Well, here it is! The very first Tint Tots Corner of 2026 and we’re delighted to feature two cute little girls and a charming little boy all having recently gone through the adorable (sometimes drooly) stage of sprouting their very first tooth. The topic for this edition is “Baby’s First Tooth” … a milestone that brings excitement along with tiny bites!! Typically the bottom front teeth usually come out first and yes teething can bring some crankiness and drool. Parents can try rubbing the gums with a clean finger or use a clean, cold, wet wash cloth to sooth irritation. If baby has a fever or fusses too much, consult your pediatrician. Parents, if you fancy your little cherub as one of the next winners of the Laudium Sun’s Tiny Tots Corner, there are a few simple rules as set out in the blue ‘Completion Rules’ box below. Good Luck!!
Competition Rules
- The Editor’s decision is final.
- This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area.
- Closing date: Thursday, February 19.
- Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses…as well as contact numbers.
- All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date.
Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know
- Most babies will develop teeth between 6 and 12 months. There is a wide range of variability regarding when a first tooth may appear. Some babies may not have any teeth by their first birthday! At around 3 months of age, babies will begin exploring the world with their mouth, have increased saliva and start to put their hands in their mouth. Many parents question whether or not this means that their baby is teething, but a first tooth usually appears at around 6 months old. Typically, the first teeth to come in are almost always the lower front teeth (the lower central incisors), and most children will usually have all of their baby teeth by age 3.
- Fluoride should be added to your child’s diet at 6 months of age. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by hardening the enamel of teeth. Fluoride is often added to tap water. Give your baby a few ounces of water in a sippy or straw cup when you begin them on solid foods (about 6 months of age). Speak with your pediatrician to see if your tap water contains fluoride or whether your child needs fluoride supplements. Fluoride is not typically found in most bottled water.
- Massaging sore gums or offering something cold, on an occasional rough night, can help soothe your baby’s teething pain. Usually teething doesn’t cause children too much discomfort; however, many parents can tell when their baby is teething. Babies may show signs of discomfort in the area where the tooth is coming in, the gums around the tooth may be swollen and tender, and the baby may drool a lot more than usual. Parents can help ease teething pain by massaging their baby’s gums with clean fingers, offering solid, not liquid-filled, teething rings or a clean frozen or wet washcloth. If you offer a teething biscuit, make sure to watch your baby while they are eating it. Chunks can break off easily and can lead to choking. Also, these biscuits are not very nutritious and most contain sugar and salt. A baby’s body temperature may slightly rise when teething; however, a true fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) is not associated with teething and is actually a sign of an infection that may require treatment. If your baby is clearly uncomfortable, talk with your pediatrician. Many children, however, will have no problems at all when their teeth come in!
- Do not use amber teething necklaces. Amber teething necklaces are not recommended. Necklaces placed around an infant’s neck can pose a strangulation risk or be a potential choking hazard. There is also no research to support the necklace’s effectiveness.
*To be continued in the next issue of Tiny Tots.
**If in any doubt, please consult your healthcare provider