Helping Your Baby Through Teething Pains

3 February 2026

Teething — it sounds so harmless, right? Just a tiny tooth breaking through soft baby gums. But if you've ever had a teething baby in your arms at 3 a.m., you know the reality is far from cute or quiet. Teething can turn your giggly little bundle into a fussy, drooling, sleep-fighting mess. And as a parent, watching your baby go through this pain can be downright heartbreaking.

Don't worry, though — you're not alone, and you're definitely not helpless. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to ease your baby's teething pain and keep your sanity intact. From soothing tricks to go-to remedies, we’ve got your back.

What Is Teething, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Teething is the process of your baby’s first teeth (also called primary or milk teeth) pushing through the gums. It typically starts between 4 and 7 months of age, but like most baby milestones, there’s a wide range of “normal.”

Some babies get their first tooth at 3 months. Others don’t sprout one until they’re nearly a year old. Either way, the symptoms and struggles are often the same: drool, crankiness, swollen gums, and the urge to chew on literally anything.

Signs Your Baby Is Teething

Here’s where things get tricky — the symptoms of teething often overlap with other baby issues like colds or even developmental leaps. That said, here are some common signs that teething is likely the culprit:

- Extra drooling (think mini waterfall)
- Chewing like a champ — on toys, fingers, and sometimes even their own hands
- Swollen or red gums
- Irritability or fussiness
- Disrupted sleep (hello, midnight parties)
- Slightly raised temperature (though not a real fever)
- Pulling ears or rubbing cheeks

If your baby has a high fever, diarrhea, or a rash, don’t chalk it up to teething — always check in with your pediatrician just to be safe.

Why Is Teething So Uncomfortable?

Imagine a tooth fighting its way through the surface of your gums. Ouch, right? Now imagine that happening with no idea of what’s going on or how to make it stop. That's your baby's reality.

The pressure from the emerging tooth causes the surrounding gum tissue to become inflamed and sore. Some babies handle it like champs, barely flinching. Others? Let's just say they make sure the whole house knows exactly how suffering sounds.

How Long Does Teething Pain Last?

Unfortunately, teething isn’t a one-and-done situation. It’s more like a mini roller coaster that lasts for months. Each tooth can take a few days to a week to push through, and with 20 baby teeth eventually coming in, that’s a lot of drool and sleepless nights.

Don’t panic, though. Not every tooth will be a nightmare. You’ll likely have stretches of calm between the more dramatic episodes.

Natural Ways to Soothe Teething Pain

Before instinctively reaching for the infant medicine cabinet, try these low-risk, baby-safe remedies. Sometimes simple things make the biggest difference.

1. Cold Comfort

Cold is your best friend here. It helps numb the gums and reduce inflammation.

- Chill a clean washcloth — Twist it like a little rope and pop it in the fridge or freezer. Let baby gnaw away!
- Refrigerated (not frozen!) teething toys — Choose rubber or silicone ones that are BPA-free.
- Cold purees or yogurt — If your baby is eating solids, a cold spoonful of applesauce or banana can work wonders.

2. Massaging Those Gums

Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums with your finger. It seems too easy, but trust me, the pressure can actually counteract the painful pressure of the incoming tooth.

3. Offer Something Safe to Chew On

Babies find comfort in chewing because it applies counter-pressure to the sore area. Teething rings, soft silicone toys, or even your knuckle (yep, seriously!) can be lifesavers.

Look for textured surfaces — they give those gums a little extra relief. Bonus? You’ll probably get a few minutes of peace!

4. Bib It Up

Teething = drool. Lots of drool. If left unchecked, that extra moisture can cause drool rash on your baby’s chin and neck. Keep a stash of soft bibs handy and gently pat that chin dry often. Add a light layer of baby-safe balm to protect their skin.

Teething Toys: What to Look For

Not all teething toys are created equal. Here's a quick checklist for finding the perfect one:

- ✅ BPA- and phthalate-free
- ✅ Easy to clean (hello, dishwasher-safe!)
- ✅ Textured surfaces for extra gum relief
- ✅ Size-appropriate so baby can hold it without choking hazards

Some popular choices include silicone rings, rubber keys, and handheld teethers shaped like animals or food. Always supervise your baby while they chew — safety first!

When to Turn to Medicine

Sometimes natural methods just aren't enough, and that’s okay. If your baby is truly uncomfortable and nothing else helps, talk to your pediatrician about using infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies 6 months and older).

Important: Stick with baby-specific formulations and always follow the dosing instructions based on your baby’s weight and age. Avoid homeopathic teething tablets or gels, especially those containing belladonna or benzocaine — they’re not recommended by the FDA because of potential health risks.

What About Amber Teething Necklaces?

You’ve probably seen them — those little amber beads worn around a baby’s neck. Some parents swear by them. But here's the thing: There’s no scientific evidence that they work, and they can actually be a choking or strangulation hazard. So, as tempting as it is to try something — anything — to stop the crying, this one is better skipped.

How to Help Your Baby Sleep During Teething

Sleep is usually the first casualty during teething. And when your baby doesn’t sleep, you don’t either — and that’s not sustainable.

Here are some hacks to survive the night (or at least get a few more ZZZs):

- Stick to your bedtime routine — Babies crave consistency. Bath, book, bottle (or breast), cuddles — whatever your usual routine is, keep it going.
- Offer extra comfort — Don't worry about "spoiling" your baby; they’re in pain and need you.
- Use pain relief at bedtime — If cleared by your doctor, timing a safe dose of baby pain reliever before bed can help them fall asleep.
- Dream feed with cool milk — A cool bottle or nursing session might soothe both hunger and those sore gums.

Teething and Feeding: What You Should Know

Teething can mess with your baby’s appetite. Some babies avoid breastfeeding or bottles because sucking puts pressure on sore gums. Others nurse constantly for comfort.

Here’s how to keep feeding on track:

- Offer smaller, more frequent meals if they’re pulling away or refusing food.
- Try different bottle nipples — sometimes a softer nipple can make a world of difference.
- Avoid acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes that might irritate the gums.
- Let your baby self-guide — as long as they're getting enough fluids and maintain healthy weight gain, they'll be okay eating a little less for a few days.

Taking Care of Those Tiny Teeth

Once that first tooth makes its grand appearance, dental care becomes part of your daily routine.

- Start brushing with a soft baby toothbrush and just water (you can add a rice-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste by age 1).
- Avoid putting baby to bed with bottles — it can cause "bottle rot" or early tooth decay.
- Schedule your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday.

Good habits now make things easier down the road — and help protect those adorable smiles!

When to Call the Pediatrician

Okay, you’ve tried the toys, the cold cloths, the cuddles — and your baby is still miserable. It’s totally fine to make that call if something feels off.

Call your pediatrician if:

- Your baby has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- They’re not eating or drinking enough
- They seem unusually lethargic or inconsolable
- A rash, diarrhea, or vomiting accompanies the teething

Always trust your gut. You're the expert on your baby.

Final Thoughts: This Too Shall Pass

Teething is one of those rough patches in parenting where you wish you could swap places with your baby for just a day — to take the pain away and give them a break. But remember, it’s temporary. Every tooth that pops through is one step closer to those ear-to-ear grins you’ll capture in photos for years to come.

So breathe, snuggle, and hang in there. You're doing an amazing job — even when you're covered in drool and running on coffee.