Teething is a significant developmental milestone in your baby’s first year, but it can also be one of the most challenging phases for both parents and babies. The discomfort of new teeth pushing through tender gums often leads to disrupted sleep, leaving everyone feeling exhausted and cranky. Sleep is essential for both babies and parents, so when teething interrupts those precious hours of rest, it can create a lot of stress in the household.
Why Does Teething Disrupt Sleep?
Teething can disrupt sleep because it causes discomfort, pain, and restlessness. During the day, babies are often distracted by playing, feeding, and interacting with their surroundings. But at night, when things are quiet and they’re lying still, the discomfort of teething can become more noticeable, making it harder for them to fall or stay asleep. This is especially true if their gums are swollen or if a tooth is about to break through.
Here are a few reasons why teething may interfere with your baby’s sleep:
Sore Gums: As the teeth push through, babies feel pressure and pain in their gums, which can wake them up during sleep or make it difficult for them to fall asleep in the first place.
Increased Drooling: Teething often leads to excessive drooling, which can make your baby uncomfortable, especially if it causes a wet chin or soaked pajamas.
General Irritability: The physical discomfort of teething can make babies more irritable, leading to more frequent night wakings and difficulty settling back down.
While teething is a temporary phase, it’s important to find ways to help your baby feel more comfortable, especially at bedtime, to improve their (and your) chances of a restful night.
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Better During Teething
When your baby is teething and struggling to sleep, there are several things you can do to ease their discomfort and create a more peaceful bedtime environment. The key is to combine soothing techniques and a calming bedtime routine to help them settle down and sleep more soundly.
Here are some effective strategies to try:
1. Offer Something Cold Before Bedtime
Cold items can numb your baby’s sore gums and reduce discomfort, which may help them fall asleep more easily. Before bedtime, offer your baby something cold to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring or a frozen washcloth. The coolness provides relief by soothing swollen gums and easing the pain.
Cold Teething Rings: These are perfect for babies to chew on before bed. Just make sure they’re chilled in the fridge (not frozen) and are made from safe, BPA-free materials.
Frozen Washcloth: A clean, damp washcloth that’s been chilled in the freezer can also work wonders. Twist the cloth before freezing it so that your baby can easily grip it.
Allow your baby to chew on these items for a few minutes before starting their bedtime routine. This can help reduce gum pain and settle them down for sleep.
2. Gentle Gum Massage
Massaging your baby’s gums is another excellent way to relieve teething pain, especially just before bedtime. Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums in a circular motion. The pressure helps alleviate discomfort and soothes their sore gums.
For added comfort, you can dip your finger in cool water or use a cold, damp gauze pad to massage their gums. Be gentle, as their gums may be extra sensitive. Doing this right before bed can calm them down and make them feel more comfortable as they settle into sleep.
3. Maintain a Calming Bedtime Routine
When your baby is teething, it’s more important than ever to stick to a calming bedtime routine. A predictable routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, which can be especially helpful when teething disrupts their natural rhythm.
Here are some activities to include in your routine:
Warm Bath: A warm bath before bed can help relax your baby’s muscles and ease some of the tension caused by teething discomfort. Adding a calming scent, like lavender, can further soothe them.
Storytime: After the bath, spend a few minutes reading a favorite bedtime story in a quiet, dimly lit room. The sound of your voice and the familiar routine can help your baby unwind.
Quiet Cuddles: Soft cuddles or rocking in a chair can provide your baby with comfort and security before laying them down to sleep.
A consistent bedtime routine, combined with soothing activities, can make a world of difference in helping your baby settle down, even when they’re feeling uncomfortable from teething.
4. Teething Toys in the Crib
If your baby frequently wakes up during the night due to teething pain, placing safe teething toys or a chilled pacifier in the crib can help them self-soothe back to sleep. This way, if they wake up in discomfort, they can reach for something that helps relieve the pressure on their gums without needing you to intervene.
Choose teething toys that are designed for nighttime use—soft and safe for chewing, even when your baby is alone in their crib. Make sure the toys don’t pose a choking hazard and that they are easy to clean.
5. Consider Baby-Safe Pain Relief (Only When Necessary)
If your baby is particularly uncomfortable and other remedies don’t seem to be working, you might want to consult your pediatrician about using baby-safe pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). These medications can provide temporary relief from teething pain, making it easier for your baby to fall asleep.
It’s important to use these medications sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on dosing and frequency, and avoid using any over-the-counter numbing gels containing benzocaine, as they can be harmful to babies.
Additional Sleep Tips for Teething Babies
In addition to using teething remedies, here are a few extra tips to help your teething baby sleep better:
Keep the Sleep Environment Comfortable: Make sure your baby’s room is cool, dark, and quiet. A comfortable sleep environment can help reduce irritability and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
Elevate the Head of the Crib: If drooling or slight congestion from teething is making your baby uncomfortable, try elevating the head of their crib mattress slightly (by placing a towel under the mattress, never on top of it). This can help reduce discomfort and improve sleep quality.
Stick to a Consistent Schedule: While teething can throw off your baby’s sleep routine, try to stick to their regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Babies thrive on routine, and keeping naps and bedtime consistent can help regulate their sleep patterns.
When to Reach Out to Your Pediatrician
Teething can cause irritability, fussiness, and discomfort, but it shouldn’t cause extreme pain or illness. If your baby is inconsolable, has a high fever, experiences vomiting or diarrhea, or shows signs of an ear infection, contact your pediatrician. While these symptoms can sometimes coincide with teething, they may indicate an illness that requires medical attention.
Teething is a temporary phase, but it can feel never-ending when your baby’s sleep is disrupted. The good news is that with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can help your baby find relief and get back to sleeping more soundly. By incorporating soothing techniques like cold teething toys, gentle gum massages, and a calming bedtime routine, you’ll not only ease their discomfort but also help them feel more secure and rested.
Remember, every baby is different, and it may take a bit of trial and error to find what works best for your little one. Stick to what helps, and give extra cuddles and comfort during this challenging time. Before you know it, you’ll both be back to a more peaceful sleep routine—hopefully with a few new teeth to show for it!