What you need to know about teething and sleep

Mar 27

Your little one has been sleeping well, and you finally feel like you’ve achieved a sense of rhythm with their sleep-wake cycle—and then, seemingly out of nowhere, they’re fussing, uncomfortable, and longing for the solace of your loving arms.

You wonder, are they sick? Is it a regression? And then, recounting the day’s events, you recognize that your little one may be dealing with the pain of cutting a new tooth.

The relationship between the discomfort of teething and sleep disruption can be challenging for parents to navigate. So, we’ve put together a guide to help you manage this milestone with confidence.

When do babies start teething?

Babies typically start teething between four and seven months of age. With that said, every child is different, and some may start teething as early as three months.

The first teeth to appear are typically the two bottom front teeth (central incisors), closely followed by the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors). Then, the remaining teeth erupt on each side of the lower and upper jaw, usually in pairs. So your little one will have a complete set of 20 teeth by the time they are three years old.

What are the signs of teething?

Some babies don’t experience any discomfort with teething, and you won’t notice until your little one smiles or accidentally bites you!

On the other hand, for some children, teething can cause considerable irritability before the tooth finally erupts. Unfortunately, most of the pain and discomfort occur before the eruption, making it difficult to determine the cause of your little one’s irritability.

Here are some common signs that indicate your baby may be teething:

Drooling more than usual
Fussiness
Cranky or irritable mood
Loss of appetite
Mouthing or biting objects
Red and swollen gums
Ear pulling or rubbing their cheeks
Difficulty sleeping

Parents may report that their baby experiences fever, diarrhea, or rash when teething. However, the American Dental Academy states that these symptoms are not typical with teething and advises parents to consult a doctor if their baby experiences these symptoms and continues to appear uncomfortable.

Why does teething impact sleep?

The connection between teething and sleep disruption is well known.

Teething can sometimes be confused with a sleeping regression or illness, as the signs can be similar. However, when your little one is teething, the reason behind the sleep disruption is different.

The discomfort of teething can be more intense at night as babies become more aware of their symptoms without the distractions of the day. Furthermore, your little one may be exhausted, making it more challenging for them to deal with the pain.

Additionally, if your baby is experiencing a loss of appetite with teething, they may be hungry, which will also impact their ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Thankfully, once your baby’s tooth erupts, the worst of it will be over, and your little one will be sharing their cute new smile.

How to manage your little one’s discomfort

Seeing your baby in pain is heartbreaking, and witnessing their struggle with teething can leave you feeling helpless. But there are things you can do to help manage your little one’s discomfort.

Here are our top tips to help relieve the pain of teething:

Gently massage your baby’s gums.
Offer your little one a cold teething ring or toy.
Give your child cold foods such as frozen bananas or berries (if they are eating solids).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding the use of teething bracelets, necklaces, or other jewelry as they may increase the risk of choking and strangulation. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using any topical creams or gels as the ingredients are associated with severe health risks.

If your little one is in considerable pain, consult with your doctor about the possibility of using an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol.

This, too, shall pass

Teething and sleep disruptions often go hand in hand, and the resulting exhaustion for parents and babies can be overwhelming. But, sweet mama, remember—this, too, shall pass.

Give your little one the extra TLC they need throughout this challenging time, but keep in mind that many sleep habits can form during periods of teething. So while it might be tempting to start co-sleeping, it’s best to stick with your child’s routine as much as possible.

If your little one is struggling with sleep disruptions caused by teething or has developed sleep habits that are proving hard to break, reach out for help.

The team at My Sweet Sleeper offers one-on-one personalized coaching tailored to your child’s unique temperament. We’ll work with you to get your little one’s sleep back on track, so the whole family can get the rest they need.

My Sweet Sleeper - Not sure what toothbrush to use with your baby? We’ve got you covered!

My Sweet Sleeper - How to handle sleep when your baby is sick

My Sweet Sleeper - How tired parents can destress and conquer burnout.