Tips for Parents: Staying Calm During the Teething Stage

29 September 2025

Teething. Just hearing the word might make a new parent break into a nervous sweat. If you're knee-deep in sleepless nights, cranky days, and an endless collection of drool-soaked bibs, hey—welcome to the club! You’re not alone, and guess what? You can get through this without losing your mind.

Sure, teething can turn your sweet little bundle of joy into a pint-sized dragon, but with a little prep (and a whole lot of patience), you’ll survive—and maybe even smile through it. So, grab that lukewarm cup of coffee (we know it’s not hot anymore) and let’s chat about some real, practical, and even joyful ways to stay sane during the teething season.

What Is Teething, Really?

Before we jump into the tips, let's quickly break down what's actually going on. Teething usually starts around 4 to 7 months of age (though every baby is different). It’s the process of those tiny pearly whites pushing through the gums—and yep, it can hurt. A lot.

Signs your baby might be teething include:

- Excessive drooling (think baby, but make it a waterfall)
- Chewing everything (their hands, your fingers, the dog’s tail—no one’s safe)
- Irritability and random crying
- Interrupted sleep (for both you and baby)
- Swollen gums

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about how you can stay calm when it feels like chaos is winning.

1. Accept That It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

Let’s be honest for a sec—this stage isn’t easy. And you’re not expected to have it all together. Some days will test your patience more than others. That’s normal. Repeat after me: “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.”

Just recognizing your feelings and giving yourself a little grace can make a huge difference. You’re not a robot; you’re a human doing one of the toughest jobs on the planet—raising a tiny human!

2. Embrace the Power of Distraction

One of the simplest ways to help your baby (and yourself) during teething is to divert their attention.

Got a cranky teether? Try:

- A silly song and dance (bonus: cardio for you!)
- High-contrast toys or a little baby-safe mirror
- Taking a walk—nature does wonders for your mood

Sometimes, taking them out of their usual environment or offering something new to explore can help shake them out of their fussiness. And let’s face it, even a few minutes of peace can feel like a vacation.

3. Offer Safe Teething Relief

You’ve probably seen a thousand types of teethers online or in stores. Not all are created equal. The goal is to offer something they can chew on safely, which can help ease the pressure on their gums.

Here are a few tried-and-true options:

- Chilled (not frozen) teething rings
- A cold, damp washcloth (great for gnawing)
- Silicone toys (BPA-free, of course)
- Breast milk popsicles for nursing babies (yes, that’s a thing!)

Just keep an eye out while they’re using them—safety first, always.

4. Massage Those Gums

If your baby will let you, gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger can do wonders. It’s like a mini massage for their mouth! Some babies love it, others not so much. But it's worth a try—plus, it helps you feel a bit more actively involved instead of just pacing the floor wondering what to do.

5. Stick to a Routine (As Much as Possible)

Babies thrive on routine. It helps them feel safe and secure—even when they’re uncomfortable.

During teething chaos, try to keep:

- Naps consistent (even if they're shorter)
- Feedings predictable
- Bedtime rituals intact (bath, book, cuddles—whatever works for your family)

A stable rhythm can help both of you feel a bit more grounded. And consistency can be soothing in a world where a new tooth could pop up any day (or night).

6. Find Your Calm-Down Toolbox

Let’s talk about you for a minute, parent-to-parent.

What calms you down? A warm shower? Music? Five minutes of silence in a locked bathroom? (No judgment here—we’ve all done it.)

Create your own “calm-down toolbox.” This can include:

- A short guided meditation (apps like Headspace and Calm are gold)
- Deep breathing exercises
- A funny podcast
- A quick walk around the block

It’s not selfish to take a break—it's essential. A calmer you = a calmer baby. Seriously, your energy is contagious.

7. Tag-Team the Tough Moments

If you’re co-parenting, this one’s key. Don’t try to be a superhero solo. Divide and conquer!

Maybe your partner takes the early mornings while you handle the night shift. Or perhaps grandparents can pinch-hit for a few hours. There’s no trophy for doing it all alone—so ask for help, take the help, and don’t feel guilty about it.

And single parents—you are warriors. Line up your support squad, even if it’s a friend on video call duty while you shower. You've earned that break.

8. Keep a Sense of Humor

Sure, teething can be messy, loud, and exhausting. But it also gives you a front-row seat to some hilarious baby expressions, drool bubbles the size of golf balls, and those adorable little bottom teeth that just scream “first photo op!”

Try to find the funny when you can. Because laughter is powerful—it cuts stress, lifts your mood, and reminds you that this too shall pass.

9. Say No to the Comparison Trap

Every baby is different. Your neighbor’s baby might breeze through teething with a giggle and a wink, while yours channels full-blown Hulk energy—and that’s okay!

Don’t play the comparison game. There’s no prize for the earliest teether or the quietest baby. You’re doing a great job with the little one you have, not the hypothetical perfect baby next door.

10. Stay Informed, But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

It’s great to know what’s going on with your baby’s development—but too much info can stress you out. Avoid the rabbit hole of midnight Google searches. Trust your instincts and chat with your pediatrician if you’re unsure about something.

And remember: Dr. Mom and Dr. Dad know best most of the time.

11. Celebrate the Milestones

Okay, so teething is tough—but that first tooth? That’s a big deal! Snap the pictures, call the grandparents, awkwardly try to get a peek inside their mouth—relish the good stuff. Parenting is made of these moments.

Even in the chaos, there are little glimmers of joy—tiny wins that tell you, “You’re doing it!”

12. Make Sleep a Priority (Yes, Yours Too!)

You know the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? It’s a little cliché, but so true. Exhaustion makes everything harder. And while you might not be getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep (who is, really?), there are still ways to recharge.

Try:

- Power naps when baby naps (yes, ignore the laundry)
- Going to bed early a few nights a week
- Trading off night duty with your partner

Even mini breaks can help refresh your spirit. Sleep-deprived parenting is like trying to run a marathon with a blindfold—give yourself a moment to rest and refocus.

13. Trust the Process

Teething won't last forever—even if it sure feels like it will. Before you know it, your little one will have a mouthful of chompers and will be biting into real food like a champ.

Right now, you're doing the hard work of comforting, soothing, and loving them through it all. Let’s pause and just acknowledge how amazing that is.

You’ve got this.

Final Thoughts: You’re the Calm in Their Storm

At the end of the day, your baby doesn’t need you to be perfect—they need you to be present. They need your cuddles, your voice, your steady heartbeat. In their little world, you're the anchor.

Yes, teething is a rollercoaster. But it’s just one ride of many in this wild theme park called parenthood. And the best part? You don’t have to ride it alone.

So breathe deep, laugh loud, and stock up on teething rings—because you, my friend, are rocking it more than you know.