Baby teeth brushing

[Al&Em]

LO's first teeth have just come through a few weeks ago and have finally got round to getting some baby toothpaste and a toothbrush (one of those ones that goes on your finger). I was planning to incorporate the tooth-brushing with bathtime and have heard it can be a bit hard work. But our bedtime routine usually goes bath, milkfeed, bed, in that order. Should I be doing the teeth-brushing after the milk feed to stop his teeth being coated in milk all night? Assumed that would just lead to totally waking up a sleepy baby and wouldn't be ideal, but then don't want to damage his new teeth! Or is it mainly about teaching good habits at this stage? Also should we do morning teeth-brushing too?

[snowboarder]

Whilst yes I understand is ideal to brush post milk, we don't yet with baby. Older one doesn't have milk anymore so is ok - I actually do them both in the bath.

I do toddlers teeth in the morning as much as possible but not the baby...dunno why!

[bumpy]

I did evening in bath from beginning and still do - yep got to break that habit soon as still having milk before bed! And then started morning as well once he was eating 3 proper meals a day. For me the early days were about getting him used to teeth brushing and trying to establish a habit rather than actually 'cleaning' his teeth.

[RhubarbGarden]

We do teeth after milk before bed. At first it did upset the sleepy flow slightly, but it very quickly became routine. I think the key is to not force it on them; if they are not interested/throw the toothbrush just leave it for that night and try again tomorrow. It helps if you do yours at the same time, they love to feel they are doing something grown up. We phased in morning teeth brushing once evening had become habit. Don't let it become a battle, it's not worth it and they will learn. My 18 month old loves doing hers now (well, usually).

[oimissus]

I did teeth before milk until I stopped breastfeeding her to sleep which was when she turned 1, then (and now) I did milk then teeth then stories. My mum is a retired children's dentist and she thought this was fine (she said ideally they shouldn't have anything other than water once their teeth have been cleaned, but realistically . . . !), and my daughter at 2 doesn't seem to have any problems.