Baby drool gets absolutely everywhere. Even when your baby is calm and content, those first pearly whites breaking through the surface of the gums can cause excessive amounts of dribble and drool, leaving your baby with damp clothes and a wet and clammy chest.
Dribble can not only be a little unsightly, but it can actually cause some unpleasant health issues for your baby too. If wet clothes are left too long against their skin, the dribble and drool can act as an irritant, leaving your baby with angry red skin flare ups, rashes and significant discomfort.
Here’s some simple tips on how to keep your teething baby dry:
- Embrace the burp cloths – Make an effort to pat away any visible dribble as soon as possible, particularly if you can see it running off your baby’s cheeks or chin. Use a gentle muslin or burp cloth, which are baby friendly and great at mopping up moisture too.
- Bring out the dribble bibs – Invest in a selection of super absorbent dribble bibs that can be worn over the top of your baby’s onesie, sleepsuit or clothes. Not only can they look incredibly cute, but ensure the dribble doesn’t have the opportunity to soak through to the under layers or make contact with their skin. Dribble bibs are quick and convenient to change as and when necessary, so ensure you pack a a steady supply in your diaper bag if you are heading out for the day.
- Change clothes if needed – You should avoid letting your baby sit with in a wet top for any extended duration (particularly during the summer months when it’s hot) as this can cause skin irritation. If you notice that your baby’s clothes are damp, change them at the earliest opportunity, ensuring they you get them clean and dry as soon as possible. If your baby is going through a significant dribbling phase, ensure you pack a number of spare tops or vests if you’re away from home for some time.
- Avoid rubbing your baby’s chest – when changing your baby’s clothes, avoid rubbing the delicate skin around their neck and chest. Instead, gently pat the surface to help it dry, slowly soaking up any moisture as you softly dab against their skin.
- Keep their chest clean – twice a day, wash and clean any irritated areas on their chest, neck or chin, ensuring you allow it to dry fully before replacing their clothing. You may even want to add some baby friendly moisturizer if the skin is looking particularly dry.
- Consider your laundry detergent – When washing your baby’s clothes, ensure you are using a non-bio detergent that is suitable for young and sensitive skin. Avoid using scented or heavily perfumed products as this can exacerbate any existing skin irritation.
- Tackle the teething – Whilst you can’t avoid the dribble and drool all together, you can help manage the symptoms of teething. Invest in a teething toy and allow your baby to chew on it in the bath or when getting ready for bed. You may find the process of chewing on a teething toy expels some of the dribble that otherwise works its way out during the day.
Lucy is a UK-based parenting and lifestyle blogger who has also featured in the Huffington Post. A Mom of two daughters, Lucy is passionate about sharing the true reality of parenthood and helping others through their first experiences. In her free time she loves to write, go on day trips with her family and photography.