How to Handle Teething and Sleep Troubles
- Niharika Prinsloo
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
Teething is an important milestone for babies, but it can be a difficult time for both babies and parents.
Many babies struggle with sleep during teething, leaving parents exhausted and unsure of how to help. The good news? With the right strategies, you can ease your baby’s discomfort and improve their sleep.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, effective ways to handle teething and sleep troubles so you and your baby can rest easier.
I’ll Cover:
Let's dive in!
What to Expect During Teething
Teething usually begins between 4 to 7 months, though some babies start earlier or later. The first teeth to appear are typically the bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth.
The process continues until around age 3 when most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
During this time, babies may experience discomfort, fussiness, and sleep disturbances. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and support your baby through each teething phase.
Learn more about baby sleep cycles and how they affect teething.
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Teething can be an unpredictable journey. Some babies start early, while others may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday.
Knowing what to look for can help you respond quickly to your baby’s needs.
In addition to the common signs, some babies may also show increased sensitivity, clinginess, or even mild disruptions in bowel movements due to excessive saliva swallowing.
Every baby experiences teething differently, but some common signs include:
Excessive drooling
Chewing on objects
Red, swollen gums
Fussiness or irritability
Changes in feeding habits
Waking up more frequently at night
Some babies may also develop a mild temperature, but a high fever is not typical for teething.
If your baby has a fever over 100.4°F, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out illness.
Read about common sleep disruptions and what causes them.
How Teething Affects Sleep
Teething can disrupt sleep in several ways:
Pain and Discomfort
Sore gums make it harder for babies to relax and fall asleep.
Increased Night Wakings
Babies may wake up more frequently crying in discomfort.
Changes in Feeding
Some babies may refuse to nurse or drink from a bottle due to gum pain.
Shorter Naps
Teething discomfort may prevent babies from sleeping deeply, leading to shorter, more restless naps.
Understanding these sleep challenges can help you find ways to support your baby and improve their rest.
How to Handle Teething Baby
Not all babies respond to teething discomfort the same way, so it’s helpful to have a variety of soothing methods at your disposal.
While teething toys and chilled washcloths are great, consider other natural remedies like rubbing a small amount of coconut oil or chamomile tea on the gums, which some parents find effective.
Offering frozen fruit in a mesh feeder can also be a soothing and tasty distraction for babies who have started solid foods.
There are many safe and simple ways to relieve teething discomfort. Here are some of the best methods:
Offer Something Cold
Cold can help numb sore gums and reduce inflammation.
Try:
Chilled teething rings (avoid freezing as they can be too hard)
Cold, damp washcloths for chewing
Chilled, soft foods like yogurt or applesauce (if your baby has started solids)
Use Gentle Pressure
Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help relieve pain.
Provide Safe Teething Toys
Look for BPA-free, non-toxic teething toys with different textures. These can help satisfy your baby’s urge to chew while relieving discomfort.
Try Natural Remedies
Some parents find that rubbing a small amount of breast milk or chamomile tea on their baby’s gums can be soothing.
Use Pain Relief When Needed
If your baby is particularly uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about using baby-safe pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Sleep Tips for Teething Babies
Sleep struggles during teething can be frustrating, but minor adjustments can go a long way.
Some parents find success by slightly elevating the crib mattress (under pediatrician guidance) to reduce gum pressure.
Others introduce a gentle pre-bedtime massage to help relax the baby’s body before sleep. If your baby is used to nursing or bottle-feeding to sleep, offering a final soothing session right before bedtime can help ease discomfort and provide extra comfort.
Teething doesn’t have to completely disrupt your baby’s sleep. Here’s how to help your little one rest better during this phase:
Stick to a Consistent Routine
A familiar bedtime routine helps signal that it’s time to sleep.
Keep things predictable with:
A warm bath
A gentle massage
A quiet bedtime story or lullaby
Dimming the lights to create a calming atmosphere
Adjust Bedtime if Needed
If your baby is struggling with sleep, consider adjusting bedtime slightly earlier. Overtired babies often have more trouble falling asleep.
Offer Extra Comfort
Teething can make babies more clingy. Providing extra snuggles, rocking, or using a pacifier (if your baby takes one) can offer comfort.
Use White Noise
White noise can help mask sudden noises and create a soothing environment for sleep.
Keep Baby’s Room Cool and Comfortable
Ensure the room temperature is comfortable (around 68-72°F) and dress your baby in breathable fabrics.
When to Seek Help
Teething discomfort is temporary, but there are times when you should consult your pediatrician:
If your baby has a high fever (above 100.4°F)
If sleep disruptions last more than a few weeks
If your baby refuses to eat or drink for extended periods
If there are signs of infection, such as severe swelling or pus around the gums
A doctor can help determine if your baby’s sleep struggles are due to teething or another underlying issue.
Learn when to transition your baby to independent sleep.
Final Thoughts
Teething is a natural, though sometimes difficult, part of your baby’s development. While it can cause temporary sleep disruptions, using the right strategies can make a big difference in helping your baby (and you) get the rest you need.
From teething toys and cold remedies to maintaining a steady sleep routine, small adjustments can provide comfort and improve sleep.
Remember, this phase won’t last forever. With patience, consistency, and a few soothing techniques, you and your baby will navigate teething with greater ease.
For more sleep tips, visit our blog.
Ready to tackle the teething and sleep troubles for your baby? Schedule a consultation now and let a certified baby sleep consultant guide you every step of the way.
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