We think Darwin is about to get his first teeth. He's drooling rivers, won't stop chewing his hands (and ours), and he's just not himself. It's been bad enough for the past week or two, but yesterday he had his six-month vaccines so he's feverish and grouchy from that as well.

We've tried EVERYTHING, we're at a loss. Tylenol (paracetemol) doesn't do much for his discomfort, but it does lessen the fever. Motrin (advil, ibuprofin) is about the same. He hates the numbing gel but we do use it on occasion and it seems to work, though it numbs his tongue too; I'm sure it's uncomfortable!

We have ten gel-filled plastic/silicone things and we've tried them at room temperature and cold from the fridge. Some are very soft, some are harder, they're all different shapes, but he doesn't like any of them.

I've given him a bottle with a little water, just so he could chew the nipple if he wanted, but he doesn't do much with it (but he'll chew the heck out of MY nipples if he's done BFing and just wants comfort!)

Fabric, either warm, room temperature, cool or frozen doesn't seem appealing. I've tried fleece, facecloths, and a little baby blanket edged with satin. I've tried giving them dry, wet, nothing works. I thought it might be something he'd like, because he'll chew on a bib sometimes or on the top of his overalls.

Right now he's CRABBY, alternating pouting with screaming, and we've tried literally everything we can think of. Hubby's got him in his doorway bouncer now, but he doesn't want that, or his chair, or the swing, he doesn't want to lie down with either of us, doesn't want any of his toys.

He doesn't need changing or food, he's even had a bit of water since it's pretty hot here and I wondered earlier if the fever and heat outside were making him thirsty. AFAIK his mood is directly related to his teeth, and we're feeling SO lost. Anyone with experience, we'll take any suggestions, no matter how bizarre. HELP!!

Have you tried teething tables? I found they worked for Brennan.

You know those silcone rubber toothbrush things that fit on your finger? When Helena was super duper grouchy, she would like to sit on my lap and chew on that thing on my finger She would chew for like an hour (she did it last night too) Seemed to calm her down.

Seems like you are on the ball though!

Thanks for the suggestions! I actually think I have one of those finger brushes somewhere that we got as part of a shower gift, I'll go see if I can find it...

It took Motrin, rocking, nursing and some begging but he finally crashed about half an hour ago. He's still restless; I think we're in for a bad night.

My SIL had this little mesh baggie (I guess you can get them at some kids stores, I intend to buy one when my LO starts teething), and she would fill them with frozen fruit. Tasty, and helps with the discomfort!

Some nights are just horrible, and there is not too much you can do, other than what you are doing.

I don't really like the gels, because they numb other parts of their mouth and throat which can cause them to choke. We use teething necklaces...it's the absolute best thing I've bought for any of my kids. Hayden still wears his 24/7 because I know those 2yr molars will be coming soon. If you look at www.hyenacart.com/inspiredbyfinn there is a link there showing how they work and you can buy them there too if your interested. We use just that, no meds, nothing else and we seriously have no idea he's getting teeth until we see them start popping in

Im a second for Amber teething necklaces too, My dd always wears her's although you are advised to take them off at night.

The mesh bag thingys with frozen fruit are great - John Lewis sell them. You could also try filling some bottle teats with water and popping them in the freezer - attach them to the bottle as usual and let your LO chew on them - its the only thing that works for us -my LO hates every teething toy on the market - Ive got a cupboard full of the bloody things!

oooh am going to try the frozen teat thingy today!!!!! sounds fab