Do babies sleep more when teething? Plus 16 most-Googled questions

If you’re here, it’s probably the middle of the night (or maybe what should be ‘nap time’), your baby is unsettled, and you’re frantically searching for answers. I’ve been there – twice – and I’ve got you. 

Teething can be tough – for both babies and parents. I remember a sleep-deprived friend once telling us on a WhatsApp chat, half delirious, that her baby hadn’t slept more than a couple of hours all week because of teething pain. It can truly be exhausting!

Let’s dive into a few key things to know, with expert-backed insights and real-life parenting tips.

When do babies start teething?

Typically, babies start teething around six months of age, but it can vary. Some babies get their first tooth earlier, while others may not start teething until they are 12 months old. The bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to come through, followed by the top front teeth (upper central incisors).

Do baby teeth have roots?

Yes, baby teeth have roots, just like adult teeth. These roots help anchor the teeth in the gums. However, when the baby teeth begin to fall out to make way for adult teeth, the roots dissolve, allowing the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.

And what about nerves?

Absolutely – hence a lot of the fuss! These nerves are responsible for feeling sensations like heat, cold, and pressure. This is why babies may become more sensitive to certain foods or textures when teething, as the nerves in their gums are being stimulated.

Do babies sleep more when teething?

While some babies sleep through teething without much trouble, others may experience disrupted sleep due to discomfort. The pain of new teeth pushing through the gums can cause babies to wake up more frequently, making their sleep cycle a bit more erratic. 

However, in some cases, you might notice your baby sleeping more when teething as they may be tired due to the discomfort. This is pretty rare – my own babies definitely resisted settling to sleep while teething – but it makes sense in principle.

There’s a lot of eye-rubbing – is that normal?

Yes, some babies may rub their eyes when teething, particularly if they’re feeling tired or irritable. Teething can cause discomfort all over, and babies may rub their eyes as a reflex or attempt to soothe themselves. 

If your baby is rubbing their eyes often or seems unusually fussy, consider giving them something to chew on or offering comfort in other ways.

Keep tabs on it though – if you’re worried about excessive eye-rubbing or discomfort in the eye area, touch base with your paediatrician.

Can teething cause a cough?

Teething itself doesn’t directly cause a cough, but the drooling that comes with teething can lead to a mild throat tickle and cough. 

As babies increase saliva production, it may drip down the back of their throat, triggering coughing or gagging. Additionally, teething can sometimes irritate the throat, which may contribute to a cough. 

It’s important to keep in mind that a cough alone is not usually a direct sign of teething. If your baby has a persistent cough, wheezing, or other symptoms like fever, congestion, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection or other illness, and you should contact your pediatrician.

Do babies eat less when teething?

Yes, many babies eat less while teething, and it’s totally normal. 

The pressure of teeth pushing through can make their gums sore, which can make sucking and chewing uncomfortable. This discomfort might cause them to eat less, or they may prefer softer foods that are gentler on their sore gums. 

Keep an eye on your baby’s appetite, but if they are still drinking milk or formula and seem to be staying hydrated, there’s usually no need to worry. I know my babies really went for it big time on the boob and breastfeeding, when teething – comfort is everything, I guess!

Help – my teething baby has no appetite!

Offer soft, cool foods like yogurt, pureed fruits, or chilled cucumber slices. My babies loved the silicone hand-held feeding nets filled with chilled yogurt and blueberries for example, when teething – I think chomping down on the silicone gave a little relief into the bargain!

Foods that don’t require a lot of chewing can help minimize discomfort. Try to keep offering milk or formula to ensure they stay hydrated, as hydration is crucial during this time.

If the loss of appetite continues or is severe, it’s always good to reach out to your pediatrician.

Is celery good for teething babies?

This is a really popular query! And really, it’s up to you and how you’re feeding your baby.  

Celery’s crunchy texture provides a natural way to soothe sore gums, but I can think of lots of other options that would do the trick – cucumber and bell peppers, for example – without needing to navigate all the stringy, fibrous difficulty that comes with it! 

If you do opt for celery, make sure yours is cut into thick pieces that are safe for your baby to gnaw on, as small pieces could present a choking hazard. Be sure to supervise them closely while they’re chewing on any solid foods.

What about teething and diaper rash?

Many parents report noticing a diaper rash during teething, and there is some connection between the two. 

Teething can increase drooling, which after passing through the digestive tract can irritate the skin around your baby’s diaper area. Additionally, when babies are teething, they might have looser stools, which can also cause diaper rash. 

If your baby develops a rash, make sure to change their diapers frequently, and consider using a gentle diaper cream to protect their skin. In good weather and at home, I also really recommend a good bit of diaper-free time. 

Can teething cause fever?

Yes, teething can sometimes cause a low-grade fever in babies. This is usually a mild fever, typically no higher than 101°F (38.3°C). 

However, if your baby has a fever that lasts more than a couple of days or reaches a higher temperature, it may be due to something other than teething. Always check with your doctor if you’re concerned about a fever, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.

Can teething cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea is another symptom sometimes associated with teething. The extra drool your baby produces can cause a slightly upset stomach, leading to looser stools. However, if your baby’s diarrhea is more than just a mild change in consistency, or if it’s accompanied by other signs of illness like fever or vomiting, you should reach out to your pediatrician.

Do babies throw up when teething?

Most babies don’t throw up as a direct result of teething. However, the discomfort caused by teething can sometimes lead to gagging or vomiting, especially if there’s a lot of drool or if your baby tries to chew on things that might make them gag. 

If vomiting becomes frequent or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to rule out other causes.

How long does teething pain last?

Teething pain can last for several days or even weeks, depending on the baby and the specific tooth coming through. As a general rule, teething pain may begin about 3-5 days before the tooth actually breaks through the gums and can last until the tooth is fully emerged. 

I know, I know. This is not what you want to hear. But I promise it will be over before long – and the process of losing baby teeth and spotting the adult teeth coming through is a breeze by comparison. You’ll be there before you know it.

Is late teething a sign of intelligence?

This is a new one on me – especially in a parenting world where every early milestone hit is obsessed over, endlessly. 

While some myths insist that late teething is a sign of increased intelligence, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Teething patterns vary widely between children, and the timing of teeth emerging is influenced by genetics and other factors. 

Late teething doesn’t indicate that a child will be more intelligent, just that their teeth are taking a little longer to come in.

How to help a teething baby sleep

If your baby is having trouble sleeping due to teething – and honestly, what baby isn’t – there are a few things you can do to help ease their discomfort. Offering a chilled (but not frozen) teething ring or soft, chilled washcloth for them to chew on can help soothe their gums. 

You can also try giving them a dose of baby-friendly pain relief like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen, following your pediatrician’s guidance. Make sure their sleep area is calm and comforting, and consider trying a white noise machine to help them sleep through any extra fussiness.

My go-to teething relief kit

These are the bits and bobs I carry and pull out, whenever I’m caring for a teething baby. 

• Teething toys: Soft, chewable toys designed specifically for babies can help soothe sore gums. Look for BPA-free options made from safe, non-toxic materials.
  
• Teething ring: A teething ring filled with gel or liquid that you can chill in the fridge is perfect for relieving gum pain. The cold provides extra relief, and the ring gives babies something to chew on.
  
• Teething crackers: These hard, biscuit-like treats are a great way for your baby to gnaw on something that is both safe and satisfying. However, keep an eye on your baby to prevent choking.
• Infant teething gel: Some parents use teething gels to numb the gums. Be sure to use gels specifically made for babies, as adult versions may contain ingredients not suitable for infants.

Hang in there

Teething is a challenging but necessary stage for every baby. While each baby experiences it differently, understanding the common symptoms and how to manage them can make the process a little easier. 

Often, just as I’d topped up my kit and steeled myself for the night ahead, the storm had passed and the tooth was peeping through – there’s no better sight!

Whether you’re dealing with drool, a cough, or a loss of appetite, rest assured that these are temporary stages in your baby’s development. And remember, when in doubt, always reach out to your pediatrician for advice and reassurance.

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