Do Babies Sleep More When Teething
Teething is a normal part of infancy. It can be quite painful for your newborn baby, and each baby’s reaction to teething is likely to be different. Just like all human beings are different with different thresholds for pain, your baby is also unique. Parents often wonder what to expect when a baby is teething.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Are you wondering when do babies start teething? Usually, babies start teething between 4 and 7 months. It can happen little earlier or a little later, but generally happens during this time.
Do Teething Babies Sleep More?
Teething babies may not sleep more. In fact, they may even sleep less. This is because the pain could cause them to awaken from sleep. Many babies may also have a 4 month sleep regression phase. If this coincides with the start of teething, then your baby may actually sleep a lot less than normal. If teething starts a bit later when your baby is older and has more weight, then they may sleep more just naturally since their circadian rhythm has started to form around the 6 month mark. However, as mentioned above, each baby is unique and it is possible that your baby could sleep more during periods of teething.
Baby Teething Symptoms
Drooling and blowing bubbles begin around 3 to 6 months of age. More saliva and drooling could mean that a new tooth is on its way. But, it is important to remember that excessive drooling could be a sign that your baby is having trouble breathing or is choking. Seek urgent medical care if you suspect that there is something wrong with your child.
Teething can cause mild irritability, crying, and even a a low-grade temperature. This means that it should be below 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius). Babies will also want to bite and chew on objects. This may be difficult to distinguish from the oral exploratory phase. Sometimes a parent can even feel that a new tooth is starting to protrude from the gums. The gums that surround a new tooth can be tender and may even swell slightly.
Related: Best Waterproof Bath Books For Toddlers
Best Teething Toys For Babies
Teething toys can be very helpful. It is a good idea to have several shapes and sizes so that your baby is able to reach the different areas of their mouth. Many people like to put the teething toys into the fridge or freezer so that they are cold and may provide more relief. However, it is important to note that the baby teether should not so cold that they are frozen. The best teething toys for babies are the ones that have a little bit of give in them so the baby can chew on it.
More Baby Teething Tips
Avoid using topical pain relievers on the gums. It is best to not give a child unnecessary medication, and they typically will wash out of the baby’s mouth in a few minutes. Some medication you rub on your child’s gums can even be harmful if too much is used and the child swallows an excessive amount. Stay away from teething tablets that contain the plant poison belladonna and gels with benzocaine. Belladonna and benzocaine are marketed to numb your child’s pain, but the FDA has issued warnings against both due to potential side effects. If your child seems particularly miserable or has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), it’s probably not because she’s teething, and you should consult your pediatrician.
Sources:
Sood S, Sood M. Teething: myths and facts.J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2010;35(1):9-13.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21189758/
We discuss products we think are useful to people. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Remember to check with your personal physician to see if a product recommended is right for you.
