It is 2 a.m. Your baby is crying, drooling, and chewing her fist. Your mother says it is teething, and asks you to put kajal in her eyes so they look big and clear. You want to do the right thing, and the old ways at home come with love.
In short:
- Teething usually causes only mild signs like sore gums, drooling and a slight rise in temperature.
- High fever and loose motions are not normal in teething. They point to another illness, so a doctor should check the baby.
- Kajal does not make eyes bigger or clearer. The dark line only makes them look bigger.
- Many kajal, surma and kohl products contain lead, which can harm a baby's brain. Keep them away from a child's eyes.
What is teething and how does it work?
Teething is when a baby's first teeth come through the gums. Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months. The gum becomes sore and red, and the baby may drool more and chew on things.
These signs are usually mild and last only a few days. The baby may be fussy or not sleep well. A slight rise in temperature can happen, but it stays below 38C.
Teething does not cause high fever or loose motions. If these happen, they point to another illness. The baby needs a doctor's check.
What helps during teething?
Comfort for sore gums
- Gently rub the gum with a clean finger.
- Give a cold teething ring to chew. Watch out for choking.
- Cuddle and comfort your baby. Teething can hurt.
What to avoid
- Do not press hard on the gums or use harsh home remedies.
- Do not give any medicine without asking a doctor.
- Do not assume every new sign is teething.
Kajal and a baby's eyes
Many families put kajal on a baby's eyes with love. It is done to protect the child from nazar and to make the eyes look beautiful. The dark line around the eye does make the eyes look bigger in photos, so it feels like it works.
But kajal does not make the eye itself bigger. How well a child sees depends on how the eye and the brain grow, not on any eye cosmetic.
Many kajal, surma and kohl products contain a lot of lead. Lead from kajal reaches the baby's body through the eyes and hands. It keeps building up inside. This can harm the brain and the blood and cause fits.
Sharing one kajal stick or pot between children, or using dirty fingers, can spread eye infection. It can also cause allergy, burning and watering in the eyes.
Safe steps for parents
- Do not put kajal, surma or kohl on a child's eyes.
- If you want to keep the family tradition, put the mark behind the ear or on the foot, not on the eyes.
- Never share one kajal stick or pot between children.
- Wash your hands before touching a child's eyes.
- If kajal has been used on a child, ask a doctor to check the child's lead level.
You know your baby best. If any symptom worries you, get medical advice instead of waiting.
When to see a doctor
Babies can become ill quickly. Do not wait if you notice any of these signs.
- The baby's temperature is 38C or above.
- The baby has loose motions.
- The baby seems very unwell or in distress.
- The eye keeps watering, has discharge, or looks red or itchy.
- The child has fits or sudden jerking of the body.
- The child looks very pale, weak and tired again and again.
Why families believe these things
Teething and baby illnesses often happen at the same age. So families link them, and this belief has been passed down for generations.
Kajal is put on with love, to protect the child from nazar and to make the eyes look beautiful. Elders have always done it, and the dark line does make eyes look bigger in photos. So it feels like it works.
This is not about blaming anyone. The aim is to keep the baby safe and healthy.
Frequently asked questions
Does teething cause fever and loose motions?
Teething can cause a slight rise in temperature, but not a high fever or loose motions. These signs mean another illness and need a doctor's check.
Will kajal make my baby's eyes bigger or clearer?
No. The dark line only makes the eyes look bigger. It does not change the eye or eyesight.
Is homemade kajal safe for babies?
No. Many kajal, surma and kohl products contain lead, which can harm a baby's brain. Keep all eye cosmetics away from a child's eyes.
What can I do for sore gums during teething?
Gently rub the gum with a clean finger or give a cold teething ring to chew. Watch for choking and comfort your baby.
For any health problem in your baby, see a doctor.
