How can I soothe my baby’s teething discomfort?

Babies respond to teething differently, but it is not uncommon for them to be uncomfortable or irritable. There are lots of things you can do to try to soothe your baby during teething:

• For babies at least four months old, you can use a sugar-free teething gel to numb the pain. Make sure you use one specially made for babies.

• You may also wish to try homeopathic teething granules that contain Chamomilla. These can be used at any age but no more than 6 times a day.

• Give them something safe to gnaw on, like a cool teething ring, a dummy or a clean cold, wet flannel. The pressure on the teeth can be soothing

• If your baby is old enough for weaning or solid foods (around six months old), you can give them raw fruit and vegetables to chew on Good foods to use are sticks of cold cucumber or carrot but you must make sure he’s not biting off chunks as this can be a choking hazard. Chilled water or cool, soft foods such as cold purees or yoghurt.

• Rub their gums with your finger or a cold spoon

• Comfort them and distract them from their discomfort. Sometimes a cuddle can do wonders

If your baby seems inconsolable and in pain, you can give them an age-appropriate pain reliever with ibuprofen or paracetamol.