How to Help Siblings Cope with a Teething Baby

22 July 2025

Having a teething baby in the house is like living with a tiny, drooling tornado—there’s fussiness, sleepless nights, and constant chewing on anything within arm’s reach. While parents are busy calming the little one, older siblings may feel left out, frustrated, or even annoyed by the chaos.

So, how can you help your older children adjust to life with a teething baby? Let’s dive into practical, real-world tips to maintain harmony in your home while keeping everyone (somewhat) sane.

Understanding the Challenges for Older Siblings

Before jumping to solutions, it's important to understand what your older child is going through. Teething might not seem like a big deal to them, but the shift in attention and increased noise levels can make it feel like a mini earthquake in their world.

Why Do Siblings Struggle When a Baby is Teething?

1. Less Attention from Parents – Let’s face it, teething babies demand a lot of time and energy. Constant crying, disrupted sleep schedules, and nursing or bottle-feeding moments can make older siblings feel like they’re taking the backseat.

2. Increased Noise and Irritation – Teething babies can get cranky fast. For siblings used to a calmer home, the sudden crying and fussiness can be overwhelming.

3. Loss of Personal Space – If the baby suddenly needs to be held more often or starts grabbing their older sibling’s toys to chew on, frustration is inevitable.

4. Changes in Routine – With parents preoccupied, things like playtime, bedtime stories, or one-on-one bonding may take a hit. This disruption can lead to jealousy or even resentment.

Signs Your Older Child is Struggling

Kids don’t always say outright, “Hey, I feel left out because of the baby.” Instead, their emotions show up in other ways. Here’s what to watch for:

- Acting out more often (tantrums, defiance, or excessive whining)
- Regressing in behaviors (thumb-sucking, baby talk, or wanting to be carried)
- Seeking negative attention (interrupting when you're with the baby, intentionally misbehaving)
- Complaining about the baby (“The baby cries too much,” or “Why does the baby always get to sit with you?”)
- Becoming quieter or more withdrawn

If you notice any of these, it’s time to step in with some sibling-friendly strategies.

Helping Siblings Cope with a Teething Baby

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Before anything else, let your older child know that their feelings are valid. Instead of saying, “You have to be patient,” try:

💬 _“I know it’s hard when the baby cries so much. It can be really frustrating, right?”_

This simple statement shows that you understand and care about their emotions, making them feel heard rather than dismissed.

2. Involve Them in Helping the Baby

Kids love feeling important, so make them part of the solution. You can:

- Ask them to bring the baby a teething toy
- Let them help with a diaper change (passing wipes or a tiny distraction dance)
- Encourage them to sing or talk to the baby when they’re fussy

When they feel like a valued team member, they’re less likely to see the baby as a problem.

3. Create Special One-on-One Time

Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, make sure your older child gets undivided attention.
- Read their favorite book before bed
- Play a quick game together
- Let them pick a “big kid” activity that’s just for the two of you

This reassures them that they’re still a priority, even with a teething little one in the mix.

4. Teach Them About Teething

Sometimes, just understanding what’s happening makes a big difference. Explain in simple terms:

🗣 _“The baby’s gums hurt because new teeth are growing in. That’s why they chew on everything and cry more.”_

Letting them feel a cooled teething ring (without baby drool!) or showing them a picture of a growing tooth can help them connect the dots.

5. Set Up a “Quiet Zone”

If the baby’s fussiness is getting on their nerves, help them find a retreat. A cozy corner with books, puzzles, or a comfy blanket can be their “escape zone” when things get too loud.

For kids who love headphones, a pair of noise-canceling ones with soft music or an audiobook can work wonders.

6. Praise Good Behavior

Reinforce positive interactions with the baby. Try:

👍 _“That was so kind of you to bring the baby’s teether when they were crying!”_

🎉 _“You’re such a great big brother/sister! The baby loves when you make silly faces.”_

Acknowledging their efforts fuels their desire to be helpful rather than resentful.

7. Encourage Independent Play

Since your attention is divided, this is a great time to foster independent play. Provide open-ended toys like:
- Building blocks
- Art supplies
- Simple puzzles

Encourage your child to create, explore, and entertain themselves so they’re less reliant on your direct involvement.

8. Set Realistic Expectations

Older siblings need to know that it’s okay to feel frustrated sometimes. You can remind them:

💬 _“It’s normal to get annoyed when the baby cries a lot. If you ever need a break, you can tell me.”_

Giving them permission to have feelings—without guilt—helps them process emotions in a healthy way.

What to Avoid

While focusing on helping your older child, there are a few things to steer clear of:

🚫 Telling them to “just deal with it” – This dismisses their emotions and can build resentment.

🚫 Overloading them with responsibilities – They aren’t the second parent, so don’t expect them to help with the baby all the time.

🚫 Punishing them for expressing frustration – If they vent about the baby, validate their feelings instead of shutting them down.

🚫 Comparing them to the baby – Saying things like, “The baby doesn’t cry when they don’t get their way” sets up unhealthy rivalries.

Final Thoughts

A teething baby is tough for everyone—parents and siblings included. While it’s easy to get caught up in the sleepless nights and endless drool, taking small steps to support your older child can make a huge difference.

By acknowledging their feelings, involving them in baby care, and creating special moments just for them, you can ease the transition and strengthen the sibling bond.

At the end of the day, a little patience (and maybe a lot of coffee) goes a long way toward keeping the peace in your home. Stay strong, parents—you got this!