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Teething is a major milestone in your baby’s development, but it can also be a challenging phase filled with sleepless nights and fussy behavior. For many parents, the pain and discomfort their baby experiences while teething can feel overwhelming, especially at night when symptoms seem to worsen.
From sore gums to disrupted sleep patterns, teething can affect your baby’s comfort and peace of mind. But don’t worry—there are effective ways to help your little one feel better and enjoy more restful nights.
Moreover, at Pink Orchid, we specialize in teaching parents how to soothe their babies naturally through gentle baby massage. Our techniques not only help ease teething discomfort but also strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
Table Of Contents
How To Soothe A Teething Baby At Night? 10 Must-Know Tips
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, especially when it disrupts nighttime sleep. The discomfort caused by emerging teeth can lead to fussiness, crying, and sleepless nights.
However, with a little care and some proven strategies, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and enjoy restful nights again. Here are 10 detailed tips to soothe a teething baby at night:
1. Gently Massage Your Baby's Gums
A gum massage can help alleviate some of the pressure and pain caused by teething. Use a clean finger or a chilled teething ring to gently rub your baby's gums. The gentle pressure provides relief, while the cool sensation helps reduce inflammation. Doing this before bedtime can relax your baby and prepare them for sleep.
2. Offer A Chilled Teething Toy
Teething toys can work wonders in soothing a baby's sore gums. Opt for toys made of safe, BPA-free materials, and chill them in the refrigerator (not freezer) for a comforting, cooling effect. Giving your baby a teething toy before bed can help relieve discomfort and make it easier for them to settle down.
3. Use A Teething Gel (If Pediatrician-Approved)
Teething gels or ointments designed for infants can provide temporary relief by numbing the sore gums. Always consult your pediatrician before using any medicated gels to ensure they are safe for your baby. Apply the gel sparingly and follow the instructions carefully.
4. Stick To A Calming Bedtime Routine
Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps your baby recognize that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep. Incorporate soothing activities such as a warm bath, a gentle massage, soft lullabies, and story time. If your baby is teething, adding a gum massage or a teething toy session to the routine can help them relax before sleep.
5. Offer A Cold Washcloth
A clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator is a simple and effective teething remedy. Babies can chew on the washcloth, enjoying the cold sensation on their gums. Ensure the washcloth is clean and free of any detergent residue to avoid irritation.
6. Provide A Comforting Environment
Create a calm, soothing sleeping environment to help distract your baby from discomfort. Use dim lighting, white noise machines, or gentle lullabies to make the room feel peaceful. This comforting ambiance can make it easier for your baby to settle even when they’re teething.
7. Consider Pain-Relief Medication (Only If Necessary)
If your baby is in significant pain and unable to sleep, you can consult your pediatrician about using an over-the-counter pain reliever such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if your baby is over six months old). Administer the correct dosage as recommended by your doctor, and use this option sparingly.
8. Feed Comfortably Before Bed
Sometimes the sucking motion during feeding can help soothe a teething baby's gums. Whether you're breastfeeding or offering a bottle, ensure your baby is well-fed before bed. If their gums are sore, you can chill the bottle nipple slightly or let them latch at their pace during breastfeeding.
9. Offer Extra Comfort & Reassurance
Teething discomfort can make babies feel cranky and needy, so extra cuddles and reassurance might be necessary during this time. Comforting your baby with skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or holding them close can ease their distress and help them fall asleep more easily.
10. Be Patient & Flexible
Teething is a temporary phase, but it can feel overwhelming when it affects your baby’s sleep. Stay patient and adjust your nighttime care routine as needed. If your baby wakes up frequently during the night, respond with love and comfort while trying the above strategies to help them settle.
Bonus Tips For Nighttime Teething Relief:
Keep Drool Under Control: Teething often leads to excessive drooling, which can cause skin irritation. Use soft bibs or gently wipe the drool to keep your baby’s skin dry.
Elevate Your Baby’s Head: If teething causes congestion, a slightly elevated sleeping position (using a firm and safe surface) can help.
Monitor For Other Symptoms: While teething may cause mild fever or diarrhea, consult your pediatrician if your baby exhibits more severe symptoms to rule out other issues.
5 Best Sleeping Positions For Teething Baby
Teething is a tough phase for babies, often disrupting their sleep and leaving parents searching for ways to help them rest more comfortably. While teething pain can’t be avoided entirely, choosing the right sleeping position can make a significant difference in soothing your baby and ensuring better-quality sleep.
Here are the 5 best sleeping positions to help your teething baby feel more comfortable at night:
1. On Their Back
Sleeping on the back is the safest and most recommended position for infants as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For teething babies, this position also helps with proper airflow and avoids unnecessary pressure on the sore gums. Pair this position with a slightly elevated mattress to ease any teething-related congestion or discomfort.
2. Slightly Elevated Head Position
For babies experiencing teething congestion or increased saliva production, a slightly elevated head position can help. Place a thin, firm pillow or elevate the crib mattress slightly at the head (while ensuring it’s still safe and flat). This position helps reduce pressure buildup and promotes more restful sleep during teething.
3. Cuddled In Your Arms
While not a permanent sleeping position, holding your baby in a semi-upright position can calm them down when teething pain is at its peak. The warmth and comfort of your arms provide reassurance, helping your baby relax enough to transition into a safer sleeping position.
4. On Their Side
Side-sleeping can sometimes feel more soothing for teething babies. Ensure your baby rolls into this position naturally or is capable of repositioning themselves safely. Avoid placing pillows or loose items in the crib to maintain a safe sleep environment. Always monitor side sleeping to reduce risks.
5. With A Comfort Item (Teething-Friendly)
If your baby uses a teething-safe pacifier or chewable teething toy, it can provide comfort while they sleep. These items soothe their gums and help them settle into a comfortable position, like lying on their back. Ensure any comfort item is safe for overnight use and free of choking hazards.
Tips For Safe Sleeping Positions During Teething
Always lay your baby down on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding or toys to minimize risks.
Avoid propping the baby too high, as it can strain the neck or cause unsafe positioning.
Stick to the safest position (on the back) whenever possible, especially for newborns.
Finding the right sleeping position can make a big difference in soothing your teething baby. Combine these positions with other teething remedies like gum massages or a calming bedtime routine to help your little one sleep more peacefully during this milestone.
Pink Orchid: Learn Baby Massage Techniques To Relieve Baby Teething Pain
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, but gentle massage techniques can offer incredible relief for your little one. At Pink Orchid, we specialize in teaching parents the art of baby massage, including targeted techniques to soothe teething discomfort.
Our expert-led classes focus on gently massaging your baby’s face, jawline, and gums to ease pain and calm irritability naturally. With a focus on nurturing touch and bonding, our baby massage courses equip you with practical skills to support your baby during this milestone.
Whether you're a first-time parent or looking to expand your care toolbox, Pink Orchid offers personalized guidance in a warm and supportive environment. Help your baby feel relaxed and happy, even through the toughest teething phases!
FAQs
1. How Can I Stop Teething Pain At Night?
You can soothe nighttime teething pain by gently massaging your baby’s gums, offering a chilled teething toy, or using pediatrician-approved teething gels. A calming bedtime routine can also help ease discomfort.
2. How Do I Stop My Teething Baby From Crying?
Comfort your baby with cuddles, skin-to-skin contact, and soothing techniques like gum massages or cold washcloths. If necessary, consult your pediatrician about pain-relief options.
3. Does Baby Teething Get Worse At Night?
Yes, teething pain often feels more intense at night because there are fewer distractions, and lying down increases pressure in the gums, making discomfort more noticeable.
4. How Do You Put A Baby To Sleep When They Are Teething?
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine, use calming techniques like rocking or lullabies, and soothe their gums with a massage or chilled teething toy before bed.
5. What Is The Best Natural Remedy For Baby Teething Pain?
Cold washcloths, chilled teething toys, and gum massages are effective natural remedies for teething pain, providing relief without the need for medication.
6. Why Is Tooth Pain So Bad At Night?
At night, the absence of daytime distractions and lying down can amplify the sensation of tooth pain, making it feel worse.
7. What Not To Do During Teething?
Avoid using frozen teething toys, applying excessive teething gel, or feeding hard foods that could irritate your baby’s gums further.
8. How Long Does Teething Crying Last?
Teething crying usually lasts a few days to a week per tooth, depending on the baby and the stage of teething.
9. What Does Teething Poop Look Like?
Teething poop may appear looser and more acidic, potentially causing mild diaper rash due to increased drooling and saliva ingestion.
10. What Does Teething Cry Sound Like?
Teething cries are often whiny or fussy, with sudden bursts of discomfort, distinct from hunger or tiredness cries.
11. Which Stage Of Teething Hurts The Most?
The emergence of molars tends to cause the most pain, as these teeth are larger and take longer to break through the gums.
12. Does Breastfeeding Help With Teething?
Yes, breastfeeding can provide comfort during teething, as the sucking motion soothes sore gums and strengthens the bond between parent and baby.
Conclusion
Teething may be a challenging phase, but with the right strategies, you can help your baby find comfort and improve their sleep at night. From gum massages and chilled teething toys to a consistent bedtime routine and natural remedies, these small efforts can make a big difference in easing your baby’s discomfort.
Remember to stay patient and attentive, as every baby responds differently to teething relief methods.
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