Preparing for Your Baby’s Teething Phase

6 June 2025

Ah, teething — that magical (and messy, and sleepless) milestone. If you're a new parent, you're likely already hearing whispers about swollen gums, cranky nights, and the mystery of the missing sleep. Whether your baby is just starting to drool like a St. Bernard or hasn’t shown any signs yet, one thing’s for sure: teething is coming. And like all things in parenting, the more prepared you are, the smoother the ride will be—for both you and your little one.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or two) and let’s dive into what teething really looks like, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to make it more comfortable for your baby (and easier on your sanity).

What Exactly Is Teething?

Put simply, teething is when your baby’s teeth start bursting (okay, gently poking) through their gums. It’s a totally natural part of development, but it can be quite the emotional rollercoaster—for you and your baby.

Teeth typically start appearing between 4 to 7 months of age, though some babies start earlier, and others keep you waiting until their first birthday. Just like crawling or walking, there's no “one-size-fits-all” timeline.

During teething, your baby’s body is doing a lot of work under the surface. Their gums swell as teeth push up from below, causing discomfort, fussiness, even drooling that could rival a faucet.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies cut their first tooth between 6 to 10 months, but it's perfectly normal for teething to start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Yep—just when you think you've got things figured out, parenting throws you a curveball.

Here’s a general timeline for baby teeth:

- 6–10 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
- 8–12 months: Upper central incisors (top front teeth)
- 9–13 months: Upper lateral incisors
- 10–16 months: Lower lateral incisors
- 13–19 months: First molars
- 16–23 months: Canines (those sharp little corner teeth)
- 23–33 months: Second molars

By age three, your kiddo will likely have a full set of 20 baby teeth. (And then around age six, they’ll start falling out. Isn’t that fun?)

Teething Symptoms: What to Look Out For

So how do you know if those restless nights are due to teething or just one of those baby mysteries? Watch for these common signs:

- Drooling – Like, waterfall levels.
- Chewing – Fingers, toys, your shoulder—nothing is safe.
- Irritability – Babies in pain aren’t exactly sunshine and rainbows.
- Swollen, red gums – Especially around the area where a tooth is coming in.
- Slight fever (under 101°F) – Your baby might run warm, but it shouldn’t be a high fever.
- Interrupted sleep – This one stings, we know.
- Loss of appetite – Especially for solid foods.
- Rubbing ears or cheeks – The nerves in the mouth are all connected, so pain can radiate.

Important: If your baby has a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea 💩—call your pediatrician. Those aren’t typical teething signs and might signal something else.

How Long Does Teething Last?

This is the golden question every parent asks. Unfortunately, teething isn’t a one-and-done event. Each tooth has to make its own dramatic debut. Some babies breeze through in a couple of days, others take a week or more for each tooth. Multiply that by 20 teeth and, yeah… it’s a season of life.

But don’t panic—there’ll be good stretches in between. And with the right tools, you can greatly ease your baby’s discomfort during flare-ups.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Tried-and-True Tips

Looking for teething relief options that actually work? You're not alone. Here are some baby-parent-tested remedies to keep in your back pocket:

1. Teething Toys

Silicone teethers, rubber rings, textured blankets—you name it. Offer something safe and soft that they can gnaw on. Chill (not freeze!) them for added relief.

> Pro Tip: Keep a few in the fridge so you’re always ready when the cranky strikes.

2. Cold Washcloth

Wet a clean washcloth, twist it, and place it in the fridge. Once cooled, give it to baby to chew. It soothes sore gums and is simple, safe, and free!

3. Gentle Gum Massage

Wash your hands and rub your baby’s gums with your finger. A little pressure can be soothing and bring quick relief.

4. Teething Crackers or Chilled Fruit in a Mesh Feeder

If your baby is already on solids, offer chilled fruit in a baby-safe mesh feeder. Frozen bananas or cold apples can be both tasty and comforting.

5. Over-the-Counter Relief (with Pediatrician Approval!)

Some parents use baby-safe pain relievers like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always check with your pediatrician first—dosing and timing matter!

> Steer clear of teething gels with benzocaine (they can be risky for babies under 2).

Teething at Night: Why It’s Worse and What to Do

Babies often seem more uncomfortable at night. Why? Because there’s less distraction. During the day, they’re playing, exploring, and generally too busy to notice mild discomfort. But when the world goes quiet at bedtime, those sore gums suddenly scream for attention.

Here’s how to help:

- Stick with a calming bedtime routine.
- Try a chilled teether before bed.
- Offer a dose of pain reliever (if recommended).
- Use a slightly elevated sleep angle (only if your pediatrician agrees—safety first!).

Teething and Sleep—Survival Tips for Parents

Let’s be honest—teething throws sleep schedules out the window. You might find yourself rocking a baby at 2 AM who just wants to chew on your thumb.

A few tips for surviving the sleepy stage:

- Nap when the baby naps (yes, this advice is overused—but seriously).
- Accept help from your partner, family, or friends.
- Don’t feel guilty about temporarily adjusting routines.
- Keep your caffeine game strong and hydration stronger.

Remember: It’s a phase. It won’t last forever (even if it feels like it in the middle of the night).

How to Care for Those New Little Teeth

Once that first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing! Yep—even if it’s just one lonely pearly white.

Tooth Care Basics

- Use a soft baby toothbrush with water.
- No toothpaste needed until age 2 (and even then, just a tiny smear).
- Brush twice a day—start building that habit early.
- Avoid letting baby fall asleep with bottles of milk or juice (hello, tooth decay!).

Schedule that first dental visit by your baby’s first birthday. It sounds early, but it helps catch early issues and sets the stage for healthy habits.

Myths About Teething: Let’s Bust a Few

There’s a lot of old-school advice floating around. Let's clear up a few common myths:

- Myth: Teething causes high fevers and diarrhea.
Truth: A slight increase in temperature is okay, but anything over 101°F likely means something else.

- Myth: Rubbing whiskey on gums helps.
Truth: No. Just... no. Please don't.

- Myth: You can’t do anything to help.
Truth: While you can’t stop teething, you can absolutely ease the discomfort.

Teething and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know

If you're breastfeeding and notice a sudden bite (ouch!), welcome to teething while nursing. Some babies bite during or after feedings, especially when they’re uncomfortable.

Try this:

- Watch for early signs of biting and end the session gently.
- Offer a teether right before nursing to soothe gums.
- Keep a finger ready to break the latch if needed.

The good news: it’s temporary. Most babies outgrow biting quickly.

When to Call the Pediatrician

While teething is a natural process, it’s good to know when to ask for help.

Call your doctor if:

- Your baby has a high fever.
- Symptoms last more than a week.
- Your baby isn’t eating or staying hydrated.
- You’re seeing unusual rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Always trust your gut. If something feels off, get that peace of mind from a professional.

Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone In This

Teething is one of those phases that tests your patience, stamina, and even your memory ("Did I even sleep last night?"). But take heart—millions of parents have survived it, and so will you.

There’s no magic cure, no universal timeline, and definitely no pause button on this journey. But with the right tools and a bit of humor, you’ll get through it—and one day, you’ll laugh at how you memorized the timeline for molars like it was the SATs.

Now take a deep breath, grab that chilled teether, and get ready to comfort your little champ through this drool-filled adventure.