Is your baby teething? Sometimes it’s hard to tell. Perhaps your baby is drooling more than usual or waking up frequently at night. Some teething babies have runny noses, loose bowel movements, or diaper rash. The teething process takes about two years, but it’s the first few teeth that are the toughest.

If teething symptoms are making your baby miserable, consider these tips to ease the discomfort:

• Give the baby something to chomp on like a cold, damp washcloth or a chilled teething ring. Offer cool water, too.
• Massage the gums gently but firmly with the soft pad of your clean finger.
• Consider giving medication. Ask your pediatrician about pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or topical gels.
• Keep the baby’s mind off the pain - distract the baby with a walk outside or a favorite toy.
• Offer extra attention. Hugs, kisses, and snuggles from Mom always help.

To learn more about baby teeth, read How to soothe teething pain and Eight signs that your baby might be teething.

Generally, you can expect your baby’s first molars to come in around the ages of 10-16 months. You can also expect some-maybe even a lot-of discomfort for your baby as they push through the gums-ouch!!

Big and blunt molars can be brutal for your baby and of course-for you too-when you see your little one in pain. Gerber has some good advice. Read on to check out the ABC’s of baby molars to help ease the pain for everyone involved:

• Apply pressure to the affected gum with your finger; rubbing the gum firmly might bring some relief.
• Biting on something cold-a gel-filled teething ring or frozen banana-can help.
• Cups or bottles of icy cold water might make her feel better.
• Dab teething gel along the gum line to numb the pain.
• Eating soft stuff-applesauce or pureed fruits-should alleviate some of the woes.