Short Abstract:
Learn how to soothe your baby during teething and when to start baby teething care. This guide covers signs, sleep challenges, and safe comfort solutions.
It's heartbreaking for parents to see their babies struggle with teething. You may feel helpless and tired after those sleepless nights, constant drooling, and tears. There are many signs that your child is teething. This guide will help you understand what your child is going through and give you tried-and-true ways to ease their pain so everyone can get some much-needed rest.
Signs That Your Baby Is Teething
Recognizing teething symptoms early helps you respond quickly and provide comfort. Most babies show several tell-tale signs that those tiny teeth are making their way through the gums.
Physical Symptoms
- Excessive drooling that may cause a rash around the mouth and chin
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Swollen, tender gums that appear red or bulging
- A low-grade fever (under 101°F) that comes and goes
- Pulling at ears due to referred pain from the gums
Behavioral Changes
- Increased fussiness and irritability throughout the day
- Refusing favorite foods or nursing more frequently for comfort
- Gnawing and chewing on everything within reach
- Disrupted sleep patterns with more frequent night wakings
A baby teething mitten can be particularly helpful during this phase, as it gives babies something safe to chew on while keeping their hands clean. The Momcozy Teething Mitten is a good option. It is made of safe, BPA-free silicone and has multiple textures to soothe different sore spots. The strap is adjustable to fit baby's hand, and it's easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher. You might also notice your baby rubbing their face or cheeks more often. These signs typically appear a few days before the tooth breaks through and may continue until it fully emerges.
When Does Teething Begin?
Between four and seven months, most babies start teething. The lower central incisors, which are the bottom front teeth, generally come in first. The top front teeth usually come in around six to eight months. Other babies don't get their first tooth until after they turn one year old. Some babies are early bloomers and may start as early as three months.
Genetics plays a big role in teething timelines. If you or your partner got your teeth early or late, your baby may do the same. Premature babies may also get their first teeth later than babies who were born at full term, which is more in line with their adjusted age than their birth age.
When Does Teething End?
The teething process continues until around age three. By the time your child reaches their third birthday, they should have all 20 primary teeth. The molars, which emerge last, are often the most uncomfortable because of their larger size and broader surface area.
Typical Teething Timeline
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6-10 months: Bottom and top front teeth
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9-16 months: Side front teeth (lateral incisors)
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13-19 months: First molars
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16-23 months: Canine teeth
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23-31 months: Second molars
The final stretch with those second molars can be particularly challenging. Many parents find that the initial teething phase is easier to manage than the later stages.
Does Teething in Babies Affect Sleep?
Teething absolutely disrupts sleep patterns for many infants. The discomfort from swollen gums becomes more noticeable at night because there are fewer distractions. Your baby might wake up crying multiple times, struggle to fall asleep initially, or wake earlier than usual in the morning.
The pain can prevent babies from reaching deep sleep stages, leading to lighter, more fragmented rest. This creates a cycle where overtiredness makes them more sensitive to discomfort, which further disrupts sleep. A baby sound machine can help mask household noises and create a consistent sleep environment, though it cannot eliminate teething pain. The Momcozy DreamSync™ Smart Baby Sound Machine helps soothe fussy babies using calming sounds and soft, colorful lights. It helps your baby drift off to sleep. It also has a gentle glow that you can use for night feedings or diaper changes without waking them too much.
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During teething, it's even more important to stick to your normal sleep routine. Even if your baby isn't feeling well, being consistent can help them know it's time to sleep.
Do Babies Sleep More When Teething?
Some parents think that kids will sleep more when they are teething, but this is not always the case. They can't get into a deep, restful sleep because of the pain and fatigue. You might notice earlier wake-up in the morning, shorter naps, and more night wakings.
It is true that some kids do sleep more after really bad teething episodes. This usually happens because they've exhausted themselves from fighting sleep while in pain. That extra sleep helps them recover from the stress of teething, which is both hard on their bodies and minds. These longer sleep periods are only temporary and don't really mean a true increase in overall sleep needs.
How to Tell If It's Teething Pain Causing Nighttime Trouble
Distinguishing between teething discomfort and other issues like illness or sleep regressions can be tricky. Teething pain typically comes and goes rather than being constant, and your baby may seem fine during the day but struggle at night.
Check your baby's gums by gently rubbing a clean finger along them. If teething is the culprit, you'll likely feel hard spots where teeth are pushing through, and your baby may push back against your finger or try to bite down. The gums might look swollen or appear as raised white spots where the tooth is about to emerge.
Teething vs. Illness
| Teething Symptoms |
Illness Symptoms |
| Low fever (under 101°F) |
High fever (above 101°F) |
| Increased drooling |
Decreased appetite across all meals |
| Gnawing and biting |
Lethargy and lack of interest in play |
| Temporary fussiness |
Persistent crying regardless of comfort measures |
| Localized gum discomfort |
Body aches or congestion |
A baby carrier can be useful for keeping your little one close and comforted during fussy teething days while allowing you to move around. For instance, the Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier is lightweight and lets you be hands-free. It supports babies from 3 months old in a healthy "M" position. Its X-shaped back design spreads weight evenly, making it more comfortable for you while you comfort your baby. If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
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How Long Does Teething Fussiness Last?
Teething fussiness varies significantly from baby to baby and even from tooth to tooth. Most babies experience discomfort for about three to five days before a tooth breaks through the gum, with peak irritability occurring in the 24 to 48 hours right before the tooth emerges.
Once the tooth cuts through, relief is usually immediate or comes within a day. Front teeth tend to cause less discomfort than molars because they're smaller and have a more pointed surface. Molars can take longer to emerge fully and may cause fussiness for up to two weeks.
Some babies sail through teething with minimal complaints, while others become noticeably upset with each new tooth. Multiple teeth coming in simultaneously can extend fussy periods.
Safe and Soothing Teething Solutions
Learning how to soothe a baby during teething requires a combination of approaches. Different strategies work for different babies, so be prepared to try several options before finding what helps your little one most.
Cold Therapy Options
Chilled washcloths provide numbing relief when babies chew on them. Wet a clean cloth, wring it out, and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Avoid freezing items solid, as this can damage sensitive gums. Cold baby teether toys made from food-grade silicone offer a safe alternative that's easy for little hands to grip.
Massage Techniques
Gentle gum massage with a clean finger can temporarily relieve pressure. Wash your hands thoroughly, then use a circular motion to rub the sore areas for about two minutes. Some babies find this incredibly soothing, while others may resist at first.
Safe Products to Consider
- Food-grade silicone teethers in various shapes and textures
- Mesh feeders with frozen fruit for older babies (6+ months)
- Teething rings filled with water that can be chilled
- Natural rubber teething toys free from harmful chemicals
Avoid teething tablets, numbing gels with benzocaine, or amber teething necklaces. These products carry safety risks that outweigh potential benefits. Always supervise your baby with any teething toy to prevent choking hazards.
7 Tips to Soothe a Teething Baby at Night
Nighttime teething pain requires special attention since you're balancing comfort with maintaining healthy sleep habits. Start your bedtime routine slightly earlier to allow extra time for soothing measures.
- Give pain relief medication (if recommended by your pediatrician) about 30 minutes before bedtime so it takes effect as your baby settles down.
- Offer a chilled teething toy during the bedtime routine to provide immediate relief.
- A gentle gum massage right before the final feeding can also help.
- Keep the room slightly cooler (68-72°F) as babies in pain may feel warmer.
- Use white noise or gentle lullabies from a baby sound machine to mask discomfort sounds.
- Ensure pajamas aren't too tight around the face or chin where drool rash develops.
- Have a cool, damp washcloth ready for middle-of-the-night wake-ups.
Stay nearby during the initial settling period, but try to avoid immediately picking up your baby at every sound. Sometimes babies make noises while adjusting position and will settle back down independently. These nighttime strategies help you know how to soothe a teething baby while preserving sleep skills you've worked hard to establish.
When to Seek Professional Help
Most teething symptoms are manageable at home, but certain situations warrant a call to your pediatrician.
- High fevers above 101°F aren't caused by teething alone and may indicate an infection requiring treatment.
- Contact your doctor if your baby refuses all food and liquids for more than 12 hours, as dehydration becomes a concern.
- Persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash that spreads beyond the mouth area also requires medical attention.
- If your baby seems inconsolable despite your best efforts, or if they develop signs of an ear infection like tugging at their ears with a high fever, don't hesitate to seek guidance.
- Excessive drooling that causes severe rashes or difficulty breathing needs immediate evaluation.
Trust your instincts as a parent—you know your baby best, and seeking reassurance from a healthcare provider is always appropriate.
When to Start Baby Teething Care
Dental care begins well before the first tooth appears. Starting baby teething care early establishes healthy habits that last a lifetime.
- Begin wiping your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings from birth onward. This practice removes milk residue and bacteria while getting your baby accustomed to mouth cleaning.
- Around three to four months, even before teeth emerge, introduce a soft-bristled infant toothbrush during bath time as a toy. This familiarizes your baby with the brush's texture and taste.
- Once that first tooth breaks through, graduate to an actual cleaning routine twice daily. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a rice grain) and gently brush the tooth and surrounding gums.
Early dental care prevents cavities and makes future tooth brushing less of a battle.
How Do I Care for My Baby's New Teeth?
Those tiny new teeth need gentle but thorough care. Brush twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Increase to a pea-sized amount around age three. You can refer to the following daily care routine:
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Morning: Brush after breakfast to remove food particles and bacteria
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Evening: Brush after the last feeding before bed
- Clean all tooth surfaces, front and back
- Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as this leads to tooth decay. If your baby needs comfort sucking, offer water instead. Schedule your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing.
Limit sugary foods and drinks as your baby starts solids. Establish healthy eating patterns early to protect developing teeth. These simple steps ensure those precious baby teeth stay healthy until permanent teeth are ready to emerge.
Find the Right Comfort Tools for Your Teething Baby
The teething survival kit of each parent depends on their child. Try different shapes and materials of baby teether toys to find which your baby likes. Maintain a clean, cooled teether supply by rotating selections. For those days when nothing but being held will do, buy a good baby carrier. This keeps your hands free while providing comfort. Teething is brief, and each tooth brings your infant closer to a healthy smile.
FAQs
Q1: How Can I Ease the Pain of My Teething Baby?
If your baby is teething, give them chilled things to chew on, like teething rings or a washcloth. The cold will numb their sore gums, and you can also gently rub their gums with a clean finger to ease the pressure. If your doctor says it's okay, infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain. Extra cuddles and playtime can distract your baby's attention. Try different methods throughout the day to see what works best. Always keep an eye on your baby when they are chewing on teething toys, and stay away from products with benzocaine.
Q2: How Long Does Teething Fussiness Last?
Most babies are fussy for three to five days per tooth. Just before the tooth breaks through the gum, it hurts the most. Babies feel better within a day after their tooth comes in. Most babies have trouble with their front teeth for two to three days. If they're bigger, molars can make kids fussy for up to a week. Each baby is different. Some fuss for a day, while others stay cranky all week. If the fussiness lasts longer than ten days, call your child's doctor.
Q3: What Is the Most Painful Stage of Teething?
First molars are usually the hardest. They are big and flat, and they come in between 13 and 19 months. They push through more gum tissue. When a child is 23 to 31 months old, their second molars can hurt just as much. Some babies cry a lot when they get their first teeth around six months. This is because they aren't used to how that feels yet. The tips of the canine teeth are sharp and rough. Since every child is different, your baby may have a better or worse time than other babies.
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