Getting babies to sleep can be quite a challenge. It is common for babies to start sleeping longer stretches around three months old. By six months, about two-thirds of babies regularly sleep through the night.
Teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. This article explores why teething tends to worsen at night and provides tips to help your little one get the necessary rest.
Reasons Teething May be Worse at Bedtime
During the daytime, babies are often distracted, which decreases by bedtime. Teething can begin as early as three months old, and the discomfort may lead to frequent wake-ups.
If your baby is struggling to fall asleep due to teething pain, they might become overtired, making it difficult for them to rest.
How to Help Your Baby’s Teething Pain
There are several ways to assist a teething baby without resorting to pain medication. Stick to the bedtime routine, offer safe teething toys, provide cold items, and gently massage the gums.
Avoid using teething necklaces and bracelets as they can pose a safety risk.
Medications to Help with Teething
If your baby is still experiencing pain, you may consider giving them pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen after consulting with a pediatrician. It’s best to avoid applying pain medications directly to the gums.
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It can be distressing to see your baby in pain, especially when it affects their sleep. Use a variety of methods to provide relief, and consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.
Genevieve Kane, MSN, RN, is a mother of four and a registered nurse with a background in pediatrics. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking up tasty family dinners or keeping up with her kids on a hiking trail in her home state of Colorado.
The Nozebot is designed to clear nasal congestion in babies and children.
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Discover effective ways to help your teething baby sleep better. Teething can make it challenging for babies to fall asleep, impacting your sleep as well.
When does teething start?
Teething typically begins around 6 months old, with babies showing symptoms like flushed cheeks, fever, lack of sleep, excessive drooling, and more.
Some babies may start teething as early as 3 months old, while others may not begin until 12 months old. Every baby is different, so it’s important to monitor your child’s progress and comfort during this time.
Common signs of teething include irritability, chewing on toys or fingers, swollen gums, and a slight increase in body temperature. Providing teething toys or a clean, chilled washcloth for your baby to chew on can help alleviate some discomfort.
If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable during teething, consult with their pediatrician for advice on pain relief options. Remember, teething is a natural process that all babies go through, so patience and comfort measures are key during this time.
Teething rings
Teething rings can help soothe your baby’s gums and provide relief from teething pain. Make sure to choose safe teething rings that are designed for babies to chew on.
White noise
White noise machines can help create a calming environment for your baby to sleep in. The gentle sounds can distract your baby from teething pain and help them relax and fall asleep.
Pain relief
If your baby is in significant pain from teething, it may be necessary to provide pain relief medication such as children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medication to your baby.
Comforting bedtime routine
Establishing a comforting bedtime routine can help your baby feel secure and relaxed before going to sleep. This can include activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, and reading a bedtime story.
Regular check-ins
Check on your baby regularly throughout the night to offer comfort and reassurance. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle pat or a soothing voice to help your baby settle back to sleep.
Stay calm and patient
Dealing with a teething baby can be challenging, but it’s important to stay calm and patient. Your baby can pick up on your emotions, so maintaining a sense of calm can help them feel more secure and relaxed.
Other ways to help a teething baby
Monitor your baby’s sleep patterns to soothe them effectively, avoid exposure to blue light before bedtime, give gentle massages, and offer safe chewable items. In addition, you can try using teething toys or frozen washcloths to provide relief for your baby’s sore gums. You can also offer cold foods like applesauce or yogurt to help numb the pain. Remember to always supervise your baby while they are chewing on anything to prevent choking hazards. These simple tips can help make the teething process more manageable for both you and your baby.
When to see a doctor
If you have concerns, seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding your baby’s symptoms or medication for teething pain.
Massage their gums
Do not hesitate to use Nurofen for Children for teething pain relief before bedtime.
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White noise to soothe and distract them
HELP & SUPPORT
Always read the label. For medical advice, consult your GP or Pharmacist.
Nurofen offers a variety of pain relief products with Ibuprofen for adults and children over 12 years. Choose from liquid capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, and suspensions for different types of pain.
For muscular strains or sprains near joints, try Nurofen Medicated Plaster with Ibuprofen.
Combat cold & flu symptoms with Nurofen tablets containing Ibuprofen & phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Relieve headache and migraine pain with Nurofen Migraine Pain tablets.
For acute, moderate pain, try Nurofen Plus tablets with Ibuprofen and codeine (for 3-day use only).
For dual action pain relief, Nuromol tablets contain Ibuprofen & paracetamol.
Nurofen also offers a range of products for children of different ages, each containing Ibuprofen for pain and fever relief.
Remember to always read the label for proper dosing instructions.
Teething typically starts around 6 months old, with most baby teeth appearing by age 2.5.
When your baby is teething, you may notice symptoms such as drooling, irritability, and a desire to chew on things. To help soothe their discomfort, you can try giving them a clean, chilled teething ring to gnaw on or gently rub their gums with a clean finger.
Signs your baby is teething
If your baby is teething, they may exhibit signs like red cheeks, increased drooling, chewing on objects, sore gums, and occasional nappy rash.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your public health nurse or GP if your child:
If your baby experiences a high fever, diarrhea, or seems unwell, it may not be solely due to teething.
How to help your teething baby
To comfort and distract your teething baby, provide safe chew toys, use teething gels, offer pain relief when necessary, and provide cold drinks.
Teething rings
To soothe the gums, give your baby large teething rings and avoid using them around the neck. Use cold wet cloths or follow guidelines for safe teething ring usage.
Teething gels and pain relief
Sugar-free teething gels with local anesthetic are available for babies over 4 months. If gels are ineffective, consider sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen under your GP’s guidance.
Amber teething jewellery
Avoid using amber teething jewelry due to risks of choking. Opt for safe and approved teething remedies for your baby’s comfort.
Nappy rash and teething
To address nappy rash caused by teething, maintain cleanliness, dryness, and use barrier cream on your baby’s bottom.
When your baby is teething, their saliva may irritate their skin and cause nappy rash. To prevent and treat nappy rash during teething, make sure to change your baby’s nappy frequently, clean their bottom with mild soap and water, and pat it dry gently. Applying a thick layer of barrier cream before putting on a clean nappy can also help protect their skin from irritation.
Teething and crying
If the crying related to teething causes stress, seek support. Rest and ask for help from friends or family for your own well-being.
It’s important to remember that teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Some common signs of teething include irritability, drooling, and swollen gums. Providing your baby with teething toys or a cold washcloth to chew on can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Additionally, giving your baby a gentle massage on their gums with a clean finger can also provide some relief.
Thumb-sucking and soothers
Thumb-sucking for comfort is a common and generally harmless habit in young children.
Some parents may be concerned about thumb-sucking and its potential effects on the development of the child’s teeth and jaw. While prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental issues, most children naturally stop the habit on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. If a child continues to suck their thumb beyond this age, it may be necessary to intervene to prevent dental problems.
Soothers, or pacifiers, are another common comfort item for young children. Like thumb-sucking, pacifier use is generally harmless in moderation. However, prolonged pacifier use can also lead to dental issues and should be phased out as the child gets older.
It is important for parents to be patient and understanding when helping their child break the habit of thumb-sucking or pacifier use. Positive reinforcement, gentle reminders, and finding alternative comfort methods can all be helpful in encouraging a child to give up these habits.
Breastfeeding
Continuing breastfeeding up to 12 months can aid in preventing tooth decay. Seek advice if breastfeeding continues beyond 12 months.
When to start brushing your baby’s teeth
Establishing oral care habits early is important in developing toothbrushing routines for your baby. It is recommended to start cleaning your baby’s gums even before the first tooth erupts. You can do this by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings.
Once your baby’s first tooth erupts, it is time to start using a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Consulting a dentist around the time of the first tooth eruption can provide you with guidance on proper oral care for your baby.
First dentist appointment
Regular dental check-ups for babies are crucial for proper tooth development and early detection of dental issues.
It is recommended that a child’s first dentist appointment should take place around their first birthday, or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. During this appointment, the dentist will examine the child’s mouth and check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. They will also provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices for babies, such as cleaning their gums with a soft cloth or brush and avoiding sugary drinks.
Starting dental visits at a young age can help children develop good oral health habits and prevent future dental problems. It is important for parents to prioritize their child’s dental health and make regular dental check-ups a part of their routine healthcare.
Babies with tongue tie
Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of skin under the baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, restricting the movement of the tongue. This can impact oral hygiene as well as breastfeeding, speech development, and even dental health. Babies with tongue tie may have difficulty latching onto the breast, which can lead to poor feeding and inadequate nutrition.
If you suspect that your baby has tongue tie, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can assess the severity of the condition and discuss management options, which may include a simple procedure called a frenotomy to release the tight frenulum. Early intervention is key to preventing potential complications and ensuring your baby’s optimal development.
When to get medical advice
Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if your baby:
Symptoms like high fever, lethargy, or a widespread rash are not typical signs of teething. Concerns about dehydration or persistent symptoms should prompt medical attention.
Consult healthcare providers for any concerns regarding your baby’s symptoms or teething-related problems.
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Page last reviewed: 4 February 2022
Next review due: 4 February 2025
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Babies can become fussy and irritable when teething. Explore expert-recommended solutions to ease their discomfort during this challenging period.
1. Give your baby a cold teething ring or damp washcloth to chew on. The cold temperature can help numb the gums and provide relief.
2. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger to help soothe the pain caused by teething.
3. Offer your baby cold foods like yogurt or pureed fruits to help numb the gums and provide a comforting sensation.
4. Use over-the-counter teething gels or medications recommended by your pediatrician to alleviate discomfort.
5. Give your baby a gentle cuddle or rocking session to provide comfort and distraction from the teething pain.
6. Keep teething toys or other safe objects for your baby to chew on to help relieve the pressure on their gums.
7. Make sure to maintain a routine for cleaning and caring for your baby’s teeth and gums to prevent further discomfort during teething.
Teething symptoms
Loss of appetite
7 teething remedies for babies
Always supervise your baby while using these methods:
Massage gums: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger to provide relief.
Soothing Remedies for Teething Babies
- Chill a teething ring, washcloth, or spoon to ease sore gums
- Use BPA-free teething toys for safe chewing
- Try nursing for comfort during teething
- Engage baby with toys for distraction
- Offer cold solid foods like yogurt or purees
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed
Teething remedies to avoid
Avoid unsafe teething remedies:
- Avoid topical anesthetics with benzocaine or lidocaine
- Avoid teething tablets with harmful ingredients
- Avoid teething necklaces due to choking hazard
- Avoid unapproved pain relievers and sugary substances
How to soothe a teething baby at night
Nighttime soothing methods:
- Offer chilled teething ring
- Gently massage gums
- Provide comfort through breastfeeding or bottle
- Consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort
When to consult your pediatrician
Contact a pediatrician if your baby displays:
- Extreme, unsoothable irritability
- Signs of dehydration
- Worsening symptoms
If you have questions about teething, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.
Babies start teething when their teeth begin pushing through their gums, which can be uncomfortable, painful, and make them fussy and irritable. Let’s explore some expert-approved remedies to soothe your baby’s gums.
Teething symptoms
Loss of appetite
7 teething remedies for babies
Always supervise your baby while using these methods:
- Massage gums gently
- Use cold objects like teething rings or washcloths
- Offer BPA-free teething toys
- Consider breastfeeding as a comfort measure
- Provide distractions with toys or activities
- Offer cold solid foods if baby has started solids
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed
- Try natural remedies like chamomile tea or ginger root (consult with pediatrician first)
- Keep baby’s teething toys clean and sanitized to prevent any infections
- Use a clean finger or gauze to gently rub baby’s gums to provide relief
Teething remedies to avoid
Avoid unsafe teething remedies:
- Avoid topical anesthetics with benzocaine or lidocaine
- Avoid teething tablets with harmful ingredients
- Avoid teething necklaces due to choking hazard
- Avoid unapproved pain relievers and sugary substances
How to soothe a teething baby at night
Nighttime soothing methods:
- Offer chilled teething ring
- Gently soothe gums with massage
- Provide comfort by breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Consider using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Intense, inconsolable fussiness
- Symptoms of dehydration
- Symptoms getting worse
When to consult your pediatrician
Reach out to the pediatrician if your baby displays:
If you have any inquiries regarding teething, don’t hesitate to contact your local Summer Health pediatrician for assistance. Summer Health offers pediatric telehealth services around the clock, addressing urgent issues and answering common questions about your child’s well-being.
Summer Health provides prompt and trustworthy pediatric urgent care through online consultations via text. Whether you are concerned about your baby’s fever, skin conditions, or other childcare worries, our experts are available to offer advice and assistance whenever you need it, all from your mobile device.