Teething Isn’t the Reason Your Baby is Up All Night

As a Sleep Consultant, I often hear parents say, “My baby isn’t sleeping because they’re teething!” It’s understandable—seeing swollen gums and hearing a fussy baby makes it easy to assume teething is the culprit behind sleepless nights. But is teething really the cause? Let’s dive into what’s really going on with teething and sleep, and why waiting for teething to be over isn’t the best approach to take.

Does Teething Really Hurt?

Yes, teething can cause discomfort. As teeth push through a baby’s gums, they might experience some swelling and tenderness, which can lead to irritability. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. The pain of teething tends to come in waves, not in long-lasting stretches. So, while teething might make for a rough night or two, it usually isn’t severe enough to cause frequent night wakings over weeks or months.

Can Teething Keep Babies Awake at Night?

A new tooth coming in might occasionally keep your baby up, but teething alone isn’t responsible for long-term sleep disruption. If your baby is waking up multiple times a night consistently, something else is likely going on. It could be sleep associations (like needing to be rocked or fed to fall back asleep) or a lack of consistent sleep routines.

Babies who learn to self-soothe are better able to navigate temporary discomforts like teething. The National Sleep Foundation supports this, explaining that babies who know how to self-soothe will often go back to sleep, even if they wake up briefly due to discomfort.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is a gradual process that begins around six months and can last until age two or even three. If you’re waiting for all the teething to be “done” before starting a solid sleep routine, you could be waiting years! During this time, other factors—like developmental milestones or growth spurts—will also pop up and can disrupt sleep. That’s why it’s important not to use teething as a reason to delay sleep training.

Why Teething Is Not a Good Excuse to Avoid Sleep Training

It’s easy to get into the habit of blaming teething for all sleep issues, but teething is rarely the root cause of ongoing wake-ups. The real solution for long-term sleep success is consistency. Babies who have learned to fall asleep independently can handle minor disruptions—like teething—much more smoothly. Waiting until teething is over could mean waiting over two years, during which poor sleep habits might become more ingrained and harder to change.

Tips for Handling Teething While Maintaining Good Sleep Habits

Here’s the good news: if you already have a consistent sleep routine, teething doesn’t have to derail it! A rough night here or there may happen, but sticking to your baby’s established sleep habits will help everyone get back on track quickly. Here are some tips to help you manage teething while keeping sleep routines steady:

• Use Safe Teething Remedies: Soothe your baby’s gums with a cold teething ring, a frozen washcloth, or by gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger. Avoid over-the-counter medications unless approved by your pediatrician.
• Stick to the Routine: Even if your baby has a fussy night due to teething, continue with your regular bedtime routine. Babies thrive on consistency, and maintaining routines will help them settle back into good sleep faster.
• Offer Comfort Without Creating New Sleep Crutches: If your baby seems uncomfortable, provide gentle reassurance—such as a soothing voice, a light pat, or a brief hold—but avoid creating new sleep dependencies like rocking or feeding to sleep.
• Keep Perspective: Teething may cause a bad night here or there, but as long as you remain consistent with sleep routines, your baby will likely return to their normal sleep patterns within a few nights.

Final Thoughts

In short, while teething may cause temporary disruptions, it’s rarely the main reason for ongoing sleep issues. By sticking to healthy sleep habits and routines, you’ll help your baby (and yourself!) get through teething with minimal sleep setbacks. So don’t let teething become an excuse to avoid sleep training—your family deserves consistent, restful nights!

Cheers to more Slumber Time!