The Milk Teeth Cometh

The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called, are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.


This developement is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, a painful and difficult time for the baby, because of errors in the management of the teething regimen before the new teeth arrive, and during the process itself. Then becoming a distressful and difficult time for the mother also.

In a child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of the infant most simple and easy.


Symptoms:- The symptoms of teething are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. It is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that what is called "breeding the teeth" is going on. In such cases, the symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.

Treatment:- The management of the infant in this case is very simple, and seldom calls for the interference of a doctor. The child ought to be much in the open air, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, at this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks.

From the moment teething begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain. For this purpose there are many teething rings and teething toys available. Gentle friction of the gums with a finger is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In France, it is very much the practice to dip liquorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in Germany, a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething. The constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients isn't good for the health of a baby or for the new growing teeth.

20 Reasons Why Your Baby Is Crying

Although it can sometimes be harrowing, crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the womb the first thing it should do is cry. That first cry means that he or she will be drawing some air in to their lungs for the first time in their new life.After delivery if your baby does't cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently stroking the feet. After this a healthy baby should cry and that is quite normal, still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can't tell you his or her needs or troubles in words. The main way to communicate with others is by crying. Babies show some other signs like feet kicking, hand waving and head turning ect. but the best way to get the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying cannot be easily defined because crying habits change from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth. If crying is regularly distressing for the mother and others around then it can be called excessive. Many babies quieten when breast fed or soothed with gentle rocking. A sudden onset of excessive crying means that the baby is distressed and really needs attention.The causes of crying extend from simple reasons to life threatening conditions. Therefore a crying baby should not be ignored.

Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the crying. Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

Common reasons for crying:

1) Hunger:--

This is the most usual reason. A hungry baby will cry until getting his or her milk. Here the old saying is true 'crying baby gets the milk'.

2) Wetting:--

Urination and defecation can cause a lot of discomfort that results in crying till his or her parts are cleaned and made dry. The longer your baby is left without being washed and changed the more painful it will be for your baby and it can only be expected that your baby will cry more.

3) Company:--

Most babies need to feel that somebody is nearby. If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll or teddy slips out of their hands they cry for help.

4) Tired:--

When a baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep they often cry.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to climate change.

5) Heat & cold:--

If babies feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. A young child is more comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

6) Tight clothing:--

Tight clothes, especially in a warm climate is just as intolerable for kids as they are for adults.Tight elastic in a dress, pants or skirt can also produce sorness around the waist or hips.

7) Dark room:--

When an infant wakes up he or she needs a dim light. If a baby wakes up to darkness the child will disturb it's parents sleep by crying. Of course babies will be irritated by strong light and cry because of that also.

8) Mosquito:--

If there are mosquitos in your country, these creatures disturb sleep bwith their blood sucking ways and make the babies cry.

9) Nose Blocked:--

Your child may not be able to sleep when it has a cold and will go on crying until the nasal passage is open.

10) Phlegm in throat:--

This also causes difficult in breathing and causes an infant to cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

11) General aching:--

Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous crying.

12) Habitual crying:---

Some babies cry without any real cause but causing the parents worry and distress, often a doctor is called for help but it's best to be on the safe side.

13) Nappy rash:--

If a tight and wet nappy is kept on for a long time the end result is this condition.

The rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy. When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry. Other skin lesions like eczema, ecthyma, candidiasis ect. can also cause the same problem.

14) Earache:--

Ear infection is common in wet climates.The infection may spread from the throat. Ear infections can result in the rupture of an ear drum causing discharge of pus. Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down. A child will become restless and cry and may not allow you to touch it's ear. Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.
15) Colic:--

When a baby cries continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This problem is still open for debate because the exact cause of colic is not known making diagnosis difficult to confirm. Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of the abdomen. A child often feels better when lying on it#s abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch their abdomen. If the child cries continuously a doctors help is needed.

16) Infections:--

All infections cause some kind of pain or irritation causing your baby to cry. Infection can be anywhere in the body and usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

17) Reactions to certain food:--

It is said that one man's food is another man's poison. Some foods like nut products can produce allergic reactions. Allergies are usually manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness, gastric symptons and continuous crying.

18) Hard stools:--

Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge to pass stools. They hesitate to go to the toilet because of the pain.

19) Gastro esophagial reflex:--

Babies can cry when they bring up their food straight after being fed. If this continues it could be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to the failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach. It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be cured by giving antireflex medicines.
20, Teething:--

During teething infants become restless with crying. Their gums are sore from the new teeth that are trying to grow. Sometimes if they chew on a teething ring it helps, other times you may need some baby aspirin or a soothing gel like Bonjella to ease the pain.