How to soothe teething pain and improve your baby's sleep
Teething - the infamous culprit behind countless sleepless nights! It’s often the first thing that comes to mind when a baby’s sleep becomes chaotic. But is teething really the cause of so many sleep issues?
In this blog, we’ll explore whether teething affects sleep quality and offer holistic, gentle strategies to ease your baby’s discomfort, ensuring more restful nights for everyone.
Understanding teething: Is it really the cause of sleep disruptions?
It’s no surprise that teething is often blamed for sleep problems:
Frequent night wakings? Teething.
Early morning wakings? Definitely teething.
Nap resistance? Yep, you guessed it - teething again!
But the truth is, teething may not always be the cause. (Spoiler alert - most of the time, it isn’t!) As parents, we often attribute normal infant behaviour to teething, but not every grizzle or dribble is a sign of a new tooth. Let’s break down the real signs of teething versus typical baby behaviour.
Recognising the signs of teething in babies
Here are the acute symptoms of teething that tend to show up just a few days before a tooth breaks through:
Swollen gums
Excessive drooling
Gnawing on everything
Rosy red cheeks
Pulling at ears or rubbing the cheek
Loss of appetite
Usually, after these signs appear, a tooth makes its debut within 3-4 days, not weeks or months as some may think.
Common misconceptions about teething and sleep
Drooling: Young babies drool a lot, but this doesn’t always mean teething; it's often due to underdeveloped swallowing reflexes.
Grizzling: Babies can be fussy for a variety of reasons - teething is just one of them.
Changes in Nappies: A slight change in bowel habits isn’t always linked to teething.
When does teething start? Understanding the teething timeline
The average age for a baby’s first tooth is around 6 months, but this timeline can vary. Some babies are born with a tooth (yes, really!), while others don’t get their first one until after their first birthday. Understanding the teething timeline is essential for managing expectations around baby sleep and discomfort.
How teething affects sleep: The impact of teething pain
Teething can have a noticeable effect on your baby’s sleep, and if you’re in the middle of it, you’re probably feeling it! Here's a breakdown of how teething can disrupt nighttime rest and what to keep in mind:
Physical discomfort during teething
As teeth push through the gums, babies can experience soreness, swelling, and discomfort. Unfortunately, this teething pain tends to be worse at night, when there are fewer distractions and the body’s natural pain relievers (endorphins) drop. The result? Babies often wake more frequently or struggle to fall back asleep.
Increased need for comfort from parents
Teething naturally makes babies crave extra physical comfort, whether it’s cuddles, breastfeeding, or bottle-feeding. Sucking helps relieve gum pressure, so don’t worry - offering that extra bit of soothing during teething is perfectly fine. It’s not creating ‘bad habits’, but rather responding to your baby’s immediate needs for comfort during teething.
Emotional sensitivity: How teething affects your baby's mood
Teething often coincides with developmental leaps, which means your baby might be extra sensitive or clingy. This emotional sensitivity can lead to more night wakings and may require more support from you to resettle. During this time, being responsive - whether through extra cuddles or co-sleeping - can provide the comfort they need. Again, don’t worry about creating long-term ‘bad habits’!
Difficulty latching during night feeds
Breastfeeding can become a bit more challenging for babies with sore gums, which might lead to frustration during night feeds. Offering a cool teething ring or a gentle gum massage before feeding might help relieve the pain enough to make latching easier.
Interrupted circadian rhythms due to teething
Teething can also mess with your baby’s internal body clock (circadian rhythm). This rhythm helps regulate sleep and wake times, but discomfort from teething can throw it off. Keeping your bedtime routine consistent and calming - incorporating cues like dim lighting, lavender scents, or even a warm - help your baby stay on track, even if teething throws a curveball. Aim to keep the same morning wake-up time (within 30 minutes) as this really helps anchor the day.
When teething disrupts your baby’s sleep, a gentle and responsive approach will help them through this phase without adding stress to the mix. While it might feel intense right now, with a bit of extra comfort and patience, you'll both get through it.
Holistic, gentle strategies for managing teething and sleep
Soothing remedies for teething pain
Homoeopathic gels can be helpful in managing pain without over-reliance on medication. Of course, if your little one is in a great deal of pain, consider pain relief, but try not to make it the first thing you reach for.
Comfort through connection: Providing extra cuddles
Providing extra cuddles and comfort at night might be all your baby needs during this time. Safe co-sleeping may be a good option - not only does it provide your baby with connection and reassurance from you, but it might also be the best way for you to get the best sleep during this tricky time.
Gum massage for teething relief
Gently massaging your baby's gums with clean fingers can provide relief. The pressure helps soothe the soreness caused by teeth pushing through. You can also use a cool, damp cloth for the massage to amplify the soothing effect.
Offer something cold to soothe gums
Cold items can help numb the gums, reduce inflammation, and ease the pain temporarily. You can offer a cold teething ring (chill it in the fridge, not the freezer) or a clean, damp washcloth that's been chilled.
Cold foods for teething relief
Cold foods can be a lifesaver for soothing sore gums. Here are a few gentle, go-to options that are not only delicious but also offer a cooling effect to help ease teething discomfort:
Watermelon : A big hit with most little ones, watermelon’s soft, juicy texture is easy for them to munch on, and its coldness soothes tender gums. Pro tip: leave the rind on! It’s safe to chew and provides a firmer texture for them to gnaw on. Plus, it’s a hydrating treat for those warmer days.
Cucumber : Super versatile and refreshing, serve cucumbers cold, either in slices or sticks. You’ve got a healthy, crunchy snack that feels good on sore gums. You can even make it more fun by offering some dip options like hummus or yoghurt - perfect for adding variety to snack time while they’re teething.
Frozen Blueberries : Bite-sized, cold, and easy to handle, frozen blueberries are the perfect distraction when your baby feels cranky or uncomfortable from teething. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them while they eat to prevent choking, and enjoy the added benefit of blueberries being rich in antioxidants!
Just remember to always supervise your baby while they’re eating, especially when trying new foods.
Maintaining routine during teething
When it comes to maintaining a sleep routine during teething, you might have heard that you must stick to your usual schedule no matter what. But honestly, teething is a lot like when your baby is unwell - you’ve got to roll with it! You might notice daytime naps are shorter or more disrupted, and that’s okay. Instead of stressing about every nap, focus on keeping your bedtime routine consistent and try to stick to the usual start time for the day. The good news is that once those teeth pop through, you’ll find yourself back on track, and things will settle down again.
Teething and sleep: The bigger picture
Teething may cause short-term sleep disruption, but it’s not usually the only reason for your baby’s sleep struggles. Other factors, like developmental leaps, separation anxiety, or not enough sleep pressure, can also contribute to frequent night wakings. It’s helpful to consider teething as one small part of the puzzle rather than the sole cause of disrupted sleep.
Gentle solutions for a restful night’s sleep
The key takeaway? If your little one is waking frequently during the night, don’t rush to conclude that it’s all due to teething and reach for the pain relief right away. Instead, be curious. Explore other possibilities - whether it’s developmental changes, shifts in their environment, or just a need for extra comfort.
As always, trust your instincts. You know your baby best, and meeting their needs with gentle, responsive care can make all the difference. Whether it’s extra cuddles or a soothing feed, remember that this phase is temporary, and you will get through it.
Need more guidance for managing your baby’s sleep challenges, teething-related or otherwise?
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