Teething does seem to be someone's idea of a sick joke, just when your baby has settled into a great night time routine, and you're finally remembering what it's like to have more than four hours of uninterrupted sleep, along comes the teething phase.

However, no matter how hard it is for us, to work whilst suffering from sleepless nights, it's ten times worse for your baby. Now, we're all so conscious about our teeth that at the first sign of staining we rush out to buy teeth whitening kits, or by the chemist for an instant emergency fix, yet, try to remember that last toothache, and you'll understand why your baby is so unsettled and restless.

Do Old Wives Tales Work?

There are so many old wives tales out there on how to help a teething baby that if you tried them all, your baby would probably be sick from the concoctions. My favourite (although never used) was my grandmothers, her tip was to buy cotton wool and put it in your own ears so you wouldn't be disturbed by the snuffles.

My mother has an equally outrageous tip of rubbing the gums with brandy, leading to a tiddly toddler, and no doubt a lot of mess!

Yet there are now solutions in every chemist and on every supermarket shelf that will ensure your baby feels the least pain, and all of you can get back to normal in no time.

No Need to buy out the Chemist!

Gels are wonderful for the gums, however they taste so sweet the baby will lick them off before they have a chance to permeate. Liquids are much better, easily applied, with instant relief; you may even hear a soft baby sigh!

Although there are a myriad of jelly type teething rings that can be placed in the fridge to help sore gums, any teething ring or favourite chew toy can be cooled and given for relief.

A little baby paracetamol or baby ibuprofen is great, however if there's a fever too, try a little emollient cream on your baby's cheeks to stop them from cracking.

Apply nappy cream with every change, as the runny poos can cause a sore uncomfortable bottom, and also use the opportunity, if weaning, to introduce new refreshing foods, such as kiwis or chilled banana. Their usual yogurt softly frozen will be a real delight!

When finally the teeth poke through, don't forget the next step is to teach them how to brush their teeth, and treat yourself to some oral hygiene luxury by sprucing up your own with a teeth whitening kit.