Teething at 3 Months! Growing So Fast!

My son who is now 4 years started teething at 3 months also and didn't get his first tooth until 6 months! I also used the teething tabs and orajel before he went to bed, but the best thing for his teething was actually letting him chew on a cold washcloth! My daughter is 4 months and she started teething a month ago and she still has her bump in her month but no tooth! Sometimes it's a long process and sometimes it's a quick one, just depends on the child.

This was normal for my kids. They grew quickly and then seemed to plateau around 6 or 7 months. All is well, enjoy!

Hi H., I think it depends on the tooth and your son, too. My son's teeth always seem to take a long time to come in once I've seen the bump... I'm talking weeks, sometimes more than a month. He usually seems a lot calmer once the tooth finally cuts through the gum.

The white spot on the gums could be a tooth (it's hard to say without seeing what you're seeing)... or it could be thrush. Look and see if he has white stuff on his tongue or cheeks that doesn't come off if you rub it. That usually means thrush.

Wow on his growth! My son is a year and a half and still wears size 4 diapers (size 5 at night with diaper doublers). But my son was the complete opposite of yours. He was born 8 lbs, 1 oz., but his growth rate was pretty minimal for the whole time I was breastfeeding. Once he went to table foods and whole milk he started growing like a weed. I say as long as he's healthy don't worry too much about the growth (especially if you and/or your husband are tall). My friend's son was always in the 90th+ percentile until about 9 months old and then he started slowing down and is now below average. My son at a year and a half is just above average in height and just below average in weight but was often in the 10-25th percentile when he was little. I don't think it really means much unless there's some underlying health issue.

Keep in mind that the fussiness may not just be due to teething, so try not to over medicate him just because he's fussy. He may be overtired or gassy or anything. I like the Hyland's pills but keep in mind their active ingredient belladonna can be dangerous (especially since some people notice the effects at lower doses more than others) and has lots of negative side effects. Tylenol, while mostly safe, can also harm your organs if given frequently enough, so by all means give your son relief if he really needs it, but try to be conservative (which it sounds like you are), especially at three months old.

Hi Hollie:

Wow your son is big, but precious I'm sure. My grandson started teething when he was 2 months old but didnt cut a tooth until he was 7 months. He is now 10 1/2 months and has 6 teeth. 2 on the bottom and 4 on top, all within a span of 3 months. When we took him to the doctor because we didnt know what was going on he told us he was teething early but we might not see a tooth for a while which to us was sort of strange, but he said it was pretty normal. Sure enough he did teeth most of the 5 months which was pretty grueling for my daughter and us, but we used all sorts of remedys to keep his pain at a minimum. We used the Hylands, the frozen pacifiers, the frozen towels, Self feeders with ice chips and of course the whisky and the rum. Which from everything else seemed to work the best. I guess grandmas do know what they are talking about. Anyway be patient, they will come maybe sooner then later, but if not, just try and keep him as painfree as possible. Oh and BTW, there is nothing wrong with using a little liquor on the gums, if thats what works. Our Ped even suggested the rum because he was so bad, so its not a bad thing. Just dont put it in the bottle! HAHAHAHAHA Good luck!

My first child started teething at 3 months also. The doctor told me it was impossible. By the time she was six months, she had 2 teeth in and started teething her next two. She had a complete set of teeth by the time she was 18 months old.

I was going to suggest the teething pills because, as you mentioned, they work great! Don't worry, some teeth come in in a few weeks, and sometimes it takes a few months. This is normal.

J.

Hi You and I are in the same boat. My 3 month old has 4 teeth that are starting to come in. His Dr says he's young, it's possible and since he's that young it takes longer. But the pain should stop as soon as they poke through. The teeth just take longer then if he was over 6 months. Thanks for writting in, I haven't anyone one else w/ this problem and no one but the dr had heard of it.

I wish I could tell you, since I also have a 3-month old who is almost 4 months in about 2 weeks. Supposedly, he is considered a pretty big boy for his age, but then I read about your son wearing a size 4 diaper and now I question if my son is even as big as people have been telling me! He still wears size 1 diapers. I am barely going to transition him to a "1-2" size diaper next month.

You didn't mentioned how much your son weighed when he was born; that should give you some idea as to how big he is going to be...
In regards to teething, sometimes depends on the parents' history. Find out when you or your husband's first teeth came out, then that should give you a clue as to whether your son is just taking after mom and dad.

Hope you'll get your answers.

My daughter's first two teeth (bottom) came in at 4 months. Next two (top) came in at 6 months.

Hyland's homeopath gel worked well for her. I used their tabs when she was older.

It is a miserable time for some babies. I took to getting a very think, soft baby facecloth, dipping a corner of it in water freezing it, and let her suck on that. (dpn't went the whole thing or it defrosts and is kind of messy, plus too cold for them to hold). I also found a cloth toy thing that had chewable rubber corners. The counterpressure feels good, I imagine. And they have those little teething rings you freeze. My Scottish granny recommended whisky (their solutinon to everything, ha ha), rub it on the gums. On maybe two occasions, when it was really bad, I used frozen peppermint schnaps to rub on her gums. Figured it would maybe numb the pain and may relax her. (I know, not PC, but a lot of over the counter meds have alcohol in them too)I only did it twice though. Never felt totally right about it.

Nursing is a great source of comfort too.

Tough time for these poor wee things. This too shall pass :)

Hi H.,
I have 4 kids and my first two kids had teeth early. and I was breast feeding. Ouch!!! My first one had 4 teeth at 4 months and my second child had 2 teeth at 4 months. They were also always one size ahead of their proper clothing size all the time. I used baby orajel on their gums and it worked good. Also the pacifier or a chew toy helps. But make sure the chew toy does not get any cuts in it from their teeth. My second daughter had such strong teeth she shredded Tigger so I went to the pet store and got her a dog toy. It was a lot more durable and never got a cut in it from her teeth. Good luck. D.

My daughter was teething 1 month old saying mama 3 months old and on food 5 months. My kiddo was 8 lbs 15 oz 20 inches long and when she was 6 months old she was 25 or more lbs and in a size 4 or 5 diaper and was on adult food almost and wore a 12 month clothes sometimes 18 month. Thats early and big, he he but dont worry its just when they are ready. And they grow as they will for their body, so don't worry! :)

And yes the white things are teeth, do you have any chewy's yet? or teethers? I only get the cheapest ones at walmart with only water inside and I got the blue handle and yellow star vibrating chew to my kids still love and its great even OT' use them for kids with issues and it helps get those teeth out. Also baby oragel aint bad if you need it like sometimes you will esp molars and such they also have a night time one for a good nights rest. Its just to numb it for them to sleep. My kids both had it and didn't hurt em. I also love teething tablets they will be a life saver. Also wet a wash cloth and freeze or put in fridge and offer to baby don't freeze super long and teethers go in fridge until he likes the cold more then freeze about 1 hr. Then longer in due time. Also once hes on food Gerber biscuits and the healthy ones too (I forget the name.) and those toast biscuits too are great once they are old enough. And teething comes and goes. So dont worry its all normal. And as for his growth well you should ask him. :) My daughter is almost 3 and wears sz 4 since she was 2 yrs old and sz 8 1/2 XW stride rite shoes since dec. So it's all on them and their bodys. He may be a big boy if he is try stride rites I go to the outlet and shop sales and get them for $14.99 (for the W & XW & XXW too!)

I hope this helps, good luck.

Hi H.,
The most important thing to remember...is...that there is NO such thing as normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you are concerned---but it just sounds to me like your lovely baby is growing fast and is healthy
:)

Hi, my girl is the same way. She started teething around 3 months, however, the teeth did not make full appearance until the day before she turned 5 months. She just turned 7 months and all 4 top teeth are coming, two are very visible and two are just barely poked out. She too stood early in the lap, sat early, and now she is already trying to take steps! I think it is hard so early because they are stil such babies!! Good luck to you and your healthy one!

I am the mom of four, and all of mine except the last one were very early teethers. With baby #1, who started teething right before he was 3 months old, I didn't expect it to start so early, but it can and does, and apparently it is not that unusual. I used the teething tablets too, when it seemed worse than usual. Other than that i didn't do much. There isn't much you can do with babies this young. It can seem to take forever for the teeth to actually pop through. Three days is nothing. It can take weeks and weeks. My oldest is now 23 years old, but I clearly remember asking the pediatrician if it was supposed to take so long for his teeth to pop through. :0) He said it can take over a month from the time you notice the white bump. Hang in there! The pediatrician also said that the kids whose teeth are slow to come in (meaning how long from the point you notice the white bump) actually have it easy. The slower the tooth takes to come through, the less painful it is.

Both my kids teethed early too. I n can vary on how long it actually takes the tooth to push thru. Also depends on which tooth, I think that molars take longer. Anyway...my son had nine teeth by time he was seven months old! Some babies are born with teeth. As far as him being larger, you may be surprised to see him to stop growing at some point and stay that size. A friend of mine had a daughter large in size (like 25 lbs at nine months) and then she never gained another pound until she turned 2....she just got taller. I would suggest that you look at how you feed him...be sure you aren't feeding him EVERY time he cries so you don't teach him food is a comfort food. BUT...trust your gut too....chubby or larger babies aren't usually a concern until they turn around three. Good luck

Hi H., I have a 2 and 1/2 year old son and he started teething when he was 3 months also. It does take a while for their teeth to come in, even after you see the bump. There is really no time frame for a tooth to come in. It does sound like his 2nd tooth is coming in also. Their bottom front teeth usually come in first and then the two front ones on top come in next. My son got his 2 bottom ones in back to back and that sounds like what is going on with your son. There maybe a day or so where he doesn't even want to nurse because it hurts. There were a couple of days when my son didn't want his bottle cause he hurt so bad and all he wanted to do was chew on it. Your child will have teeth coming in up until he's two or a little later. My son just finally got the rest of his 2 year molers in. Oh, I was going to tell you two that your son might have loose stools and a little fever while his teeth are coming in too, some Dr.'s say that it's not true but my son always had loose stools and sometimes he would have a fever. If he does have this problem though always get it checked out first just to make sure everything is ok cause you never know and I do agree with the ladies comment under mine who said that you should be careful how much tylenol you give to your child. She is right and she is right about saying that if they are really in a lot of pain to give it to them. I hope this helps you! Hang in there! God Bless you and your little one!

Every child is different. I have three and my oldest cut her first tooth just after her first christmas. She was only 5 months old. I thought at the time that was early. My next proved that wrong. My son cut his first tooth at four months. He also ran on the big side and is a total gross motor child. My oldest sat rear facing in the car until she was 22 months old. My son was well over the weight limit by a year and the car seat was fliped. Both of them got second and third teeth rather fast but my sons complete bottom roll took longer that I thought it would. Now with my third she has been teething like crazy for the last two months. She is almost 5 months old right now. She is my chunky baby. She weighed more at birth but was an inch shorter than my son. She seems to have all of the fine motor of her older sister with all of the gross motor of her older brother. Quite frankly we are all a little scared as she seems to smash through a new barrier everyday. She just can't seem to slow down and enjoy being the baby.

My son started teething early and every time he got a new tooth, 3 more came up within days. 4 at a time so by the time he was 9 month he had 16 teeth. Way ahead of schedule. Make sure you are cleaning them as soon as they come out. No real help because each time he just needed soothing, tylenol, something to chew on. His chew toy favorite changed every time.

Evelyn

Hi H.,
My son did everything early too - you just get used to it. He is also big for his age (he is the youngest in his class but one of the biggest so the older kids don't pick on him). The problem is that there is no set time for teething. It all happens over a 2 year period and every kid will be different. Some of his teeth may come fast and some may come slow... so you just have to soothe him best you can because the teeth keep coming until he is 2 years old. I do remember that the teething wasn't as bad after the first few teeth came in. But I think you're doing fine by just keeping your son comfortable until they come in. You may also want to put a pacifier in the freezer then let him suck on it... the cold helps.

You can check out some websites like parents.com or babycenter.com for approximate timetables for teething. But again - your son won't necessarily follow the schedule (I think most babies don't!).

Good luck!

Hi H.!
My son is 3 months old as well and the other day I thought he might be teething too! We're in the same boat as far as developing early. Lately, I have noticed that he loves to munch on his hands and when I rub his pacifier on his gums he seems to enjoy it. My little guy has a white spot on his gums but I haven't taken him to the doc yet, so far he is just a little more fussy then usual. My cousin who has a one year old sent me a Razbaby Raz-berry Teether pacifier. She said it worked great on her little man. Good luck with your little one!!!

I have two boys but they are presently in grade school. When they were teething, I would rub their gums with Baby Anbesol, use the teething tablets and give them Tylenol for infants. Also one of my cousins suggested putting clean damp baby washcloths in the fridge or freezer in a baggie so the baby can suck on them. You can also use the teething rings but some babies prefer to chew on something a little softer. My older son started teething about 3-4 months and now is 10 yrs. old. Oh well I hope these things work for you. Just hang in there because some babies go thru different milestones a lot faster than other babies their same age.

Good Luck!!!!

We had similar experience with our DD. She was always off the charts size wise...rolled over at 12 weeks...crawled at 5 months and now it standing and climbing stairs at 7 months. Every baby is different. We got our first tooth at 3 months ....it took about 5 weeks (she started at 8 weeks old) from the onset of the drooling and gumming to an actual tooth popping in. We had a few rough days and nights in there. Now her top 4 teeth are coming in and it has been a miserable couple of days for both of us. Besides teething tablets...we give tylenol on really bad days...teething rings in the freezer, wet washcloths to gum on, and even have tried orajel(kind of works). I also put ice cubes in the mesh teether by Sassy and she will go to town on that. Later on, you can feed him frozen bannanas in it and it works great. Good luck!!

Some teeth come in quickly and others take a little longer. With my son, his two bottom teeth came in 2 days while his two upper teeth took nearly a week. Some hurt more than others too. There's no standard rule as far as I can see. Here are a few soothing tips...dip the end of a washcloth in water and put it in the fridge for about 10 minutes then give it to your son to suck on. I also keep 3 teethers in the fridge in a ziplock bag, so I've always got a cold one to pull out. (When we're out and about I put them in our insulated bottle bag with a cold pack.) As my son has gotten older, he really likes the teether that vibrates. If the pain is really bad at night and keeps him from sleeping, then ask your doctor about giving a dose of tylenol for the pain. (It takes about 30 minutes to kick in, so just rock and console him with a washcloth or cold teether.)

As far as the growth pattern, I'd talk with your pedi. They can tell you whether they feel this is something that needs to be watched/concerned about. I know with my own son, he was growing like gangbusters and then started to slow down around 5-6 months. At 8 months, he seems to be picking up some steam again.

Congratulations on your son!