How to Keep Your Baby’s Sleep Skills Good During Teething

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby's development (and let’s be honest, those little white chicklets are downright adorable), but it can also be a challenging time for both babies and parents. As those tiny teeth start to push through the gums, discomfort and pain can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to potentially restless nights and fussier days. On top of this, it is often difficult to tell whether a baby is actually teething because the symptoms can be vague and difficult to interpret. You may find yourself wondering if your baby actually is teething or just having a rough day. In this blog I will share with you the most common signs of teething, as well as my top five tips to help ease the discomfort during teething and still support your baby’s independent sleep skills.

Common Signs of Teething

Teething symptoms can look different for different babies. However, there are 8 most common signs to look out for:

• White nubs on top of gums

• Swollen or tender gums

• Increased fussiness

• Increased biting or chewing

• Excessive drooling

• Decreased appetite

• Increased night wakings or early morning wakings

• Minimal increase in temperature (less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)

How to Tell the Difference Between Sleep Regression and Teething

• Rather than causing a baby to wake and struggle to go back to sleep between sleep cycles (more common during sleep regressions), teething may cause your baby to wake during a sleep cycle. So rather than waking after 45-50 minutes of sleep, teething pain may cause your baby to wake and cry after only 20-30 minutes of sleep.

• Sleep crying is also a common sign of teething pain. Sleep crying happens when a baby appears to be asleep but is moaning or crying out. They may be too tired to wake fully, or in deeper sleep, but still experiencing discomfort.

• Another way to tell the difference between a sleep regression and teething is how long the symptoms last. When a baby is teething, typically the symptoms only last a few nights. A sleep regression may last 1-2 weeks.

How Teething Affects Sleep

Teething discomfort can manifest in a variety of ways, and one of the most common areas it impacts is sleep. Here's how teething can disrupt your baby's sleep patterns:

1. Pain and Discomfort: The pressure of emerging teeth can cause soreness and discomfort in your baby's gums, making it difficult for them to settle down and fall asleep.

2. Increased Irritability: Teething pain can lead to increased irritability, making it challenging for your baby to relax and fall asleep.

3. Disrupted Sleep Cycles: Teething discomfort can disrupt your baby's natural sleep cycles, causing frequent waking throughout the night.

4. Excessive Drooling: Teething often leads to excessive drooling, which can cause skin irritation around the mouth and chin, further disrupting sleep.

5. Changes in Appetite: Some babies may experience changes in appetite during teething, which can affect their feeding and sleeping routines.

5 Tips to Ease Sleep Issues During Teething

1. Provide Comforting Relief: Offer your baby teething toys or chilled teething rings to gnaw on. The counter-pressure can help alleviate gum soreness and provide soothing relief. You can also try putting a rubber band around a small section of a sanitary baby washcloth and dip that end in formula or breast milk, before freezing it. Your baby can suck on this like they would a chilled teething ring. If your baby has a rash around their mouth from drool, try covering it in a product like Aquaphor to promote healing.

2. Gentle Massage: Gently massaging your baby's gums with clean fingers can help alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation before bedtime.

3. Cool Compresses: Applying a cool, damp washcloth to your baby's gums can help numb the area and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief from teething pain.

4. Pain Relief Medication: Consult with your pediatrician about using over-the-counter pain relief medication specifically designed for infants. Always follow the recommended dosage and guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.

5. Maintain Consistent Sleep Routines and Expectations: Stick to your baby's regular sleep routines as much as possible. Consistency can provide a sense of security and predictability for your baby, even during teething episodes.

Encouraging Independent Sleep Skills During Teething

While it's essential to support your baby during teething, it's also crucial to encourage independent sleep skills. Here are some tips to promote healthy sleep habits:

• Establish a Bedtime Routine: Create a calming bedtime routine that signals to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This could include activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, and reading a bedtime story.

• Practice Self-Soothing Techniques: Encourage your baby to self-soothe by allowing them to fall asleep independently in their crib. This can help them learn to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake up during the night.

• Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your baby's sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep. Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature to promote deep and uninterrupted sleep.

• Allow Baby to Fall Asleep Independently: You can add in comfort overnight as needed, but your baby should still have the ability to fall asleep independently. Remaining consistent with this expectation will prevent teething sleep disruptions from becoming long-term sleep issues.

• Be Patient and Consistent: It's normal for sleep patterns to be disrupted during teething, but consistency is key. Stick to your baby's sleep routines and remain patient as they navigate through this developmental milestone.

• Seek Support if Needed: If you're struggling to manage your baby's sleep during teething, don't hesitate to seek support from a pediatrician or a certified sleep consultant to receive personalized guidance and strategies to help you and your baby get the rest you need.

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, especially when it comes to sleep. By understanding how teething affects sleep and implementing practical strategies to ease discomfort and promote healthy sleep habits, you can support your baby through this milestone while keeping those independent sleep skills good! Remember to be patient, consistent, and seek support if needed as you navigate through this developmental stage together.