Teething pain and sleep patterns

As with other developmental milestones, teething can disrupt your baby’s newly established routines. This can be frustrating but it is an inevitable part of the development process.
This may only last for a short time, and sort itself out, or you may need to try again to implement a good sleeping regime.

The reason that your baby’s sleep patterns become disturbed is down to the discomfort he is in. The symptoms of teething do not usually occur before he is about four months old and in some cases the first tooth won’t emerge until he is a year old.

Usually, your baby will become uncharacteristically grumpy or clingy but may not show any other signs of illness. This may begin a few weeks before a tooth even appears, so even if there is nothing to show for it, it could well be teething pain that is upsetting your baby.

Look out for swollen or red gums (and a new appetite for chewing) and a constant dribble. A bright red spot on one of his cheeks may also appear, confirming this event.

The best course of action is to give him lots of cuddles and comfort. He may want to feed more often than usual and this is perfectly ok. You can buy teething rings that can be chilled in the fridge or freezer to take the edge of those hot little gums and there is a range of teething gels or homeopathic remedies that may help. If your baby has a temperature, you should consult your GP or health visitor for the best remedy. Remember that infant paracetamol must not be taken before the age of three months. Consult a GP, pharmacist or a homeopath for more advice.

Once you have tackled the problem, you may find that his disturbed sleeping patterns right themselves, and you do not need to do anything much. Even though it can be frustrating, just view it as a positive. Your baby is transforming and changing, ready for his next stage of life.

Why not chat to other mums about teething by leaving a message on our chat forum. Alternatively, if you want to meet other mums in your area with similar age babies, visit our people section of the site to find out what is happening in your area. If you have any unanswered questions, use our questions page to gain wisdom from other mums or our resident experts for all those pregnancy or baby-related niggles. Have a look at our Kit section where we list our top ten favourite cots.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.