Some Babies Begin to Teethe about Now

A baby's first teeth often come in at about 6 months of age, but some babies get them as early as 3 months of age. Some babies won’t get any teeth until after a year. The age doesn’t matter. Once she starts, your baby will teethe off and on for months.

Here are some signs to look for:

• Your baby will want to chew on everything.
• She will probably drool more than usual and may be fussy and cranky.

As teeth push through the gums, your baby will feel some soreness. Chill a clean teething ring in the refrigerator, then give it to your baby to chew on. If your baby has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of illness while teething, call your doctor.

The American Dental Association encourages that parents:

• Begin brushing the baby’s teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears.
• Do not use toothpaste until your baby is at least 2 years old.
• Take a child to a well baby dental checkup by her first birthday.

Invisible Invader: Lead

Old lead paint in homes built before 1978 can break down into dust. The lead dust clings to toys, fingers, and other things that children put into their mouths. Lead poisoning can occur when lead dust is the size of three grains of sugar and gets into your child every day for just 30 days. For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/

If your home was built before 1978, use soap and water to clean up lead dust with a mop or sponge. Use that mop or sponge only for lead cleaning. Do not allow anyone who is pregnant to clean up lead dust.

Clean your baby’s hands, toys, and your home often. Wash your baby’s hands before and after eating and sleeping. Every day: Wash pacifiers, chew toys, and other items that your baby puts in his mouth. Each week: Wash stuffed toys.

How Much Does Your Baby Understand?

Can your baby obey you? It’s important for a child to obey her parents, but a 4- to 5-month-old does not understand what you say to her.

She hears your tone of voice and may sense that you are angry. Research shows that a baby this young is not able to control her actions long enough to do what you tell her. And your baby won’t be able to obey for some time.

Spanking or slapping her hand will only confuse her and won’t help. Being kind and gentle with your baby will help more than anything else. Your baby doesn’t do things on purpose yet, and she surely doesn’t do things to bother you.