How to Handle Teething Twins (from symptoms to finding relief)

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Just when you think you’ve made it through the newborn craziness and figured out your twins and their routine, a new challenge will appear.

Your twins will start to sprout teeth, and the journey won’t be so pleasant.

When Do Twins Start Teething?

Expect your twins to start teething between 4 and 9 months. This typically happens around 6 to 7 months but can vary from child to child. Even between identical twins, you’ll notice that there is no identical teething. You’ll see different symptoms, timing, and reactions between your twins.

You may have one twin start teething a little earlier. Then, the next twin starts a little bit later. If that’s the case, consider yourself lucky because you only have to deal with one teething twin at a time. Plus you can kind of figure out what works, and then apply those same tactics to the second twin when the time comes.

Your kids’ teeth usually start popping out in front and then fill in by age 2.

Teething Symptoms

You may start noticing, for example, if Mom is breastfeeding, she’ll start to feel those little teeth. Or you’ll start to see the babies open their mouth and catch a glimpse of a tooth coming in or swelling in their gums.

You won’t necessarily see a new tooth right away. Kids don’t go from no teeth to a full mouth of teeth overnight. It’s going to be a very gradual process and during that process, they’re going to have a lot of discomfort. That pain is going to cause schedule disruptions.

Since you won’t necessarily see the new tooth right away, look for symptoms that could indicate your twin is teething:

• drool – make sure you have a steady supply of bibs and burp cloths
• low-grade fever – if they feel warm to the touch, take their temperature
• chewing and biting everything – give them teething toys, cooled in the fridge, or a cold, wet washcloth
• discomfort – double teething supplies. swings, bouncy seats, same things you did when they were newborns (5 S’s)
• schedule craziness – just when you thought you’ve got a predictable schedule… do your best to keep them in a healthy routine
• crying for no apparent reason – like when they’ve got a clean diaper, aren’t tired, and are not hungry

Finding Relief

Let’s talk about some recommendations for helping your twins find relief during teething. Of course, you always need to consult with your pediatrician, as far as what’s appropriate for your twins at their particular stage of life and their medical history.

We used infant Tylenol and Orajel (a topical pain killer) to help the babies feel better. Be sure to consult with your kids’ doctor on dosing.

The twins also found some relief with:

• teething toys
• anything cooled in the fridge
• a cold wet washcloth to chew on

If you don’t give them something to chew on, they will find something. They will chew on their hands, feet, clothes, you, or anything they can grab.

And yes, everything will be soaking wet.

Use What Worked Before

During teething, we had to revisit what we did with newborns in swaying and comforting them in swings or bouncy seats.

Do your best to keep your twins eating and sleeping. If they skip eating, keep trying.

Remember that crying is not your fault. Don’t take it personally.

Good luck! Those teeth will eventually come through and you’ll be on to other challenges.

Picture by Bokeh Burger