Why Do Babies Sleep More When Teething?

Does your baby seem extra sleepy or unusually fussy at night? Teething is that tricky time when your baby’s first teeth push through their gums.

Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months old. This time can be tough for both babies and parents. When teeth start coming in, you might notice your baby acting differently, especially with sleep.

Some parents find their little ones suddenly want to sleep more, while others deal with a baby who just won’t settle down. So, do babies sleep more when teething? The answer isn’t simple.

Some babies do sleep more because their bodies are working hard and the discomfort makes them tired. Others struggle to sleep because of the pain.

In this blog, you’ll learn how teething affects sleep, helpful remedies, and when to call the doctor.

Understanding Teething and Its Timeline

Teething is when babies grow their first teeth. Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months old, but some might be earlier or later. All babies are different when it comes to teething.

When Does Teething Start?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months old, though some may start earlier or later. Teeth typically appear in a pattern, starting with bottom front teeth.

There are often breaks between groups of teeth coming in. By age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth, completing the teething process.

Common Signs of Teething

Recognizing teething signs helps you know when your baby is starting this important milestone.

Here are the main symptoms to watch for:

• Increased drooling, red swollen gums, and a strong desire to chew on things – these are the classic signs you’ll notice when teeth are about to emerge.
• Fussiness, sleep problems, and ear pulling often happen during teething, but remember that mild discomfort is normal, while high fever or severe symptoms need medical attention.

Do Babies Sleep More When Teething?

Some babies sleep more when they’re teething, while others have trouble sleeping. Every baby is different in how they handle teething discomfort.

Let’s look at why some babies sleep more, why others sleep less, and how teething relates to growth spurts.

1. Why Some Parents Notice Increased Sleep

When babies are teething, their bodies are working hard to push those tiny teeth through the gums. This process can be tiring. Some babies respond to mild teething pain by sleeping more.

Think of how you might want to rest when you don’t feel well—babies are similar. Their bodies use sleep to heal and grow.

The extra energy their bodies use to manage the discomfort can leave them feeling more tired than usual.

Some parents notice their babies taking longer naps or seeming extra sleepy during teething periods.

2. Why Some Babies Struggle to Sleep

Teething can make bedtime much harder for some babies. The pain and discomfort can turn your good sleeper into one who fights sleep or wakes often.

Let’s see why some babies struggle to sleep.

• Teething pain can make it hard for babies to relax enough to fall asleep, especially when their gums hurt the most.
• Some babies wake up more often at night because of gum discomfort, just when parents thought they were starting to sleep better.
• All that extra drool from teething can cause wet clothing, coughing, or even skin rashes, which might wake a baby who would otherwise sleep soundly.

3. Teething vs. Growth Spurts: Are They Related?

Babies experience several growth spurts in their first two years. Sometimes, these growth spurts happen around the same time as teething.

During growth spurts, babies often sleep more as their bodies work hard to grow. This can make it tricky to know if your baby is sleeping more because of teething or because of a growth spurt.

Look for other signs—if your baby is also eating more and suddenly outgrows clothes, it might be a growth spurt rather than just teething.

Most babies experience fussiness for about 4-8 days when each tooth breaks through the gum. This discomfort typically begins a few days before the tooth becomes visible and continues for a short time after it appears.

Teething happens in phases, with some teeth causing more irritation than others. Front teeth usually cause milder symptoms, while molars, with their larger surface area, often create more discomfort.

Each baby responds differently, but knowing which teeth are coming in can help parents predict when tougher days might occur.

How Teething Affects Sleep Patterns?

Teething can change how your baby sleeps for a short time. Some babies wake up more at night, while others have trouble with naps. Teething might affect their deep sleep and could even cause temporary sleep regressions.

Here’s what you should know about teething and sleep.

Short-Term Sleep Disturbances

• Pain from teething often increases at night when there are fewer distractions, causing babies to wake more frequently or have trouble settling back to sleep.
• Many babies take shorter naps during teething periods, as discomfort may wake them from what would normally be a longer sleep cycle.
• Some babies fight sleep more intensely during teething, requiring extra soothing and comfort measures before they’ll relax enough to fall asleep.

Does Teething Affect Deep Sleep?

Research suggests teething may reduce the amount of deep sleep babies get. The discomfort can prevent them from falling into restorative REM sleep cycles, causing more frequent night wakings.

While babies still sleep, the quality of that sleep might be lighter, leaving them more tired during the day. Most sleep disturbances are temporary and improve once the tooth breaks through.

Tips to Help a Teething Baby Sleep Better

1. Comfort Measures Gentle rocking and holding your baby can help them relax when teething pain bothers them. Quiet cuddling in a dim room often soothes babies enough to fall asleep. Some babies find comfort in being held upright against your shoulder.
2. Gum Relief Techniques Massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease their pain directly. Cold teething rings give babies something safe to chew on that numbs their gums. A clean, damp washcloth is another good option for babies to gnaw on before bedtime.
3. Using Cold for Pain Reduction Cold helps numb sore gums and reduce swelling. You can offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold spoon wrapped in thin cloth. Older babies might enjoy cold foods like yogurt before bed to ease their discomfort.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: When to Use It Medicine like infant acetaminophen can help when your baby seems very uncomfortable at bedtime. Always follow the dosing instructions on the package carefully. Talk to your doctor before using teething gels, as some aren’t safe for babies.
5. Maintaining a Sleep Routine Despite Teething Keeping bedtime rituals the same helps your baby know it’s time to sleep, even when teething. A bath, story, and lullaby can still be calming during teething periods. White noise machines can help mask other sounds and help your baby stay asleep.
6. Should You Let a Teething Baby Cry It Out? Babies in real teething pain need extra comfort, not “cry it out” methods. You can tell it’s teething pain if your baby also rubs their face or pulls their ears. Giving extra comfort during teething won’t ruin sleep habits in the long run.

Teething Remedies to Avoid

Some popular teething remedies can actually be dangerous for babies. Parents should be careful about what they use to soothe teething pain and avoid certain items completely.

Unsafe Practices Parents Should Steer Clear Of

Amber teething necklaces might be trendy, but they pose serious choking and strangulation risks with no proven benefits.

The FDA stronglywarns against using benzocaine gels (like Orajel) on babies, as they can cause a rare but serious blood condition.

Never put alcohol of any kind on a baby’s gums, and the old practice of cutting or “lancing” gums is extremely dangerous.

Homeopathic teething tablets have been linked to seizures and other serious side effects in some cases.

Why Some Remedies May Cause More Harm Than Good?

Many teething products aren’t well-regulated and may contain questionable ingredients. Teething biscuits can break into choking hazards and often contain sugar that promotes tooth decay.

Some natural remedies contain herbs that have not been tested for safety in infants. Always check with your pediatrician before trying any teething remedy, especially those marketed as “natural” or “traditional.”

When to Contact a Pediatrician?

While teething usually causes mild symptoms that can be managed at home, some signs might indicate a different problem that needs medical attention.

It’s also good to know when your pediatrician can offer extra help for severe teething discomfort.

Signs That Teething Discomfort May Not Be Normal

• High fever over 100.4°F (38°C) is not caused by teething and may signal an infection or illness that needs treatment.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or rashes beyond a small chin rash from drooling aren’t typical teething symptoms and should be checked by a doctor.
• If your baby seems to be in severe pain that isn’t relieved by usual comfort measures or over-the-counter pain relievers, something else might be wrong.
• Unusual gum appearance, such as white patches, pus, or excessive bleeding around emerging teeth, could indicate an infection.

How Pediatricians Can Help With Severe Teething Pain?

Your pediatrician can rule out other conditions that might be causing your baby’s discomfort and provide guidance specific to your child.

They can recommend appropriate pain relief dosages based on your baby’s exact weight and age.

For babies with severe teething pain that disrupts sleep for extended periods, doctors might suggest additional soothing techniques or check for complications like impacted teeth.

If teething has led to long-term sleep problems, pediatricians can help you develop a plan to get sleep back on track once the acute teething phase has passed.

Wrapping It Up

So, do babies sleep more when teething? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some babies sleep more to help their bodies cope, while others struggle with sleep due to discomfort.

The key is watching your baby’s signals and responding with comfort. Remember that teething is temporary—usually 4-8 days per tooth.

Keep your bedtime routine consistent, try safe remedies like cold teething rings or gentle gum massage, and know when to call the doctor.

Teething doesn’t last forever, even though it might feel that way during tough nights. What matters most is how you respond to your baby’s needs during this time.

Your patience now builds trust that will last long after those tiny teeth come in.

Still wondering about your baby’s sleep patterns? Talk to your pediatrician for personalized advice that fits your little one perfectly!