Tylenol and teething - did you use it, and if so, how often?

[Anonymous]

Our 6 month old has started teething. He's pretty miserable. For the past couple of days I've given him a dose of infant tylenol right before bed and once in the morning. It seems to help, but teething could go on for a long time. I'm obviously consulting with the ped as well, but I'd be curious to know how others have dealt with teething and the extent to which you've used tylenol (how many times a day, for how many days, etc.). thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

I used it (and still do, we're coming up on the 2 year molars). There were some bad periods where it was every 4 hours for several days, and then there were other times when maybe it was like you, twice a day for a few days.

I'm pretty sure most people would say that I leaned toward too much use. But honestly, the worst period was when DC1 was getting the 2 year molars, and that lasted a week.

[Anonymous]

At six months you can switch to Infant's Motrin, which is a little safer. And it lasts longer through the night. I tried to only give it at night on his really fussy nights to help him sleep. Usually once or twice a week. His bad teething pain lasted about a week each time. There were some times I gave it multiple nights in a row. During the day, I tried to give him other things to chew on. He really liked the cold, partially frozen washcloths. And rubbing the gum in that area with your finger a few times a day can really help too. I did try to limit the painkillers, but if he was in obvious pain, I absolutely gave him some.

[Anonymous]

I second the motrin. It seems to work better since it's also anti-inflammatory and lasts longer. Like PP, I try to use it only when absolutely necessary and only at night because I want to limit how much medication DS has.

[Anonymous]

Since when is acetominiphen not an anti-inflammatory?

[Anonymous]

I used it when my kids were teething and when nothing else would comfort them. I used to formula feed more frequently as that caused some relief (not sure if the sucking did or what)

[Anonymous]

we went back and forth btw. tylenol and motrin....but our DS didn't have a whole lot of trouble with teething. it was just an occassional night. make sure you are giving your babe non-medical relief during the day (cold, wet rags to chew on are great).

best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since when is acetominiphen not an anti-inflammatory?

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is an analgesic (pain-killer) but is NOT an anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofren is both. I also recall reading an article in the NY Times recently about a study linking frequent Tylenol use (both pre-natally and in infants) with kids later developing asthma. You always have to take these type of studies with a grain of salt, but given that there is some asthma in my family anyway, we have opted for cutting way back on painkillers (unless absolutely necessary), especially Tylenol.

[Anonymous]

Why not try the homeopathic teething tablets and gel? They're natural and definitely work.

[Anonymous]

my daughter's been teething for months and is just now *finally* getting her first tooth. we use tylenol sporadically, on an as-needed basis whenever she seems extra fussy and is chewing on stuff more than usual. rarely is it even once a week, though. we're more likely to use it when she has a fever, to bring the fever down. (also not often.)

orajel is a good thing to have around, too. and teething rings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not try the homeopathic teething tablets and gel? They're natural and definitely work.

They creep me out, personally, with tiny amounts of poison (belladonna) in them.

[Anonymous]

On bad days, I put some oragel topically. I use tylenol or motrin (when older) only if she wakes up crying a couple of times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not try the homeopathic teething tablets and gel? They're natural and definitely work.

They creep me out, personally, with tiny amounts of poison (belladonna) in them.

plus caffeine... me too. I try to avoid Tylenol as much as possible but at least it has been tried and tested and is recommended by my ped.

[Anonymous]

I use Motrin and it seems more effective than Tylenol (which I used until DD was six months). I've tried the Hylands teething tablets and they also seemed to help. I looked into the amount of Belladonna in them pretty carefully and it is so miniscule. The FDA just issued something about Tyjenol and infants' livers, nothing is perfect. Good luck with your little one--teething is no fun!

[Anonymous]

I used Infant Tylenol whenever DD seemed to be uncomfortable (in pain). I personally avoid using medicines unless I am in a lot of pain, but why should she suffer? She started teething (bottom) around 4 months. Her top teeth haven't come in yet - but now I can use Infant Motrin which I understand lasts longer. (she's almost 8 months).