10 Tips for Living with a Teething Toddler

Little Harp got two molars in over the past week, so my week has been super fun.  Not!  Taking care of a teething toddler is a whole new game.  Toddlers are much more demanding than babies when they are in pain.  They are bigger, louder, have developed more opinions, and have no problem letting you know how they feel.  Naturally, I had to re-think my soothing tactics to keep us both sane.  Below is a list of items and techniques that drastically improved my week.

1. Cold food diet - Little Harp has been devouring cold foods for the entire week because they numb his gums.  He wouldn't even touch any hot or warm foods for a couple days.  Some ideas for cold foods are Greek yogurt, frozen yogurt, and Popsicles.  I made a bunch of Frozen Greek Yogurt Bites, and Little Harp has been happily munching on them all week.

Also, you can toss warm items they usually love in the refrigerator or freezer.  I tossed a bunch of squeezable fruit packets in the fridge, and we are both so glad I did.

2. Edible Teethers -  Obviously, teethers are super important to a teething baby.  However, Little Harp isn't interested in real plastic teethers anymore.  I think it's because they just don't taste good.  Where is the motivation?  Instead we've been using crackers and refrigerated apples as teethers, and he absolutely goes crazy for them.  One morning immediately after waking up he actually said "ow" and then "apple," thereby requesting a refrigerated apple to sooth his gums.  I actually like this change because he is filling his belly and making himself feel better at the same time!

3. Television - Television is the only thing keeping us both sane at the moment.  The television allows him to zone out for a while and fills his mind with silly horses and dogs instead of his aching teeth.  He became obsessed with the movie Tangled because of the horse Maximus, and I've been enjoying watching it with him.  He even sings "dream" along with the music when the "I've Got a Dream" song starts.  I can't say he hasn't learned anything.

The best way to watch T.V.

4. Play outside - Eventually you are going to get sick of watching T.V.  I found that playing outside keeps Little Harp busy and focused on all of the wonderful things happening around him.  In addition, if he decides to randomly cry out in pain due to his incoming molars, no one notices or cares as they would in a store.  If you have to go to the store, read my next tip!


5. Cheerio Necklace - Remember those necklaces that had candy circles on them from when you were a kid?  Well, make one of those, but with Cheerios!  It's a healthier and safer version of a candy necklace that babies and small toddlers can enjoy.  Little Harp absolutely loves Cheerio necklaces.  I've found they are especially useful when you are in public and need your toddler to stay still and quiet.  So make sure to bring one of these along on your adventures when your toddler is teething!

6. Baby carry - When Little Harp is in pain, he basically glues himself to me.  I enjoy the snuggles, but there comes a point when I actually need to accomplish something.  Ya know, I might just need to cook so we can eat or do the laundry so we have clean clothes. Crazy things like that.  To fix this issue, I like to snuggle him in a baby carrier and carry him around the house with me.  He loves it, and if I'm boring enough, he might even fall asleep!

Baby is in my Moby wrap underneath the hoodie.  This was so comfortable!

7. Keep the head elevated - I've been blessed with excellent dental care and good genetics, and I can't remember what a toothache feels like.  I had braces when I was a teenager, but I haven't had a root canal, a crown, or even a decent-sized cavity.  I can't really imagine what Little Harp is going through right now.  However, I noticed that Little Harp would only sleep if his head was slightly elevated.  When I told Hubby Harp my observation, he said "well, yeah, it hurts super bad to lay down with a toothache."  Apparently, you can't lay flat with a toothache.

8. Amber necklace - I did not believe that a Baltic Amber necklace would magically alleviate Little Harp's aching gums.  It just didn't seem logical that a necklace could help Little Harp.  Boy, I was wrong.  Every time I take the necklace off him, the house turns into chaos.  Every time I put the necklace on him, he calms down.  Can't refute that logic.

9. Patience - Remember that he is in pain, and he needs you right now.  Be patient with him.  You will get your goofy, happy toddler back soon.  For now, just give him some extra snuggles.  It will make both of you feel better!

10. Caffeine - OK, this one is kind of a joke.  The point is to do something just because makes you happy.  Every mama deserves something for herself.  If your baby is anything like mine, they don't sleep well when they are teething.  A little coffee lifts my mood tremendously!

We've definitely been in survival mode over here at the Harps, but I think we are nearing the end (knock on wood).  These items and thinking calming thoughts have really improved my week.  I hope your toddler isn't teething right now, but if he or she is, I hope these ideas help you too!