If your little one is grumpy, drooling nonstop, or waking you up more than usual, teething might be the culprit. Those tiny gums get so sensitive when new teeth start pushing through, and it can easily throw off your baby’s sleep and yours too.
The good news is that teething is temporary. And there are plenty of soothing tricks and baby teething essentials that can help.
Together, let’s look at the most common teething signs, how to figure out if teething is behind those rough nights, and the best ways to comfort your baby with safe teething toys, pacifiers, cold relief, and gentle gum massage.
How to Tell if Your Baby Is Teething
Because babies cry at night for many reasons, it helps to confirm whether teething is the cause. These are the top signs of baby teething:
- Heavy drooling
- Swollen or red gums
- Flushed cheeks or face
- Rubbing ears or cheeks
- Biting, sucking, or chewing on objects
- Refusing the bottle or breast
- Increased fussiness, especially at night
A Cleveland Clinic study found that symptoms such as biting, drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and sucking were most common from four days before a tooth appeared through three days after.
Teething can also cause brief sleep interruptions, lower appetite for solids, facial rashes from drooling, and slightly higher temperatures.
Top 4 Teething Remedies That Actually Help
When teething begins, your baby’s gums can become irritated and extra sensitive. While you cannot stop teething from happening, these simple remedies can make the process much more comfortable.
1. Give Your Baby a Gentle Gum Massage
Use a clean finger to slowly rub your baby’s gums. This helps relieve pressure and calms fussiness. Try dipping your finger in cool water for extra soothing relief.
2. Offer Safe Teething Toys and Baby Teethers
High-quality teething toys are one of the best solutions for teething pain. Babies naturally want to chew, so a safe, soothing teether gives them the comfort they are searching for.
Avoid teething jewelry like amber necklaces which pose choking risks. Instead, choose BPA-free, non-toxic baby teethers.
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3. Ask Your Pediatrician About Baby-Safe Pain Relief
While medicine should be a last resort, your pediatrician may recommend an over-the-counter option that is safe for infants. Always check before giving your baby anything for teething pain.
4. Try Something Cool on the Gums
Cold helps reduce inflammation. You can:
- Use a chilled washcloth
- Let baby chew on a cold teether
- Dip your fingers in cold water before gum massage
Test the temperature first to make sure it is not too cold for your little one.
A Note About Teething Gels
The FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics warn against gels with benzocaine or lidocaine. Excess drooling can also keep gels from working well. Talk to your pediatrician before using any numbing products.
Extra Ways to Help a Baby Crying at Night From Teething
Sometimes indirect comfort can make the biggest difference.
Choose Comfortable Sleepwear
When babies are teething, anything irritating can make sleep harder. Soft, breathable sleepwear helps reduce fussiness.
Our Zipadee Zip swaddle transitions give babies cozy freedom to move without feeling restricted. The comfort can make it easier for them to settle and sleep even when teething pain is bothering them. Shop sleep solutions here.
Maintain a Calming Bedtime Routine
Even during teething, try to keep your baby’s routine predictable. This helps your baby relax and signals that it is time to sleep.
A soothing routine might include:
- Dim lights
- A warm bath
- Gentle skincare
- A light massage
- Cozy pajamas
- Soft white noise
- Putting baby down while drowsy, not fully asleep
Use Sound To Distract and Calm
White noise, gentle lullabies, or nature sounds like waves or rainfall can help shift baby’s attention away from teething pain.
Offer Extra Comfort and Cuddles
Sometimes your baby simply needs closeness while they work through discomfort. Extra snuggles can help them feel safe enough to fall back asleep.
Best Practices for a Teething Baby at Night
- Keep your usual bedtime routine as much as possible
- Clean drool often to prevent teething rashes
- Offer safe teething toys instead of fingers or random objects
- Stay patient, because teething comes in waves
Teething can cause temporary sleep regression, so keeping bedtime structure helps your baby bounce back more easily once the discomfort settles.
A Gentle Reminder for Tired Moms
Teething does not follow a perfect timeline. Some babies start early and some much later. Symptoms can come and go before the first tooth finally appears.
Every baby is different. Your job is simply to comfort, soothe, and offer safe relief with tools like teething toys, pacifiers, cold teethers, and gentle routines.
And remember, even though it feels long in the moment, this phase truly does pass.