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Teething and Sleep: How to Help Your Baby Rest Comfortably

Honestly, teeth are one of my least favorite parts of parenting. Who knew that having a kid would involve teeth so much? It’s not fun when they grow in; keeping them clean is a project, and they end up being quite expensive. Teeth are blamed for general fussiness, excessive drooling, sleep setbacks, and pretty much everything else, from snot to low-grade fevers. Teething feels like it lasts forever and constantly comes and goes. Aside from the cost, the lack of sleep accompanying teething is the worst part of the whole thing. So, how do you know if your baby isn’t sleeping because they’re teething? And if teething is the true culprit, what can you do about it?

How Teething Affects Sleep

Teething typically begins around 4-7 months, though every baby is different. As teeth push through the gums, discomfort, and pain can make it harder for babies to settle down and stay asleep. Common sleep disruptions due to teething include:

  • Increased Night Wakings – Babies who previously slept well may start waking more frequently due to gum discomfort.
  • Difficulty Falling Asleep – Pain and irritation may make it harder for babies to relax at bedtime.
  • Shorter Naps – The discomfort can prevent babies from sleeping long enough to complete an entire sleep cycle.
  • Increased Fussiness – Babies may be cranky, clingy, or more challenging to soothe, making bedtime routines more difficult.

How to Help Your Teething Baby Sleep Better

While you can’t prevent teething from happening, here are a few tips to help you through it.

1. Provide Safe Teething Relief

  • Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring to help soothe sore gums.
  • Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
  • Try teething-friendly foods, like a cold washcloth or refrigerated cucumber slices (if your baby has started solids).

2. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine

A predictable bedtime routine can provide comfort and security. Stick to familiar steps such as a warm bath, gentle rocking, and a quiet story or lullaby before bed. Access my FREE sample schedules here!

3. Use Pain Relief if Needed

  • If your baby seems especially uncomfortable, you can talk to your pediatrician about using infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over six months) to help with pain relief.
  • Avoid teething gels with benzocaine, as they are not recommended for infants.
  • Hyland’s Teething tablets dissolve quickly and are a good holistic remedy.
  • Drool makes the skin on their chin and cheeks dry; use hypoallergenic lotion or nipple cream to prevent redness and chapping. 

4. Offer Extra Comfort and Reassurance

Teething can make babies extra clingy. Respond to their needs with extra cuddles, rocking, and soothing words. A little extra comfort can go a long way in helping them settle.

5. Optimize the Sleep Environment

  • Use a white noise machine to block out any household noises that might wake your baby.
  • Keep the room cool and dark to create a calm atmosphere.
  • Ensure your baby is dressed comfortably to prevent overheating, as teething can sometimes cause slight temperature increases.

When to Expect Relief

Each baby’s teething journey is different, but symptoms usually improve within a few days once the tooth has broken through the gums. If sleep disruptions persist beyond typical teething periods, other factors—such as developmental leaps, sleep regressions, or illness—may be at play. Ear pain often accompanies teething, so if you notice your little one rubbing or pulling at their ears, it may be worth a trip to the pediatrician.

Final Thoughts

Teething can be tough on babies and parents, but with patience and simple strategies, you can help your little one get the rest they need. Remember that this phase is temporary, and once those tiny teeth come in, your baby will likely return to more restful sleep patterns.

If sleep disruptions continue or your baby seems excessively irritable, consult your pediatrician to rule out other potential causes. And remember, you’re not alone—teething is a rite of passage, and soon, your little one will be flashing a brand-new toothy grin!

Need more sleep support? Reach out for personalized sleep coaching to help your baby (and you) rest easier!

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