One day your happy baby is suddenly chewing everything in sight, drooling constantly, waking more often at night, and wanting to be held more than usual.

Welcome to teething.

While every baby experiences teething differently, it can be a challenging stage for both babies and parents.

The good news is that understanding what's happening can make it feel much less overwhelming.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, although some start earlier and others much later.

The first teeth to appear are usually the lower front teeth (bottom incisors), followed by the upper front teeth.

Every baby follows their own timeline.

Some babies seem completely unfazed by teething, while others experience significant discomfort.

What Does Teething Feel Like for Babies?

Imagine having a tooth slowly pushing its way through your gums.

The pressure can cause:

• soreness
• tenderness
• itching sensations
• inflammation
• sensitivity

Many babies don't understand why they feel uncomfortable, which can make them more unsettled than usual.

Common Signs of Teething

Every baby is different, but common teething symptoms include:

✔ Increased drooling

✔ Chewing on hands, toys, or clothing

✔ Red or flushed cheeks

✔ Swollen or tender gums

✔ Increased fussiness

✔ Wanting extra comfort and cuddles

✔ Changes in feeding patterns

✔ Waking more frequently at night

✔ Rubbing ears or cheeks

Many parents notice sleep becomes more disrupted during active teething periods.

Does Teething Cause Sleep Problems?

For some babies, yes.

Sore gums can feel more noticeable at night when there are fewer distractions.

This can lead to:

• difficulty settling
• more night waking
• wanting extra comfort
• shorter naps

Fortunately, these phases are usually temporary.

Can Teething Cause a Fever?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask.

Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it should not cause a high fever.

If your baby develops:

• a temperature above 38°C
• persistent illness
• unusual symptoms

it's important to speak with a healthcare professional, as something else may be causing the symptoms.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Unfortunately, teething isn't one single event.

Teeth tend to arrive in waves throughout the first few years.

You may notice periods where symptoms intensify for a few days before settling again.

Most babies have their full set of primary teeth by around age three.

What Helps a Teething Baby?

Teething Toys  One of the simplest ways to support a teething baby is by giving them something safe to chew. The pressure created by biting down can help counteract the discomfort in their gums. Why parents love it: Provide safe chewing relief Help massage sore gums Easy for little hands to hold Offer sensory stimulation Encourage independent soothing	Our top picks:   JBØRN Bear Teether JBØRN Teething Ball Toy JBØRN Lion Teether
Comforters For many babies, teething isn't just physical discomfort. They often seek extra comfort and reassurance too. Comforters that combine a soft comfort object and something for babies can chew on. Why parents love it: Easy to keep close during naps and outings Familiar comfort during unsettled periods Encourage self-soothing Many become favourite comfort items long after teething ends	Our top picks:   JBØRN Organic Cotton Bunny Comforter JBØRN Bear Knitted Comforter
Pacifiers (Dummies) While pacifiers don't directly massage sore gums like a teether, many babies find the sucking motion comforting during periods of teething discomfort. Sucking is a natural reflex that helps babies feel calm, regulated, and reassured when they're experiencing sore gums, disrupted sleep, or general fussiness. Why parents love it: Support the natural sucking reflex, helping babies feel calm and comforted Can help babies settle more easily during naps and bedtime Provide reassurance during periods of discomfort Available in different nipple shapes to suit individual preferences Choice of natural rubber latex or silicone materials Easy to keep close with a pacifier clip or comforter attachment Helpful for travel, naps, and soothing on the go	Our top picks:   FRIGG Butterfly Anatomical Silicone Pacifiers FRIGG Daisy Silicone Pacifiers BIBS Colour Natural Rubber Latex Pacifiers BIBS Supreme Symmetrical Silicone Pacifiers

What Else Can Help a Teething Baby?

While teethers and comfort items can be incredibly helpful, most parents find it's a combination of small things that helps babies through teething most comfortably.

Every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works best for your little one.

Cooling Relief for Sore Gums

Many babies find cold temperatures soothing when their gums feel swollen and tender.

Some gentle options include:

• Chilled teethers stored in the fridge (not the freezer)
• A cool, damp muslin cloth for chewing
• Chilled fruit in an age-appropriate feeder for older babies already established on solids
• Cold water in a sippy cup for older babies

Avoid freezing teethers, as extremely cold surfaces can be uncomfortable on sensitive gums.

Gentle Gum Massage

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.

Using a clean finger, you can gently massage your baby's gums.

The light pressure can help counteract the discomfort caused by the tooth pushing upwards through the gum.

Many babies instinctively seek pressure during teething, which is why they suddenly start chewing:

• fingers
• toys
• clothing
• comforters
• anything they can get their hands on

Extra Comfort and Connection

Teething isn't just physical.

Many babies become clingier during teething periods because they don't understand why they feel uncomfortable.

You may notice they want:

• more cuddles
• more feeding
• more contact naps
• more reassurance

This is completely normal.

Sometimes comfort is the most effective medicine.

Supporting Sleep During Teething

Teething discomfort often feels more noticeable at night when there are fewer distractions.

A consistent bedtime routine can help support sleep even during difficult phases.

Many parents find it helpful to focus on:

• a warm bath before bed
• a familiar comfort toy
• a pacifier if their baby uses one
• a cool teether before sleep
• keeping the bedroom calm and dimly lit

Remember that temporary sleep disruption during active teething periods is very common.

Teething Powders, Gels & Pain Relief

If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, some parents choose to use teething powders, gels, or age-appropriate pain relief.

Always:

• follow age guidelines carefully
• read product instructions
• speak to your pharmacist, health visitor, GP, or paediatric healthcare professional if unsure

Many parents find these options most useful during periods when discomfort is affecting sleep, feeding, or overall wellbeing.

Don't Forget the Drool

One symptom many parents underestimate is the amount of dribbling that comes with teething.

Excess saliva can sometimes lead to:

• sore cheeks
• chin rashes
• neck irritation

Keeping the area dry and changing bibs regularly can help protect delicate skin, here's our favourite stay on personalised dribble bib.

When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

While teething can make babies unsettled, it shouldn't usually cause significant illness.

Speak to a healthcare professional if your baby has:

• A temperature above 38°C
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual lethargy
• Symptoms that seem severe or don't improve

It's easy to blame everything on teething, but sometimes another illness may be responsible.

A Gentle Reminder

Teething can feel like it lasts forever when you're in the middle of it.

The disrupted sleep, constant drool, endless chewing, and extra clinginess can leave both babies and parents exhausted.

But like so many stages in babyhood, it comes in waves.

Some days your baby may seem completely unaffected.

Other days they may need a little extra comfort, patience, and support.

And that's okay.

With plenty of cuddles, safe things to chew, and gentle reassurance, most babies move through teething just fine, one tooth at a time. 🤍