Dec 19, 20244 min read

Teething Troubles: How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better During Teething

Updated: Dec 30, 2024

By: Sarah Bossio, Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert

If you're a parent, you've probably had those nights—the ones where your baby's up crying, gnawing on their little fingers, and drooling like there's no tomorrow. The first thought? "Oh no, they must be teething again!"

But is the teething process the reason for all those restless nights? Or could it be something else? Let's unpack this together and talk about real solutions to improve your baby's sleep.

The answer may surprise you, but don't worry—I've got plenty of tips for pain relief and sleep that you can start using today.

What's Happening During the Teething Process?

Let's start with a quick breakdown of what happens when your baby is teething.

Teething begins early—usually around 4-7 months—and continues until about age 3. The symptoms of tooth eruption are pretty easy to spot:

Inflammation and tenderness of the gums
Swollen gums with a little white tooth popping through
Increased fussiness
Excessive drooling (also called excess salivation)

It sounds uncomfortable, right? But here's the kicker: acute teething pain usually only lasts 2 to 3 days as a tooth cuts through the gums. Yes, you read that right—just a few days!

So, what happens when your baby wakes up for weeks or months? That's not teething—it's a sign that other sleeping problems might be at play. We'll get to that soon.

Teething Symptoms vs. Normal Baby Behavior

Here's where things can get confusing. Not every sign points to teething.

What's Normal Behavior?

Excess salivation: Babies drool a lot. Their little saliva glands are working overtime in the first year.
Mouthing everything: Babies explore the world through their mouths. It's how they learn and develop!
Fussiness at night: Growth spurts, overstimulation, or hunger can all disrupt sleep.

Real Signs of Teething

Red, swollen baby's gums
A visible tooth pushing through
Gums that may look black and blue (especially for molars)

Suppose you don't see a tooth emerging and sleep disruptions last longer than a few days. In that case, it's time to look beyond teething pain and address your child's sleep habits.

How to Soothe Your Teething Baby (and Yourself)

Okay, so your baby is teething—what can you do to make it easier on everyone? Here are some simple, practical tips:

Offer a Cool Teether

Chilled baby teethers or teething toys can work wonders. Put them in the fridge (not freezer—that's too hard!) for gentle relief. The cold helps reduce inflammation and tenderness of the gums.

Try Gum Massage

Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby's gums. A little gum massage can go a long way in easing their discomfort.

Wipe Away Excess Drool

Excess saliva can irritate your baby's skin. Use a soft cloth to keep the face dry and prevent rashes.

Comfort with Soothing Baths and Baby Massage

A warm bath followed by a gentle baby massage can help your child relax before bed. It's a great way to add comfort while adhering to a consistent bedtime routine.

Keep a Calm Bedtime Routine

Speaking of routines. Sleep disruptions are inevitable when teething. But having a predictable bedtime routine makes a huge difference. Stick to calming activities like reading a book, dimming the lights, and cuddling.

Use Pain Relief When Needed

If your baby is genuinely uncomfortable, consult your paediatrician. Safe options like infant Tylenol or homoeopathic remedies like Camila teething drops can help manage teething pain. Just remember: medication should be a short-term solution.

Addressing Underlying Sleep Problems

Here's the truth: If your baby's sleep has been off for weeks (or months), it's not teething. Instead, it's likely time to establish sleep routines and teach your baby independent sleep skills.

Why Do Good Sleep Habits Matter?

Babies who know how to fall asleep on their bounce back quickly after a rough patch—like teething. They don't rely on rocking, feeding, or other sleep crutches.

If you're noticing:

Short naps
Multiple night wakings
Difficulty settling

It's time to get back to basics. Focus on consistency, comfort, and routine.

Key Takeaway: Don't Let Teething Be the Scapegoat!

Teething is rarely the cause of long-term sleep problems, though it may disrupt sleep for a few days. If you take the proper approach, such as utilizing a teething toy, massaging your baby's gums, and maintaining a calming bedtime routine, you can help your baby sleep better while also easing their discomfort.

And remember, you don't have to do this alone! If you're struggling to figure out the root of your child's sleep challenges, I'm here to help.

Need More Sleep Tips? Let's Connect!

I would love to talk with you about your specific sleep challenges and how I can help you get a better night of rest! Book a call with me to learn more about my personalized coaching options that get to the root cause of your baby's sleep struggles. Whether teething, poor sleep habits, or something in between, I'll help you get your nights (and sanity) back on track.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel for more sleep tips! By subscribing, you’ll be the first to know when I share new content each week.

If you found this helpful, leave a comment below—I'd love to hear from you! What's your go-to trick for managing teething and sleep?

Sweet dreams and happy parenting!

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I work with families one-on-one all the time who are experiencing issues with their babies' naps, overnight sleep, and more. If this sounds like you, please book a 15-minute sleep assessment call just so I can understand a little bit more about your child's sleep and then explain ways that I can work one-on-one with you to get it in order.

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