Dealing with Sleepless Nights During Teething

1 November 2025

Ah, teething—the dreaded milestone that turns your sweet little one into a drooling, cranky, sleepless bundle of frustration. If you're reading this at 3 AM with bleary eyes and a fussy baby, know that you're not alone. Every parent faces the midnight battle of teething at some point, and it can feel like an endless cycle of crying, cuddles, and coffee-fueled survival.

But don't worry—I’ve got your back. Let’s break down why teething causes those dreaded sleepless nights, what you can do to bring some relief, and how to get through this phase with (some of) your sanity intact.

Why Does Teething Disrupt Sleep?

Teething is an exciting milestone, but for your baby, it can be downright miserable. Those tiny teeth pushing through sensitive gums cause discomfort, and unfortunately, the pain doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule.

Here’s why teething often wreaks havoc on sleep:

- Gum Pain & Pressure – The pushing of teeth through the gums can be painful, making it hard for little ones to settle.
- Increased Drooling – Excess drool can irritate the skin, leading to rashy cheeks and discomfort.
- Restlessness & Irritability – The discomfort makes babies fussier, and they may wake up more often looking for comfort.
- Change in Feeding Habits – Some babies refuse to nurse or take a bottle due to gum sensitivity, leaving them extra cranky.
- Temperature & Mild Symptoms – While teething itself doesn’t cause high fever, it can lead to mild irritability, swollen gums, and even a small rise in temperature.

Signs Your Baby’s Sleepless Nights Are Due to Teething

Wondering if teething is the main culprit behind those sleepless nights? Here are some telltale signs:

- Increased gnawing and chewing on everything – If they’re chomping on their fingers, toys, or even your shoulder, they might be trying to soothe sore gums.
- Excessive drooling – You might find yourself constantly changing bibs or wiping their chin.
- Irritability and fussiness – A normally happy baby suddenly turning cranky? Teething could be to blame.
- Swollen or red gums – If you peek inside their mouth, you might see swollen gums or even a tiny white tooth poking through.
- Disrupted sleep patterns – If they’re waking more frequently at night or struggling to nap, their discomfort might be a factor.
- Pulling at ears or rubbing their cheeks – Some babies tug at their ears or rub their cheeks because the pain radiates from the gums.

If your baby has a high fever (over 100.4°F), severe diarrhea, or is inconsolable, consult a pediatrician. Some symptoms commonly blamed on teething could indicate illness instead.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby at Night

Now for the real question—how do you help your little one sleep while those stubborn teeth push through? Here are some tried-and-true tricks to ease their discomfort:

1. Use a Cold Compress or Teething Toy

Cold helps numb sore gums. Try:
- Chilled (not frozen) teething rings
- A cold, damp washcloth for them to chew on
- Cooling a pacifier in the fridge

2. Offer a Gentle Gum Massage

Just like a back rub helps us relax, a gum massage can work wonders for teething babies. Wash your hands and gently rub their gums with a clean finger in circular motions.

3. Try Safe Teething Remedies

Some natural remedies may help ease pain:
- Frozen fruit in a mesh feeder – Great for older babies. The cold soothes gums while the fruit adds a tasty treat.
- Chamomile tea (cooled) – A few drops rubbed on the gums can provide calming effects.
- Breast milk popsicles – If your baby is still nursing, frozen breast milk can be a soothing treat.

4. Pain Relief (When Necessary)

If your baby is struggling, over-the-counter pain relievers like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies 6 months and older) can help. Always check with your pediatrician before giving medication.

5. Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Even if teething disrupts sleep, sticking to a familiar bedtime schedule helps signal sleep time. Try:
- A warm bath to relax them
- A gentle massage before bed
- Reading a calming story
- Playing soft lullabies

6. Provide Extra Cuddles & Comfort

Sometimes, all they need is extra love. Teething can make babies clingier, so don’t feel guilty about offering extra snuggles. Rocking, nursing, or even contact naps might be necessary for a few nights.

7. Let Them Chew (Safely!)

Chewing helps relieve gum pressure. Offer them teething-friendly options like silicone teething toys, wooden rings, or even a baby-safe spoon to gnaw on.

Should You Sleep Train During Teething?

If you’re in the middle of sleep training, you might wonder if you should pause during teething. Here’s the deal—every baby is different.

- If they're having a particularly rough time, you might need to adjust your sleep strategies temporarily. Don’t stress! A little extra comfort won’t derail long-term sleep habits.
- If your baby seems only mildly affected, you can continue gentle sleep training while offering comfort as needed.

Teething comes in waves, so some nights will be worse than others. Follow your instincts—comfort them when necessary but try not to introduce unsustainable habits (like rocking to sleep if they normally self-soothe).

What If Nothing Works?

First, take a deep breath. Teething is frustrating for everyone, but it won’t last forever. Some babies breeze through it, while others struggle with each new tooth. If your baby is particularly sensitive, you may need to experiment with different relief methods until you find what works best.

If sleep deprivation is hitting hard, ask for help. Tag-team with your partner, enlist a grandparent for nap-time support, or take a break when you can. A well-rested parent is better equipped to handle those tough nights.

When Will It Get Better?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though some start earlier or later. The first few teeth tend to be the most disruptive, but over time, many babies adjust and experience less discomfort.

By the time they reach 2 to 3 years old, they’ll have all 20 baby teeth—and you’ll finally get a full night’s sleep again (until the next parenting challenge pops up!).

Final Thoughts

Teething and sleepless nights go hand in hand, but with the right strategies, you can make this phase more manageable. Offer soothing remedies, maintain comforting nighttime routines, and remind yourself that this too shall pass.

So, grab that cup of coffee, snuggle your little one, and know that you're doing an amazing job—even if you're running on fumes. Soon enough, you’ll be looking back on these nights wondering how they flew by so fast. Hang in there!