How to relieve your teething baby

Teething is a big milestone — but for many parents, it’s also a challenging one. When your baby’s first teeth start to emerge, the experience can lead to irritability, drooling, disrupted sleep, and lots of chewing. Understanding what to expect and safe ways to help your baby feel relief can make this phase easier for everyone.

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When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies begin teething between about 4–7 months of age, though some start earlier or later. Teething continues until all 20 primary (baby) teeth appear, often by around age 3.

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Common Signs Your Baby Is Teething

Typical teething symptoms include:

• Increased drooling
• Chewing on hands, fingers, or toys
• Fussiness or irritability
• Swollen or sensitive gums
• Disrupted sleep or more frequent night waking
• Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
• Temporary decrease in appetite

A mild temperature increase can happen, but a true fever (above 38°C / 100.4°F) is not caused by teething and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

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Why Teething Can Affect Sleep

Teething discomfort often becomes more noticeable at night, when babies are less distracted. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or waking more often. Some babies may also nap more during the day due to fatigue from disrupted nighttime sleep.

Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and using calming comfort strategies can help reduce nighttime disruptions.

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Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

1. Cool, Gentle Chewing Relief

Cool (not frozen) pressure can help reduce gum inflammation:

• Refrigerated teething rings
• Chilled silicone or rubber teethers
• A clean, damp washcloth cooled in the refrigerator
• A cold spoon or pacifier

Avoid freezing teethers, as overly hard surfaces can damage tender gums.

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2. Gentle Gum Massage

Using a clean finger or soft, damp gauze, gently rub your baby’s gums. This pressure can temporarily relieve discomfort.

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3. Comfort and Distraction

Extra cuddling, rocking, or quiet play can help soothe babies when teething pain peaks. Calm interaction and reassurance are especially helpful before bedtime.

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4. Feeding and Hydration Support

Offer breast milk, formula, or water (if age-appropriate) more frequently if your baby seems uncomfortable. Some babies may prefer cooler feeds during teething.

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One great option that combines soothing texture and play is the Thiingy Sensory Teething Ball. Its soft, food-grade silicone loops are designed for tiny hands to grip and for babies to chew on gently, helping soothe sore gums and keep them engaged during the teething process.

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What to Avoid During Teething

For safety reasons, avoid the following:

• Liquid-filled or gel teethers, which can leak or break
• Amber teething necklaces or bracelets due to choking and strangulation risks
• Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine
• Hard foods or sugary teething biscuits that increase choking and tooth decay risk

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Teething and Solid Foods

For babies already eating solids, chilled purees or soft foods can provide gentle relief. If using mesh or silicone feeders, always supervise closely and ensure foods are age-appropriate.

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Bedtime Tips for Teething Babies

• Keep bedtime routines consistent
• Offer a cooled teether before sleep
• Ensure your baby is fed, dry, and comfortable
• Use white noise or a darkened room to reduce stimulation

These steps can help your baby settle more easily during teething phases.

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When to Contact a Pediatrician

Contact your pediatrician if your baby experiences:

• Persistent or high fever
• Severe or unusual irritability
• Refusal to feed or signs of dehydration
• Symptoms that do not improve or seem unrelated to teething