Just Another Manic Mommy

Dear Manic Mommy: Hi there, I am the mother of a 13-month-old daughter. She is generally a good girl but recently she has been cutting six teeth at once. The teeth have cut through, but on top of that she has developed a viral infection which seems to have manifested itself amongst other things as a rash.

Since she has been ill she has become so clingy to me, which she never was before, and she has started to refuse food, knocking it out of my hands and will only eat other people's food. She will not go near family members that she usually adores; she has become constantly uptight, moody and all round miserable, topped off with a constant whining that makes every muscle is my neck tighten up! I just want my little girl back and I would be grateful for any advice you could give me!

Thanks, Lisa Smith

Manic Mommy: Dear Lisa, teething SUCKS with a capital S! I remember my precious Ajers at about 15 months started bashing his head against his crib, causing forehead bruises, because his teeth hurt so bad. He wouldn't eat, didn't sleep at night, and all the drooling did cause a rash on his chin and a miserable attitude for a long while! As with any phase, it will get better, and then yes, something else will come along, and you'll probably wish back to those "easy days" when the only problem was when your little baby was teething!

Some suggestions to make your daughter more comfy - Baby Orajel on her gums, Tylenol or Motrin. Stick a wet clean washcloth in the freezer and let her chew on it when it freezes. Or give her a frozen bagel or soft pretzel to gnaw on. I hope this soon passes and your precious baby starts feeling better! I know it's no fun!