Could he be teething?

[jonesso]

Hi mummies

Advice needed! My 16 week-old has developed a rosy red right cheek today and has been a bit of a cranky-pants the last two days... slobbery doesn't begin to describe my boy, there is dribble galore but I read that was because infants don't know how to swallow saliva like we do so have oodles of it everywhere. Also, he shoves everything in his mouth, but once again I figured this was a normal baby thing... however now with the redness and his increased irritability I'm not so sure... isn't 16 weeks early for teeth?

I ran my finger around in his mouth and couldn't feel anything protruding through the gum. He's also had more frequent "bowel movements" in the last two days than normal...

I'm not worried as much as I am curious about it - have read that teething can happen from 1 month to 1 year! But what is the average? And what symptoms show up prior to the first teeth coming through?

Thanks girls!

Sonia

[Imogensmum]

Imy has been teething for 2 months- and no signs of the little blighters yet!!!

But all the symptoms you described are the same as hers!! She also gets a spotty bottom!!!

There are some really good homeopathic pills that you can rub on their gums and they work a treat- i'll try to get the name for you! They just disolve in the mouth!!!

Good luck with it...
Shannan

[MamaFour]

Tai started doing all of those things you described at around the same time - he's 7.5 months old now and has JUST cut a tooth!

A lot of the dribbling thing is, you're right, because bubbies don't really have the concept of swallowing saliva down pat. Another thing you're right about is things going in the mouth - it's normal baby behaviour usually - it's how they explore things.

However, some babies do cut teeth very early, some babies are even born with teeth! I *think* but don't quote me or hold me to it that the "average" for the first teeth is between 6 months to 12 months!

Just before Tai actually cut his tooth the other week he had a red nose, wouldn't let anything hit his gum except anything cold and comforting, got a bit of nappy rash and had a very unsettled night.

HTH! :)