Teething and its effect on baby's sleep

When babies start teething, it can be a challenging time for both the child and their parents. Most parents experience at some point in their child's life that teething causes discomfort and pain for the child, which can affect sleep.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what signs to look out for, what discomfort teething can cause, why it can affect your baby's sleep, and most importantly; what you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort for your little one.

The typical signs of teething in babies

When a baby starts teething, there are typical signs that may indicate that teething is underway. These signs may vary from child to child, but here are some of the most common:

• Sore and swollen gums: You may notice a small bump or swelling on your baby's gums where the tooth is about to break through.
• Increased drooling: Baby may start drooling more than usual during the teething process.
• Redness: Some babies get red around the chin, mouth and cheeks. - Irritability: Teething can make babies more irritable and restless than usual. They may cry more and be harder to comfort.
• Biting on objects: Baby may have a strong need to bite and chew on objects to relieve discomfort in the gums.
• Sleep problems: Teething can affect your baby's ability to fall and stay asleep. They may wake up more frequently at night and have difficulty finding comfort and rest.

It is important to note that not all babies experience the same signs of teething, and some babies may have few or no symptoms at all, while others may be severely affected. There can also be differences in intensity depending on which teeth are involved. Some find that the molars cause more discomfort than the front teeth.

What problems can teething cause?

Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for your baby because of the pressure and pain that occurs when the tooth breaks through the gum. This pain can range from mild to more intense, depending on the child and their individual tolerance level. In addition to pain, your baby may also experience other types of discomfort during teething, including:

• Redness and inflammation of the gums: The gums can become red, swollen and tender as a result of teething.
• Increased sensitivity: Baby's gums may become more sensitive to touch and pressure during the teething process.
• Poor appetite: Some babies may experience a temporary decrease in appetite due to the discomfort of teething.
• Easy to cry: The baby may be more crybaby and tearful during teething due to the discomfort they experience.

How does teething affect baby's sleep?

Teething can have a significant impact on a baby's sleep. The sore and swollen gums, pain and discomfort can make it difficult for the baby to find comfort and peace and fall asleep. They may wake up more frequently at night and have difficulty returning to sleep.

Teething can also affect a baby's appetite and eating habits, which can lead to more frequent nighttime feedings and disrupt their sleep patterns.

All of this can result in a vicious cycle where the baby is more tired and irritable due to lack of sleep, which in turn makes it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

What can I do to relieve my baby's pain and discomfort from teething?

There are several things you can do to relieve your baby's pain and discomfort from teething and thus have better days and nights:

1. Gum massage: Gently massage baby's gums with a clean finger to relieve pressure and pain. A teething ring can also be a lifesaver, and can help the child relieve the discomfort themselves. We recommend our cuddly goose Gertrud , whose legs and feet are made as teething rings. A cold cucumber can also work wonders.
   
   
2. Calming routines: Use calming routines and activities at bedtime to help baby relax and fall asleep. Relaxing massage or reflexology for teething can help your baby find peace.
   
   
3. Extra love and comfort: As hard and demanding as it may be during teething periods, remember that it will pass, and right now your child (maybe) has a particularly great need to be held close and comforted.
   
   

4. Gel and drops. There are gels and gum drops that are specifically designed to relieve sore gums. This can be a great help in finding peace when the discomfort is at its worst.
   
   

Remember, it's important to consult your doctor or dentist if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's teething process and sleep. They can give you advice and recommendations based on your baby's specific situation.