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The teething instruction manual

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When it comes to teeth, not all babies are made equal. Some are early starters (from about 3 months, and we even know a baby that was born with a tooth!) while others take a little while (12 months and more) before they appear. 

And much like cracking a sleep routine, potty training, weaning, and other milestones, teething can be the baby version of a minefield for both you and baby. 

With all that crying, drooling, discomfort, pain and nights of little-to-no sleep, it may be challenging to wrap your head around what to do and how to get through the next phase of baby's development. 

So we simplified things for you with an index of all the info you'll need to make it just a little easier.

The ABTs

Teething

Teething 

What is it? Health24

The truth about teething  

A mom dispels myths and old wives' tales about teething. By Kim Norton 

Teething made easier  

Know what to do when those pearly whites start making an appearance. By Lisa Dewberry, Your Baby 

The teething toy  

A mom finds that a rubber toy is the answer to taking the pain out of teething. AFP news agency

Top teething truths and tricks you should try  

Cutting those little milk teeth can be trying times for babies and parents. By Yolandi North, Your Baby

Your baby’s first tooth  

Here come the tears. By Tracey Hawthorne, Your Baby

The teething timeline 

Teething

Your baby: week 16  

Read more about the first teeth to cut through, regardless of age. (Spoiler: The lower front central teeth, incisors, are usually the first to poke their way through the gums.) Your Baby

Your Baby: month 7  

Read more about your baby's teething. Your Baby 

Delayed teething  

An expert provides a concerned mother with insight into her 15-month old's late teething. By Dr Simon Strachan, Your Baby

Printable: Teething chart  

Mark the dates your baby's teeth appear on this teething chart. Simply download it for free, print it out and keep in your baby's album. Your Baby

The toothless baby  

When do babies start teething? By Tracey Hawthorne, Your Baby

The fifth month 

Is he teething? Health24

Symptoms guide  

Teething

Is your baby teething yet? 

The sight of that first white pearl in the gum is an exciting event. By Hilda Geyer 

Teething an unlikely cause of serious symptoms

High fevers and other potentially serious symptoms in infants should not be written off as normal signs of teething. Reuters 

Your baby: What's normal, what's not

As a mom you’re more in tune with your baby than anybody else. But when there’s a change in how he looks or acts, should you head for emergency room? Here are the most common signs for alarm. Your Baby 

Advice from parents who have been there 

Teething

Best teething advice for our favourite Grand Slam winner 

Serena Williams needs your help again, Olympia is teething! By Lesego Madisa

The teething rusk of doom  

What a teething baby wants, a teething baby gets... By Catherine Goldfain 

Teething tantrums  

Susan discovers that between Finn's new tooth and the noisy neighbours there's no time to sleep. By Susan Newham, W24

The Teething Monster  

When teething turns your once sweet child into an uncontrollable mess. By Zayaan Schroeder Mollagee

Doctor Parent often knows best 

Medical professionals are important, but so is a parent’s intuition. By Tamaryn Watkins

"Teething? I'm a pro!"  

The Poppet boasts an impressive 376 days of teething experience. Ouch. By The Poppet 

Teething traditions

Teething

First tooth traditions around the world  

We take a look at the different traditions celebrating the appearance of baby's first tooth. By Zayaan Schroeder Mollagee

Great pancake recipes

Celebrate every new baby tooth with yummy pancakes! Your Baby

Has your little one started teething yet? What's worked best for you and what's the worst thing you've tried? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.  

Read more: 

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