QUESTION:  Could you please help the parents of a teething baby?  Our adorable
daughter has turned cranky and difficult to deal with.  This is our first baby
and perhaps we are still a bit inexperienced, so any help you can give us
would be so very much appreciated.

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ANSWER:  I am probably opening Pandora's Box in trying to answer this question
for you, and will be rewarded with a flood of mail that tells me I am all
wrong, but here goes anyway.  You baby's irritability is the result of the
swollen and painful gums that accompany the natural process of teething.
Usually they drool a bit more, want to chew and suck a lot more to help reduce
the discomfort and tenderness.  You can help a bit by massaging the gums
lightly with a finger, when time is available.  Try to give your daughter
something cool to suck on, like a teething ring that has been kept in the
refrigerator for a while.  There are some over the counter medications
available, but I would check with your own doctor for his approval before
using one.  I don't approve of using a drop of whiskey for this indication,
though I have heard of it.  A hard biscuit or cookie can provide the child
with something to chew away on, and in certain circles, mothers swear by stale
bagels as the perfect solution to the problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
