Why won’t my teething baby sleep?
We can sum this up in two words: severe discomfort. As you might expect, the process of your little one’s teeth literally pushing their way through their gums can cause all sorts of tenderness, inflammation, and pain. This is doubly true during the evening when there are fewer distractions.
Teething tots may even experience additional symptoms like drooling, mild fever, or even diarrhea — all of which aren’t exactly conducive to a good night’s sleep…
And then there’s the disruption in feeding patterns. Some babies may refuse to nurse or bottle-feed due to gum pain, which can have a knock-on effect at bedtime when hunger prevents them from settling.
How long does teething last?
Each tooth usually takes between 1-7 days to break the gumline, and the discomfort can begin a few days before the tooth emerges and continue for a few days after.
Teething typically starts at around 4-7 months of age (which can sometimes coincide with the 4-month sleep regression) but it’s not uncommon for some tots to start teething earlier or later. As with all developmental milestones, every baby reaches them at their own pace.
Teething continues well into toddlerhood, and most children will have their full set of bite-sized pearly whites by the age of three.
Teething stages
Let’s take a look at a rough teething timeline. Remember — every tot is different, but this guide will give you a good general overview of what to expect at each stage.
Pre-teething stage: Babies are born with 20 primary teeth (or “milk teeth”) in the jawbones beneath their gums.
Incisors: The lower and upper incisors (the front teeth) are typically the first to appear, usually between 6–8 months of age, but the signs and symptoms of pain or discomfort may start even earlier. Before the teeth erupt from the gums, your tot may start chewing on their toys, blanket, your boob — basically anything they can fit in their mouth. This is normal baby behaviour and not necessarily a sign of teething, but it may become more frequent as their first teeth begin to appear.
Pressure helps to alleviate the pain, so rather than prevent them from chewing, keep a few chew-safe items to hand. It’s also worth investing in a bib — while drooling is also very common in babies whether they’re teething or not, their drool production will likely ramp up at this stage, and keeping their chin dry will prevent any rashes from forming around their mouth.
First molars: Emerging between 12–16 months, these can be particularly painful due to their larger size. Expect more drool, more fussiness, and more things to chew, please!
You might also notice a change in appetite or diarrhea at this stage too. If that’s the case, don’t worry, this is relatively normal — as are the sleep disturbances you’ll both experience. However, if your tot’s symptoms seem particularly extreme, it’s always worth consulting a pediatrician, just to be on the safe side.
Canines (pointy teeth): Between 16-22 months of age, the canines will surface. As with stage 2 and 3, make sure your little one’s got plenty of chewables, and a bib for their drool.
Second molars: Now it’s time for the large molars — and this can get particularly painful. These are the biggest teeth, and once they start to come through — usually around 2 years of age — you might find that your normal soothing techniques are no longer viable. Unfortunately, all you can do is try your best to ease their discomfort using some of the tips and tricks detailed below.
How to help your teething tot get some sleep
While teething an extremely uncomfortable and painful phase of life, it’s also a necessary one. Every tot has to go through the teething stage — but with the tips below, you can soothe your baby’s discomfort and raise the likelihood of a peaceful night’s sleep for the both of you.
Chill their mouth
Cold can numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Try offering your baby a chilled (not frozen) teething toy or washcloth to chew on. You can also let them sip from a bottle of cold water or offer them some chilled watermelon, cucumber, or yoghurt if they’re old enough. Just ensure whatever they put in their mouth is clean and safe to chew.
Offer a teething ring
Teething rings are a classic remedy for a reason. Many are designed with textured surfaces that massage the gums, providing relief. Opt for BPA-free silicone or rubber options, and avoid ones filled with liquid, as they can leak if punctured.
Massage the gums
Use a clean finger or a damp gauze pad to gently rub your baby’s gums. This can provide instant relief by counteracting the pressure from erupting teeth. Some parents also find success using a teething gel or purpose-made silicone finger sheath, but consult your pediatrician before applying any products directly to your baby’s gums.
Try over-the-counter medication
If your baby’s discomfort is severe, over-the-counter infant pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months) can help. Just remember to consult your pediatrician before administering medication and ensure you’re using the correct dosage for your baby’s weight and age.
Get rid of drool
Excess drooling is a common teething symptom that can cause rashes around the mouth and chin. Keep their face dry by gently dabbing with a soft cloth throughout the day, and if you notice your little one’s skin is drying out, use a baby-safe moisturiser or barrier cream as an extra defense.
Stick to your bedtime routine
Familiar rituals like a warm bath, a gentle massage, or a lullaby can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Even if teething interrupts their sleep, maintaining a routine will make it easier to re-establish healthy habits later.
Try using a bottle
If your tot’s over 6 months of age, you can try filling a sippy cup with water and letting them suck on it to relieve their pain. Only use water or breastmilk, though — sugary liquids or juices will cause tooth decay!
Do teething babies sleep more often?
Contrary to what some parents might believe, teething doesn’t typically make babies sleep more. In fact, it’s more likely to disrupt sleep due to the discomfort it causes. However, some babies might seem drowsy during the day as a result of disrupted nighttime sleep.
As always, keep an eye on your baby — if they’re unusually lethargic or sleeping excessively, it could be a sign of illness rather than teething, and you should consult your pediatrician.
Does teething cause sleep regression?
While teething itself doesn’t cause sleep regression, it can introduce temporary sleep disruptions, and the emergence of the first teeth can sometimes coincide with the 4-month sleep regression. Fortunately though, once the tooth breaks through and the discomfort subsides, your baby’s sleep patterns should normalise.
Like so many other troublesome developmental periods, teething can feel like an uphill battle — but as always, patience is key! The methods we’ve included here should help your little one find some comfort during bedtime, but trial and error is often required. What works for one teething tot might not for another, so experiment, find what helps, and stick with it. Trust us — it’ll be over before you know it!
Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in November 2024.