Ways to Help Your Little One with Teething

And Hopefully Get Some More Sleep!

Teething can cause real disruption to your little one, especially when it comes to their sleep. Some babies seem to sail through getting their teeth with no problems, whereas others seem to struggle much more. Disturbed sleep is often put down to teething, and in some cases, it is, but it can be difficult to know if it is those pesky teeth coming through that is causing all the upset or something else. Feeling prepared for teething and any disruption it may cause can help you feel more confident at being able to deal with it and help your little one through it.

What Are The Signs Of Teething?

The most painful part of teething is usually the last 2 or 3 days before a tooth erupts, and you can usually see or feel the tooth under the gum at this point. However, there are also lots of earlier signs that your little one may be getting a tooth.

Early signs, which can go on for a month or so, are:

• Fists in mouth
• Chewing on clothes
• Red cheeks
• Lots of dribbling

Common signs that a tooth is imminent are:

• Swollen gums
• Disrupted sleep, particularly at night time
• Loose, acidic bowel movements which can often cause nappy rash
• Grabbing ears, chewing on everything
• Possibly a slight fever

When Does Teething Usually Happen?

Teething varies between each little one but usually starts around six months. So that you can prepare for each tooth, we’ve produced a Tooth Eruption Guide which lets you know when you can expect teeth through.

How Can I Help My Little One If They’re Distressed By Teething?

Babies tend to feel pain more at night to seem more distressed by their teeth coming through at night than during the day. Making sure that they have lots of chewy toys can help them feel more comfortable, and there are lots of teething remedies for sale in chemists and pharmacies. If your little one is struggling, it’s a good idea to speak to a pharmacist or GP about appropriate pain relief, which should help your little one if they are struggling.

Sleep is often affected by teeth coming through, so if you suspect a tooth is imminent, don’t be alarmed if your wee one’s sleep becomes more disturbed. Once the tooth is through, you should see that their typical sleep pattern returns. It can be tempting to label all lousy sleep as a consequence of teething, so make sure that you’re consistent and creating good sleep habits if you feel that the disrupted sleep has been going on for a long time.