Teethers

We are incredibly thankful that our little girl is a pretty happy one most of the time. She only tends to cry when she is tired or hungry and both of those scenarios are easily resolved. But when she started teething, boy did she let us know.

Lily started teething pretty early on and despite no sign of toothy pegs, the gums were soon hardened and it was clear that they were sore because when they started to hurt Lily would scream the place down. Unfortunately the pain often timed with feeds and trying to give Lily a bottle proved nigh on impossible. The bottle would catch her sore gum and the cry would become even more piercing. 

Tears would start rolling down her face and the crying would persist until we could try and do something about it. When she had reached three months we were able to start using medicinal solutions such as Detinox teething gel (today we tend to use Calpol when it gets really bad) and as soon as we noticed the problem we invested in teethers in the hope they would help.

To begin with the teethers got a big thumbs down from Lily. She'd happily gnaw on any toy you would give her and if your hand or fingers were close enough then she'd gnaw on them! The bib was often in her mouth so she could have a gummy chew on that. Muslins also became soaked after a good sucking session. But teethers were instantly refused. 

We offered them chilled; we offered them at room temperature. I bought teethers that were like dummies but they got spat straight out. I bought toys with teethers as feet or hands. She'd suck their heads!!

In the end we figured if she wasn't going to use them for their intended purpose then she might as well just have them as toys! And then one day when friends were visiting – after she had instantly started chewing one of their hands (no decorum!!) I offered her a teether telling my friends 'she won't suck on it though'. Of course to prove me wrong she did. And since then the teethers have suddenly become a hit with Lily.

I always make sure I have a few in my changing bag when we are out and about. Playing with them keeps her occupied and if she feels the need then she can happily gnaw on them as we're moving around. A few are kept in the fridge and I'll offer her them if she gets grizzly at home. Now, of course, she is able to hold them easily herself which perhaps was the problem in the first place. I think I was offering them to her before she was able to properly control them with her own hands.

A definite must have, despite my initial reservations!!!