One of the milestones of a baby is when they are teething. Unfortunately, this moment usually worries Moms because the baby becomes fussy due to their gum getting itchy and aching. Generally, baby’s teeth start to grow for the first time when they’re around six months old. The growth of teeth starts from the lower incisors (6-10 months old) then continues with the upper incisors (8-12 months old). Nevertheless, the teething period is different between one child and another. Even though symptoms may differ, you can find out when your baby is teething by knowing these general characteristic:

• Swollen gums Gum where the teeth are growing will be swollen
• Visible pain The baby might look uncomfortable and in pain because their gum is swollen.
• Become fussy Because the gum is painful and swollen, the baby will easily cry and while it gets harder to guess what they want.
• Salivating The saliva’s production will be more than usual because of their teething process.
• Biting As the effect of their gum aching, the baby might be biting anything that comes around their mouth. It will help them to lessen the pain.
• Increased body temperature The baby’s body temperature often increases as they are teething.

To lessen the symptoms that may occur, these are several things that Moms can do:

• Give Teether Teether is a toy that can easily be held by a baby and is safe to be put inside the mouth. Some teethers such as teething rings can be cooled first inside the fridge (not the refrigerator) and then can be bitten by the baby to lessen the itching or uncomfortable feeling on their gum. Make sure the teether is made from a material that is safe for baby.
• Healthy Snack Usually your baby will be difficult to feed during teething period, Moms can outsmart them by giving healthy finger food such as a piece of carrot, apple or biscuit. (However, this is only after the baby has been introduced to complimentary food.)
• Rubs Baby’s Gum Use your finger or clean flannel to rub softly on your baby’s gum. This is done in order to make them more comfortable.

To help the process of teething, Moms could also consider to start giving complementary food to breast milk for them. Food variations can stimulate baby’s teeth growth. If their teeth are growing after they’re six months old, it means they can eat foods with a rather solid texture. These are the steps of giving complementary foods based on their age.

• 6 months+ Introduction of foods:soft texture, start with one flavor then variation of flavors Eating skills development:opens the mouth as the spoon come to their mouth Nutritional needs: 560-900 calories.
• 9months+ Introduction of foods: more solid and rough textured foods, more diverse flavors Eating skills development: able to hold the food and bottle Nutritional needs: 600-1000 calories.
• 12months+ Introduction of foods: more solid textured foods, more diverse forms Eating skills development: able to use spoon by themselves Nutritional needs: 770-1200 calories.

WHO recommends snacks to be given 1-2 times a day. Moms may give them Milna Biskuit Bayi since not only does it contains calcium that can help the growth of bone and teeth, its shape and texture is formed specifically to stimulate the baby’s teeth growth. Now there is nothing to be worried about this new milestone, rather, the Baby’s First Bite could also be a moment of celebration. Handle it with smart moves that are stated above and help stimulate their teeth growth with giving them the right meals.