Sleepless Nights: Teething Troubles of Babies

28 September, 2025 Doctor Pediatrician 1 category

Discover the telltale signs of teething and effective methods to help ease your baby’s discomfort. Seek guidance from expert midwives on our blog!

Teething can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience for your little one, particularly challenging during nighttime soothing.

Here’s what you need to know about:

Identifying signs of teething
Teething commencement
Coping with sleep disturbances related to teething
Tips for comforting a teething baby
Handling teething rashes
Establishing a bedtime routine

Signs your baby is teething

Your newborn is growing and may soon start teething.

Although babies teethe at varied stages, recognizing symptoms and supporting them can help navigate this challenging period.

Common indications of teething include:

Restlessness
Excessive drooling with skin irritation
Chewing on objects
Flushed cheeks
Increased nighttime awakenings
Difficulty settling down
Pulling or rubbing ears
Decreased appetite
Swollen gums
Diaper rash
Runny nose

Teething can be a tough time for both babies and parents. Providing your baby with teething toys or a cold washcloth to chew on can help soothe their gums. You can also gently massage their gums with a clean finger. If your baby is experiencing a lot of discomfort, talk to your pediatrician about safe pain relief options.

When does teething start?

Babies typically begin teething between 4-12 months, although this timeframe varies. Some may have a full set of teeth by 18 months, while others may take longer.

Most babies start with no teeth, but a few might have teeth at birth, requiring assessment by a specialist.

Teething stages:

Central incisors lower jaw (4-12 months)
Central incisors upper jaw (6-12 months)
Lateral incisors upper jaw (8-14 months)
Lateral incisors lower jaw (9-16 months)
Molars (12-36 months)
Canines (16-24 months)

Incisors are usually easier to erupt, while molars and canines may cause more discomfort.

Is teething causing sleeping problems?

If your baby wakes due to teething, they may display the aforementioned symptoms. Seek medical advice for any additional concerns.

Most sleep disturbances related to teething are temporary compared to other sleep issues.

Consult a healthcare professional if:

Baby has a fever
Rash develops
Excessive vomiting or diarrhea occurs
Awakenings persist without teething signs

Tips for helping a teething baby

Assist your teething baby in managing discomfort and returning to sleep. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms indicate another condition.

Here are some strategies to calm your teething baby:

Massage the gums

Gently massaging your baby’s gums with clean fingers can help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by teething.

Cool the gums

Chew toys that have been chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen) can provide relief to sore gums.

Provide something safe to chew on

Give your baby a clean and safe teething toy or a chilled washcloth to chew on to help soothe their gums.

Apply gentle pressure to the gums

Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort.

Play white noise or classical music

Using white noise or playing gentle music can help calm your teething baby and promote relaxation.

Assess pain relief options

Discuss with your healthcare provider safe pain relief options for your teething baby, such as infant pain relievers or teething gels.

Cuddling

Giving your baby extra cuddles and comfort can help provide relief during teething episodes.

Increase their fluids

Offer your baby plenty of fluids, such as water or breast milk, to keep them hydrated during teething.

Manage excessive drooling with appropriate products. Keep the skin clean and dry to prevent rashes.

Treat and prevent the pain and discomfort caused by dribble rash

Use remedies specifically designed to combat dribble rash and prevent skin irritation caused by increased drooling during teething.

How to soothe a teething rash around a baby’s mouth?

Utilize barrier creams to alleviate teething rashes and protect delicate skin.

Apply a thin layer to affected areas before bedtime for overnight relief.

Here are some additional tips to help a teething baby sleep better:

Provide teething toys or cold washcloths for your baby to chew on before bedtime.
Use a gentle, soothing touch or massage to help relax your baby before putting them to bed.
Consider giving your baby a warm bath before bedtime to help them relax and wind down.
Try using natural remedies such as chamomile tea or lavender essential oil to help calm your baby before sleep.
Make sure the room is cool, dark, and quiet to create a peaceful environment for your baby to sleep in.
Avoid giving your baby any medications without consulting a pediatrician first.

Key takeaways

Handle nighttime wakings due to teething with minimal disruption. Use high-quality barrier creams for teething-related rashes.

Access professional insights on teething challenges and care for your baby. Explore evidence-based materials regularly updated by experts.

Teething can pose difficulties, but with proper care and knowledge, parents and babies can navigate through this phase.

We will discuss teething symptoms, signs commonly mistaken for teething, methods to soothe inflamed gums, teething aids, things to avoid with teething infants, differences between acetaminophen and ibuprofen usage, and tips for aiding your teething baby’s sleep.

How long does teething last? # anchor

Teething can last between 5-30 months, but the discomfort usually lasts 24-72 hours before the tooth emerges.

What are the signs of teething? # anchor

Indications of teething:

Swollen gums with emerging teeth
Restlessness*
Decreased interest in solid foods*
Chewing on fingers and objects*
Increased drooling*

*These symptoms may be normal. The only definitive sign is the appearance of a tooth.

How can I help? # anchor

Offering cold washcloths for your baby to chew on can help relieve teething pain. You can also gently massage their gums to provide some comfort. It is important to consult your doctor before trying any home remedies to ensure they are safe for your child.

If your baby is in significant pain, you can administer pain relief medication. Ibuprofen is generally better for teething discomfort as it helps reduce inflammation in the gums. However, if your baby is under 6 months old, it is recommended to use acetaminophen instead.

What about sleep during teething? # anchor

Every baby is unique. Establishing a good sleep routine can aid during teething.

The first and best advice about teething and baby sleep: # anchor

Establish a strong sleep routine during the early months. A well-rested baby copes better with teething.

If your baby is 5–24 months, there’s still hope. # anchor

Implement the ABCs of Sleep plan for 10-12 hour nights. Ensure quality sleep even during teething episodes.

But let’s say you have a great little sleeper who is suddenly struggling… # anchor

Intense crying may not always be due to teething. Watch for signs of illness or other underlying issues.

If it is teething… # anchor

Consistency is key. Maintain a routine, bedtime, and nighttime approach.

Comfort your little one when they’re in pain. Deviating from the routine for a few nights shouldn’t disrupt overall good sleep.

With the right strategies and understanding, you can manage teething effectively!

It is important to note that teething may cause discomfort for your baby, but it is a normal developmental process. Providing comfort, maintaining consistency in routines, and seeking medical advice if needed can help you and your baby navigate through this challenging time.

References

Healthy Children – 2024, Teething

American Academy of Pediatrics – Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents

Information provided on this blog is for educational purposes, not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns related to your baby.

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About the Author

RN, BSN, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Expert in pediatric sleep. Trust Taking Cara Babies for support with baby sleep.

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Discover strategies to help your teething baby sleep better. Alleviate discomfort for improved sleep quality.

When does teething start?

Babies generally start teething around 6 months of age. Symptoms can include flushed cheeks, slight fever, excessive drooling, and more.

6 ways to help soothe a teething baby at night

Tips to aid a teething baby in getting a restful night’s sleep.

Room temperature

Maintain a comfortable room temperature for better sleep.

Skin-to-skin contact and cuddling provide comfort to teething babies.

Cuddles

Massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger for relief.

Massage their gums

White noise can help distract your baby from discomfort.

White noise to soothe and distract them

Offer safe teething rings for your baby to chew on. Some can be chilled to soothe sore gums.

Give them a cool teething ring before bed

Provide children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen for teething pain relief (over 3 months).

Ensure to check the dosages carefully before administering.

Other ways to help a teething baby

Understanding your baby’s sleep patterns aids in comforting them at night. Avoid exposure to blue light and offer a gentle massage before bedtime.

Teething babies can gnaw on raw fruits to alleviate pain. Supervise them closely.

When to see a doctor

If you have concerns about symptoms, consult your GP or NHS 111. Seek guidance on teething medications.

Consider using Nurofen for Children for pain relief before bedtime. Focus on sleep while we address teething discomfort.

If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider. The information provided is not meant for diagnosis or prescription. For further details or medical advice, consult your doctor or pharmacist.