Susan
Teething is a natural developmental milestone for babies, but it can also be challenging for infants and parents when it disrupts sleep. As babies’ first teeth emerge, they may experience discomfort and irritability, particularly at night. Fortunately, several gentle home remedies can help soothe teething babies and promote better sleep for the whole family. In this blog, we’ll explore ten effective home remedies for teething babies at night, along with answers to frequently asked questions, to help parents confidently navigate this stage.
What can teething cause in babies?
Teething can cause babies to experience factors like:
- Irritability
- Excessive drooling
- swollen and tender gums
- disrupted sleep patterns
- loss of appetite, and
- A desire to chew on objects to alleviate discomfort.
Symptoms of Teething in babies
The symptoms aren’t the same for every baby, but they may include:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness and crying
- A slightly raised temperature (slightly less than 100.4F)
- Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
- Most saliva drool ends up in the skin on the face, which can cause skin irritations.
- Coughing
- Bringing hands near the mouth.
- Changes in eating or sleeping pattern
When do babies start teething?
Babies typically start teething around six months, but it can vary. Some babies may begin teething as early as three months, while others may not start until after their first birthday. Teething symptoms can include drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and a strong urge to chew on things. Providing teething toys or rubbing the baby’s gums with a clean finger can help alleviate discomfort during this milestone phase of development.
Home Remedies for Teething Babies at Night
Now, let’s look into some of the natural remedies for teething babies.
1. Chilled Teething Toys
Try putting chilled teething toys or silicone teethers in a refrigerator to relieve your baby’s gum discomfort and provide sensorial relief. Placing the entire teething toy in the fridge (not the freezer) can maximize the temperature-lowering sensation.
2. Gentle Gum Massage
Massage your baby’s gums tenderly with clean fingers or a wet, soft cloth to apply pleasant light pressure that helps ease teething pain. Brush in circular movements when you reach the gum line to reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Chilled Washcloth
Wetting a washcloth cleanly, then putting it in the fridge for a few minutes to get cold. Using refrigerated wet wipes for their teething babies allows the baby to gnaw on the cold cloth to numb their aching gums and provide comfort during teething.
4. Frozen Fruit or Vegetable Teethers
You may also want to consider giving your baby frozen fruits and vegetables, such as frozen banana slices or chilled cucumber sticks, which could provide not only natural pain relief but also a natural teething toy. See to it that your child always plays and advances safely by handling these hazardous items as much as possible until they grow old. And replace the teether with a new one when it is either too big or too small already.
5. Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding
Breastfeeding and bottle-meting often are used to calm teething babies and distraction because the sucking motion aids pain relief by releasing the gum pressure. Adding more feeds at night will also assist in calming your baby into sleep. Providing one or two extra night feeds may be helpful because the colostrum is rich and might satisfy your baby’s tummy.
6. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is an herb with many medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help alleviate the discomfort experienced by babies during teething. To cure your baby’s pain and help prepare them for restful sleep, feed them a bit of colder chamomile tea in a bottle or sippy cup before bed.
7. Cool Mist Humidifier
Use a cool mist humidifier in the baby’s bedroom so that your baby is in an environment with the correct humidity and with minimum irritation in their airways. The dry atmosphere can make teething-associated pain more complex and sleep more difficult, which can, therefore, be beneficial when using a humidifier, especially in winter when the air is dryer.
8. Elevated Sleeping Position
For the mattress, place a rolled-up towel or a small pillow under the baby’s head to elevate the bed slightly to prevent the formation of extra fluids. A little bit of nasal condensation can also improve breathing and remove the crying tendency, particularly at night.
9. Comforting Bedtime Routine
Prompt a calm bedtime routine by including a tub with warm or relaxing water, light massage based on touch, lazy cuddles, and telling stories with a nice-sounding voice. Following a loose bedtime routine such as bath time, feeding, and reading can help your baby know it is time to relax, switch off, and prepare for sleep.
10. Over-the-Counter Remedies
Inform your baby’s pediatrician before you use over-the-counter teething remedies, like teething gel or pain reliever. Some products may contain ingredients not recommended for infants; hence, advice from a professional may be necessary.
FAQs About Home remedies for teething baby at night
1. At what age do babies start teething?
Babies typically begin teething around six months, although the timing can vary widely. Some babies may start teething as early as three months, while others may not cut their first tooth until after their first birthday.
2. How long does the teething process last?
The teething process can last for several months, with most babies cutting their first set of teeth by their first birthday. However, teething discomfort may come and go in waves as new teeth emerge throughout the first few years of life.
3. Can teething cause fever in babies?
While teething can cause mild symptoms such as drooling, irritability, and gum discomfort, it typically does not cause fever. If your baby develops a fever or other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes.
4. Should I give my teething baby pain medication at night?
Consult with your pediatrician before giving your teething baby any pain medication, especially at night. Your pediatrician can guide safe dosages and recommend appropriate over-the-counter or prescription options if necessary.
5. How can I tell if my baby’s discomfort is due to teething or another issue?
Teething symptoms often include swollen or tender gums, increased drooling, irritability, and a desire to chew on objects. However, if your baby’s symptoms persist or worsen, or if you notice signs of illness such as fever or diarrhea, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
