Do Teething Babies Sleep More? What Parents Need to Know

Teething can be one of the trickiest phases for both you and your baby. As your little one’s teeth begin to emerge, you might notice changes in their behavior, including fussiness, drooling, and increased chewing. But what about sleep? Do teething babies sleep more? Well, not quite.

In this guide, we’ll explore when teething starts, how it impacts your baby’s sleep, and effective ways to soothe your teething baby. We’ll also highlight what to avoid during this phase to help your little one rest more comfortably and keep teething stress to a minimum.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Teething is a big milestone in your baby’s development, and it usually starts between 4 to 7 months, though every baby has their own timeline. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) explains that babies are actually born with 20 teeth waiting to come through. By the time your little one is about 2.5 to 3 years old, all of those teeth will be fully out and ready for action!

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect during the early stages of teething:

• Bottom central incisors (the two middle teeth on the bottom): These usually make their appearance first, between 4 and 7 months.
• Top central incisors: These typically show up around 8 to 12 months.
• Lateral incisors (the teeth next to the center): The top ones typically come in between 9 and 13 months, followed by the bottom ones around 10 to 16 months.
• First molars: These usually appear between 13 and 19 months.

It’s important to remember that babies teethe on their own schedule. Some may start teething as early as 3 months, while others might not see any teeth until closer to their first birthday. And sometimes, they don’t follow the typical order—so don’t worry if things don’t happen exactly as expected!

Signs That Baby Is Teething

As your baby’s teeth start to push through, you’ll notice a few common signs:

• Drooling more than usual
• Chewing on toys, hands, or other objects
• Increased fussiness or irritability
• Swollen or tender gums
• Trouble settling down
• Changes in appetite, especially with solid foods

How Does Teething Impact Babies Sleep?

Teething can have a noticeable effect on your baby’s sleep, leaving both of you feeling a little worn out. For some babies, the discomfort makes them sleepier than usual, while others struggle to settle down and experience disrupted rest.

Teething can have a major effect on your baby’s sleep, but do teething babies sleep more? Unfortunately, no. While some babies may seem extra tired, teething can actually make it harder for your little one to fall and stay asleep.

Sleep Disruptions

Studies have shown that more than 80% of infants and toddlers experience sleep disruptions when they’re teething. As those new teeth begin pushing through the gums, it can cause soreness and irritation. This discomfort can make your baby restless and harder to settle down at bedtime.

Your little one may wake up crying more often during the night, especially if their teeth are coming in quickly or in multiple spots at once. Even if your baby was previously a great sleeper, teething pain can disrupt their natural sleep cycle. The discomfort can prevent them from falling into a deep, restful sleep, and they might need your comfort to get back to sleep.

Teething discomfort isn’t limited to nighttime either. During the day, the discomfort of teething can make it harder for your baby to settle down for naps. If their gums are swollen or sore, they might be cranky and find it difficult to relax, leading to shorter or skipped naps.

In short, you can expect your baby to have:

• Trouble falling asleep
• More frequent night wakings
• Shorter daytime naps
• Increased need for comfort

Do Teething Babies Sleep More? It’s Possible

So, do babies need more sleep when teething? The truth is, in some cases, teething babies can actually sleep more. This is typically because they’re also going through a growth spurt—a period of rapid height and weight increase.

During a growth spurt, babies often need more sleep to support their rapid growth, and they might sleep up to 4.5 hours more than usual. So, while teething usually causes more wakeful nights, if it coincides with a growth spurt, your baby may sleep longer than expected.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby Who Won’t Sleep?

Teething can really disrupt your baby’s sleep. If your teething baby is fussing and finding it hard to settle down at night, here are several ways you can help soothe them, so they (and you!) can get some much-needed rest:

Gum Massage

Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can offer some relief. Apply light pressure, especially in the areas where the teeth are coming through. This can help reduce swelling and ease the discomfort they’re feeling.

Chilled Teething Toys

Cold can work wonders for teething pain. Try giving your baby a chilled teething ring or a soft, cold washcloth to chew on. The coolness numbs the gums slightly and can provide soothing relief. Avoid freezing teething toys, though, as they can get too hard and may hurt little gums.

Teething Biscuits or Chilled Foods

If your baby is old enough for solids, offering chilled fruits (like slices of cold apple or cucumber) or teething biscuits can be a great distraction. The cold food helps numb the gums, and chewing on something solid can relieve the pressure.

Comforting Sleep Environment

Creating a calm, soothing sleep environment can help your baby drift off despite the discomfort. A soft nightlight, some gentle lullabies, or a white noise machine can make a big difference in calming them down. Also, ensure your baby’s sleep space is cool and comfortable, as teething can sometimes cause a slightly higher temperature.

One great tool for adding soothing sounds is the Alilo Bunny baby music player. Preloaded with 76 pieces of soothing content, including white noise, nature sounds, nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, and lullabies, this music player is designed to help lull your baby to sleep.

It also features adjustable volume, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rechargeable battery, allowing you to customize the sound environment to suit your baby’s needs. Plus, you can even record your own lullabies for a personal touch, making bedtime extra special.

Pain-Relieving Gel or Medication

For more severe discomfort, you can use over-the-counter baby teething gels or pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully and consult your pediatrician before giving any medication to your baby.

Distraction Through Gentle Play

Sometimes, a little distraction can help shift your baby’s focus away from the discomfort. Gentle play can help calm your baby without overstimulating them, making it easier for them to settle down later.

The Alilo Smarty Bunny baby rattle is a perfect toy for this! You can shake the rattle to produce 66 different natural sounds, which can gently distract your baby from teething discomfort. The soft silicone ears of the Smarty Bunny glow with soothing light, providing visual stimulation that changes colors gently.

It also functions as a music player, playing soothing nursery rhymes, stories, and lullabies to help lull your baby to sleep. With a Hi-Fi speaker delivering premium sound at a safe volume, and an adjustable volume control via the bunny’s tail, this rattle offers a comforting and soothing experience for your baby.

Extra Cuddles and Comfort

Sometimes, all your baby really needs is some extra love and attention. Holding or rocking your baby to sleep or letting them sleep close to you in a bassinet or co-sleeper, may offer them the comfort they need during this tough time. Your warmth and reassurance can go a long way in helping them feel safe and soothed.

What Parents Should Avoid During Baby Teething

When your baby is teething, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to comfort them. However, some well-meaning actions may do more harm than good. Knowing what to avoid during this phase can help keep your baby safe and ensure they get the relief they need:

Teething Tablets with Benzocaine or Lidocaine

Some over-the-counter teething tablets contain numbing agents like benzocaine or lidocaine. These can be harmful to babies, causing serious side effects like breathing problems or methemoglobinemia (a rare but serious condition). Stick to safe, doctor-recommended remedies instead.

Frozen Teething Toys

While cold toys can offer relief, freezing teething rings or toys can make them too hard, potentially injuring your baby’s sensitive gums. Opt for chilled (not frozen) teething rings or a cool, damp washcloth instead.

Hard Objects or Foods

Avoid giving your baby hard objects to chew on, like frozen bagels or hard fruit. These can pose a choking hazard. Stick with chilled pieces of soft fruit or safe options that are specifically designed for teething.

Excessive Teething Gels

Teething gels may offer temporary relief, but they shouldn’t be overused. Over-reliance on gels can sometimes cause more harm than good. Always check with your pediatrician before using any gel regularly.

Neglect Other Sleep Disruptors

Lastly, it’s important not to assume every fussy cry or disrupted nap is due to teething. Watch for other signs like fever, diarrhea, or rashes, as these may indicate an illness unrelated to teething. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult your doctor for reassurance.

Conclusion

So, do teething babies sleep more? It’s possible, but not always the case. In fact, most infants and toddlers experience sleep disruptions when they’re teething. The soreness from emerging teeth can make it difficult for your baby to fall asleep or get restful, uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.

The good news is, with a little patience and the right soothing techniques, you can help your baby through this tough phase. Whether it’s offering gum massage, chilled teething toys, creating a calm sleep environment, or using simple remedies to ease the pain, you’ve got this! Remember, teething won’t last forever, and soon enough, you’ll both be back to those peaceful nights of sleep.

FAQs

Should I let my baby sleep more when teething?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine if your baby sleeps a little more while teething. The discomfort can tire them out, and extra rest may help their body recover. However, if they are sleeping significantly longer than usual or seem unusually lethargic, consult your pediatrician to rule out other issues.

Do babies get more tired than usual when teething?

Teething can make babies more tired than usual due to disrupted sleep and the physical effort of new teeth emerging. While some babies may sleep more to recover, others might experience lighter, more fragmented sleep. Paying attention to your baby’s cues will help you manage their rest more effectively.

What are the signs of teething in babies?

Signs of teething can vary but often include increased drooling, irritability, chewing on objects, and disrupted sleep. You might also notice swollen gums and your baby putting their hands or toys in their mouth more frequently. Providing safe, soothing toys can help ease this discomfort.