Teething? Something else?

[Gettingonmynerves1]

I know that nobody can give me the exact answer but…

Child is 5 and a half months old. Has been chewing hand for a long while but in the last 5 days, has been exceptionally miserable, needy and clingy. Generally a very happy baby, can entertain themselves and aside from feeding and nappy changes, could go all day without having to pay them much attention as they are so happy!

Now, for 5 days, is barely happy unless close to us. Occasional rosy red cheeks and touching of the ears. Ears don’t appear to be red and has no temperature. Having lots of milk like normal and nappies are normal. If anything, having slightly more milk than usual.

Cant see much in their gums. Not quite sure what I’m looking for! But this behaviour is very out of character. Anything they can get their hands on, goes straight in their mouth. More so than usual.

could this be teething? Or something else?

Should add - random crying!

Does sound like teething ! Have you given him/her calpol ?

Sorry to hear you’re going through this!

I kind of think that “teething” is often given as a catch-all reason to explain any kind of baby upset, which is usually just normal baby behaviour.

Is baby unwell? Hungry? Getting enough sleep? My 5.5 month old is generally extremely calm, but has recently been rolling a lot and cries a bit if he gets stuck.

@ojr nurofen at night time, followed by bottle and bed. Woke up tonight in between bottle and sleep and appeared happy. Should I try in the day time possibly? Presumably if still very grumpy I can assume not pain or discomfort from teeth but maybe something else?

@Eiiikka i believe baby is getting enough sleep, around 10 hours at night followed by 4-5 hours of naps in the day. Hungry and feeding / attempting a feed when there are signs of unhappiness so bottles frequently being offered. Does not appear to be unwell as no temperature. Perhaps just a phase you mean?