As any new parent knows, getting a baby to sleep through the night can be challenging. But for parents of teething babies, it can seem downright impossible. A baby teething is likely to wake up more often than usual due to the pain and discomfort caused by the emerging teeth. This might as well be not comforting for parents. However, there are a few tips to help you and your baby get through the teething stage with minimal disruption. Keep reading to learn more.
When Does Teething Start for Babies
Teething can be an exciting milestone for many parents, but the beginning of teething can vary significantly between babies. Generally, the first tooth will appear around four to seven months; however, some may start teething earlier or later, depending on their genetics and environment.
Most children will have their complete set of baby teeth by the time they’re three years old. It’s important to remember that not all babies develop at the same pace and generally don’t fall into a predictable pattern either – there are usually exceptions!
During teething, babies can experience tender gums, which may mean fussiness or difficulty sleeping at night. Offering them something cold, like a teether, can help soothe their sore gums since it numbs the area slightly. Fortunately, this teething stage passes quickly, and soon enough, parents can experience that milestone moment when their little one cuts their very first tooth!
Read more: How To Get A Sick Baby To Sleep
How To Help A Teething Baby Sleep
You can do a few things to help your teething baby sleep better. Try the following.
Apply Some Pressure on Their Gums
Applying pressure on a baby’s gums can be very beneficial in helping them to relax and get some much-needed rest as soon as they notice teething symptoms. Parents often find that rubbing their baby’s gums with their finger or a cool, wet washcloth gently helps relieve the discomfort of teething.
Even with baby’s teeth appearing at different ages, massaging the irritated area around the teeth can help soothe and calm, allowing your little one to fall asleep easier. Additionally, cold items like pacifiers and chilled teethers can also provide extra numbing relief.
Give Them Something to Suck On
Babies are naturally drawn to suck on something when they feel discomfort. To encourage a baby teething to sleep, you can try giving them something safe and soft to suck on, such as a pacifier, a clean finger, or other teething toys.
Suppose your baby is still having trouble sleeping. In that case, you may consider using an infant sleep aid, such as a vibrating mattress mat or sound machine, which can soothe the baby enough that they’ll drift off into dreamland without any further disturbances from their teething woes.
Be Patient With Your Baby
Remember that teething can be a complicated process for babies, and it doesn’t always happen overnight. Every baby is different, and it’s essential to be patient with them as they adjust to the new sensation of teething. The teething process is temporary; eventually, your baby will grow into a beautiful smile with little disruption from the teething pain or discomfort.
Give Your Baby Extra Cuddles
Giving your baby gentle, warm cuddles can help soothe the discomfort and allow them to drift off into blissful sleep. Your loving touch releases oxytocin, the hormone of calm and relaxation, reducing stress hormones in both you and your baby when they are experiencing baby teething symptoms.
Make sure to give lots of soft touches and gentle reminders that you are there in case they need anything. Remember, cuddling is not only soothing for babies but beneficial for their overall development as well!
Maintain a Bedtime Routine
Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is vital for helping teething baby sleep. Doing the same calming activities each night helps soothe the baby and cue their body that it’s time to rest. Start with dim lights, cuddles, and swaddling or giving them a favorite toy to hold around 30 minutes before bedtime.
Some calming songs and gentle movements can also help wind down before bed. Setting up a soothing ritual every evening prepares the baby’s body for sleep and can help create peace of mind knowing a calming routine has been established.
Numb the Babie’s Gums With Cold Items
This is another effective way to soothe your lo’s gum pain by numbing it with cold items. Try freezing a clean wet cloth or massaging the gums with chilled teething rings to do this. This action serves dual purposes since it numbs the area and provides counterpressure. Experiment with what works best for your little one; when in doubt, keep items cold from your baby’s mouth and avoid foods that are too hard – no matter how tempting they may seem!
Encourage Self-settling
When helping your teething baby settle and fall asleep, self-settling can be beneficial. This means allowing your baby to sleep alone while having gentle support available. Encouraging self-settling cues, such as putting them down drowsy but awake, and providing a calm environment, can help ensure that they don’t rely on you being present often when going to bed.
As it might feel counterintuitive to not stay with your little one until they are settled and asleep, setting clear boundaries for them can encourage independence and guarantee higher quality sleep for both of you!
Over The Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medications are an excellent solution for relieving pain in teething babies, especially if you’re overwhelmed by endless sleepless nights. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen products can lessen the discomfort and make it easier for the baby to fall asleep.
While it’s essential to get your doctor’s guidance before giving any OTC treatments to infants, it may be well worth the quick call if you are struggling with a fussy teething baby. Most of all, stay calm and remember that this challenging time will soon pass!
Read more: Should I Let My Sick Baby Sleep All Day?
Conclusion
Teething can be a trying time for both parents and babies, so it’s essential to know how to give your little one some relief. Be patient with them as they adjust, offer extra cuddles, and maintain a consistent bedtime routine that includes self-settling cues. You can also experiment with numbing gums by using cold items, and in more severe cases, consult with your doctor about potential over-the-counter medications. With these tips in mind, you and your baby will hopefully make it through this phase of life efficiently.
