Teething is a time that many new parents dread. With your child feeling uncomfortable, it’s understandable that they may be crying or whining more, and this can disrupt both their sleeping pattern and yours.
If you think your baby has started teething, don’t worry; we have everything you need to know right here. Keep reading to learn what teething signs to look out for and our top tips on how to soothe a teething baby at night.
Signs your baby is teething
Teething is a natural process every child will experience from as early as three months old. While some babies may show barely any signs of teething, others may show a lot of discomfort. Here are some common signs to look out for.
- Swollen and red gums.
- Increased drooling.
- Increased biting and chewing.
- Irritable mood.
- Loss of appetite.
How teething affects sleep
You may also see changes in their sleep with increased night waking and refusing to nap during the day. However, this can also be a sign of sleep regression which may happen around the same time for some babies. If you have a child experiencing both simultaneously, we wish you the best of luck! Remember to stay calm and patient (easier said than done, we know!) and guide your child through this challenging time as best as you can (our tips below will help!). Don’t forget to also take care of yourself and celebrate the small wins.
Do babies sleep more when teething?
Generally, babies won’t sleep more while they’re teething; they’re more likely to have trouble sleeping because of their pain and discomfort. But, it is possible for some babies to sleep more during a particularly bad teething period as it’ll make them feel under the weather and have less energy.
Teething or sleep regression?
So, how can you tell if it’s teething or a sleep regression? Well, more often than not, you’ll notice some other teething signs during the day. If they’re teething, they may also be waking up after just 10-20 minutes of sleep from discomfort. Sleep-regressing babies are more likely to wake briefly in the middle of their sleep cycles rather than as often as teething babies.
5 ways to soothe a teething baby at night
To help soothe your baby while their teething and improve their sleep, follow these 5 tips:
1. Gum massage
For some natural pain relief, a gentle gum massage is one of the best teething remedies. With clean hands, use your fingers to rub your baby’s gums in a circular motion. Your baby might try to suck or chew on your fingers, which is perfectly normal, but if they’ve already grown some teeth, be careful.
2. Comforting bath
Before bedtime, a warm, comforting bath can help soothe your baby’s body and relax them enough to sleep. Including some fun bath toys, such as books, stacking cups, and squirting toys, may also help to distract them from any discomfort.
3. Cooling teethers
Soothing your baby’s gums with something cold is a great teething remedy - especially during the warmer months. A cooling teether, like those in our IcyBite assortment, can go in the fridge to provide cooling relief on sore gums.
4. Pain medicine
If nothing else seems to be working, we suggest speaking to your child’s healthcare provider for advice on using pain or teething medicine. They will be able to advise you on the best medicine to give your child to help their discomfort and the right dosage.
5. Extra cuddles
Sometimes, the biggest comfort for a teething baby can simply be some extra cuddles. Nothing beats a good, cozy snuggle time with Mom or Dad. Settle down in a comfortable spot and rock your baby until they start to quiet down and feel better. Not only will this help them feel comforted, but it can also give you some much-needed rest.
How long do sleepless teething nights last?
While every baby is different, teething generally disturbs a baby’s sleep for around 3-7 days as the new tooth pops through. So, while it may be a frustrating and difficult time, it’s not forever, and they’ll feel just as happy as you when that tooth finally emerges.
Take a look at our wide range of teething toys and pacifiers designed to keep babies entertained and soothed during their teething phase.
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