Teething Troubles: How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better During Teething
Ashli Daley, RN, CPST, Lactation & Infant Sleep Expert
This blog was written in paid partnership with Dr. Brown's.
Teething can feel like a daunting phase, especially when you're worried it might disrupt your baby's sleep. The good news? Teething doesn't typically cause as much havoc as we might think. Most babies adjust well, and with a few intentional strategies, you can help your little one stay comfortable and get the rest they need.
What Is Teething and When Does It Start?
Every baby follows their own timeline, but the bottom two teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to make an appearance, often between six and nine months. Teething is a natural part of development, and while some babies sail through with little discomfort, others may experience fussiness, drooling and gum sensitivity.
While teething might make your baby wake briefly or seem a bit unsettled, it doesn't often cause prolonged sleep disruptions. Babies are resilient, and teething is just one of many phases they'll navigate.
Managing Teething Discomfort
According to Healthy Children.org, there are safe and effective ways to ease teething discomfort.
Simple Soothing Techniques
- Rub or massage gums: Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby's gums. The pressure can be comforting.
- Cold washcloth: A damp, chilled washcloth (not frozen) can help soothe tender gums.
- Teething rings or toys: Opt for firm teethers like the AquaCool Water-Filled Teether from Dr. Brown's, which are designed for safe, effective relief. Avoid frozen teethers, as they can become too hard and potentially harm your baby's gums.
What to Avoid
- Teething gels or tablets: Over-the-counter teething gels and homeopathic teething tablets are not recommended. In rare cases, they can be harmful to babies.
- Amber necklaces: Despite their popularity, there's no evidence that amber necklaces relieve teething pain. They also pose choking and strangulation risks.
- Frozen teethers: These can become too hard, causing more harm than comfort. Stick with cooled, firm options instead.
Medication for Discomfort
For significant discomfort, over-the-counter medications like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over six months) can be considered, but always consult your healthcare provider first.
Teething and Sleep: What to Know
It's common for parents to attribute nighttime fussiness or short naps to teething, but sleep disruptions may often have other causes, like developmental milestones or hunger. If teething seems to be a factor, here are a few tips to help your baby rest easier:
- Stick to a routine: Maintain your baby's bedtime routine, as predictability builds trust.
- Comfort measures before bed: Offer a teething ring, massage their gums, or cuddle to help them settle before sleep.
- Manage night waking intentionally: If your baby wakes during the night, offer comfort but try not to introduce new habits (like rocking or feeding to sleep) that might be harder to phase out later.
Remember, teething is temporary. While your baby may need extra comfort during this time, it's unlikely to cause significant long-term changes to their sleep patterns.
Dental Care for Tiny Teeth
As those first teeth make their debut, it's the perfect time to establish good oral hygiene habits. Healthy teeth start with healthy gums!
- Clean before teeth erupt: Use a damp washcloth or gauze pad to gently clean your baby’s gums twice a day, especially after feedings and before bed.
- Switch to a soft-bristle brush: Once teeth appear, transition to a toothbrush like the Dr. Brown's Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush, which is designed to be gentle on tiny mouths.
- Use a grain-of-rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. Encourage your child to spit out as much as possible, but don't stress if they swallow a little—it's safe in small amounts.
- Avoid bottles in bed: Only offer breast milk or formula in bottles and avoid laying your baby down with a bottle. This prevents prolonged exposure to milk sugars that can lead to tooth decay.
As your child grows and begins eating solids, aim for healthy, low-sugar foods to support their dental health. Brushing twice daily under your supervision is ideal, especially at bedtime when saliva production slows, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.
Tools to Help
Dr. Brown's Teething and Oral Care Products
- Teething Rings: Perfectly designed for soothing sore gums with safe, soft silicone.
- Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush: Gentle, easy-to-hold toothbrushes to encourage good habits early on.
Using the right tools can make teething and dental care simpler and more effective for both you and your baby.
Teething Is Temporary
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when your baby is teething, but remember: this phase is fleeting. With a few simple strategies, you can keep your little one comfortable and well-rested while setting the stage for lifelong healthy habits.
For more guidance on teething, oral care and baby development, check out trusted resources like the ADA or the AAP. And most importantly, trust your instincts—because you know your baby best.
Disclaimer: The information contained is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely solely on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.
About the Author
Ashli is a Registered Nurse, lactation consultant, and baby sleep expert with over five years of NICU experience. Passionate about empowering parents, Ashli provides evidence-based, empathetic support to help families navigate the challenges of feeding, sleep, and newborn care. Her expertise combines medical knowledge with personalized care, ensuring every family feels confident and equipped to meet their unique parenting goals.