The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called, are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.

Their developement is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a painful and difficult one, by errors in the management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the coming of the teeth, and during the process itself.

Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been stated; for it is rated as high as one sixth of all the children who undergo it. Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It therefore becomes a very important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished, or, if possible, altogether prevented. A few hints upon this subject, then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty; and, secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with difficulty.
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Appearance of Milk-Teeth

From the first moment the infant is applied to the breast, it must be nursed upon a certain plan. This is necessary to the well-doing of the child, and will contribute essentially to preserve the health of the parent, who will thus be rendered a good nurse, and her duty at the same time will become a pleasure.

This implies, however, a careful attention on the part of the mother to her own health; for that of her child is essentially dependent upon it. Healthy, nourishing, and digestible milk can be procured only from a healthy parent; and it is against common sense to expect that, if a mother impairs her health and digestion by improper diet, neglect of exercise, and impure air, she can, nevertheless, provide as wholesome and uncontaminated a fluid for her child, as if she were diligently attentive to these important points. Every instance of indisposition in the nurse is liable to affect the infant.

And this leads me to observe, that it is a common mistake to suppose that, because a woman is nursing, she ought therefore to live very fully, and to add an allowance of wine, porter, or other fermented liquor, to her usual diet. The only result of this plan is, to cause an unnatural degree of fulness in the system, which places the nurse on the brink of disease, and which of itself frequently puts a stop to the secretion of the milk, instead of increasing it. The right plan of proceeding is plain enough; only let attention be paid to the ordinary laws of health, and the mother, if she have a sound constitution, will make a better nurse than by any foolish deviation founded on ignorance and caprice.
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ABC of BreastFeeding

When the time comes to start the baby on baby food, some people prefer to make their own. If you decide to make your own baby food, storage may be a challenge, as you want to make it worth making more than a serving or two at a time. One way to store the food simply is to take the pureed fruit or vegetable and fill ice cube trays and freeze. Once it’s frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a zip storage bag. Then, each cube is about a beginner serving. They thaw quickly for serving.

It’s good to start a baby on one new food at a time, to help recognize any possible food allergies. It’s also a good idea to start the baby on vegetable before starting them on fruit. This way they don’t develop a sweet tooth any sooner than necessary. Once they are eating the veggies well, start introducing the fruits, also one at a time.

When your baby’s tummy is upset, it’s often hard to tell what’s causing the problem. If you notice a regular pattern, and you are nursing, it could be something you’re eating. Keep track of your meals (what you eat and when) and make note of when the baby spits up. Sometimes it’ll be just normal spit up from gas, sometimes it may be something else.

One of my children never spit up, the other kept spitting up all the time. Then I discovered, by accident, that my iron supplements were the problem. I forgot to take them for a couple days, when I was visiting family, and my son didn’t spit up while we were gone. We got home, he started spitting up again. I didn’t make the connection at first, but later remembered my father-in-law saying that he couldn’t take vitamins with iron in it. I stopped taking them, and he quit spitting up.

If you decide to nurse your baby, you’re in for a lot of changes, and some challenges, but a wonderful experience. Some babies take it to it right off, and others will take a little time to adjust. If it doesn’t happen right away, and you really want to nurse, don’t give up. Try different positions, like cradled in front of your, or beside you “football style”, with the babies feet beside you.

You may get sore occasionally, but sometimes just changing the angle will allow the sore place a chance to rest. There are medications that can be used, but always check with your doctor first. One thing I found that helps is a drop of baby teething ointment. It will numb it a little, as well as provide some protection. Use it right after your baby is done nursing, and wipe any that is left over before they nurse, so they don’t get too much.