Surviving Teething: Tips to help your baby sleep
Teething – just hearing the word can send shivers down the spines of parents everywhere, anticipating the inevitable fussiness and discomfort. But fret not! With some knowledge and preparation, you can guide your little one through this phase with confidence.
Understanding Teething Duration Teething can start as early as 4-5 months and last up to 30 months of age, but the actual discomfort usually lasts for only 2-3 days before the tooth emerges. Once the tooth breaks through the gum, much of the pain dissipates.
Recognizing Teething Signs
Ways to Provide Relief
Teething and Sleep While every baby is unique, those with a solid sleep foundation typically handle teething better. It's crucial to establish healthy sleep habits early on, before teething becomes a challenge. If teething disrupts your baby's sleep, don't panic. Stick to your regular routine and bedtime, and offer comfort as needed. Consistency is key, and a few nights of extra soothing won't derail your progress.
Babies who learn to fall asleep independently often fare better during teething episodes. When discomfort strikes in the middle of the night, these children are more adept at self-soothing and drifting back to sleep. In contrast, babies accustomed to being rocked or held to sleep may struggle more with nighttime awakenings caused by teething discomfort. So whether your baby has just reached 4 months or is much older, it's not to late to teach them the self-soothing skill. I am happy to support you with the sleep training process to make sure it goes smoothly and less stressful for you. Check out my 1-1 sleep training package for more details.
By fostering your child's ability to fall asleep independently, you equip them with valuable skills to navigate teething challenges and enjoy more restful nights.
During the acute teething period, extending the bedtime ritual can help your baby calm down and relax more, easing their discomfort. Maintaining a normal daily routine and avoiding stressful situations can also contribute to better sleep quality.
Post-Teething Challenges After teething, sleep usually improves. However, if your child continues to wake up frequently at night despite the eruption of teeth, the issue may lie elsewhere. Factors such as overtiredness, inability to self-soothe, or a dependency on parental help can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. Identifying and addressing these factors is essential for restoring restful sleep for both you and your little one.
Need more guidance on handling your baby's sleep? Consider purchasing my online course, "Mastering the Sleep Schedule." Discover expert tips and strategies to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits, even during teething. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to peaceful slumber for the whole family!
Teething – just hearing the word can send shivers down the spines of parents everywhere, anticipating the inevitable fussiness and discomfort. But fret not! With some knowledge and preparation, you can guide your little one through this phase with confidence.
Understanding Teething Duration Teething can start as early as 4-5 months and last up to 30 months of age, but the actual discomfort usually lasts for only 2-3 days before the tooth emerges. Once the tooth breaks through the gum, much of the pain dissipates.
Recognizing Teething Signs
- Excessive drooling
- Irritability
- Swollen gums
- Increased chewing or gnawing
- Sleep disturbances
Ways to Provide Relief
- Offer teething toys
- Provide chilled washcloths for chewing
- Gently massage the gums
- Provide comfort through holding, rocking, or nursing
Teething and Sleep While every baby is unique, those with a solid sleep foundation typically handle teething better. It's crucial to establish healthy sleep habits early on, before teething becomes a challenge. If teething disrupts your baby's sleep, don't panic. Stick to your regular routine and bedtime, and offer comfort as needed. Consistency is key, and a few nights of extra soothing won't derail your progress.
Babies who learn to fall asleep independently often fare better during teething episodes. When discomfort strikes in the middle of the night, these children are more adept at self-soothing and drifting back to sleep. In contrast, babies accustomed to being rocked or held to sleep may struggle more with nighttime awakenings caused by teething discomfort. So whether your baby has just reached 4 months or is much older, it's not to late to teach them the self-soothing skill. I am happy to support you with the sleep training process to make sure it goes smoothly and less stressful for you. Check out my 1-1 sleep training package for more details.
By fostering your child's ability to fall asleep independently, you equip them with valuable skills to navigate teething challenges and enjoy more restful nights.
During the acute teething period, extending the bedtime ritual can help your baby calm down and relax more, easing their discomfort. Maintaining a normal daily routine and avoiding stressful situations can also contribute to better sleep quality.
Post-Teething Challenges After teething, sleep usually improves. However, if your child continues to wake up frequently at night despite the eruption of teeth, the issue may lie elsewhere. Factors such as overtiredness, inability to self-soothe, or a dependency on parental help can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. Identifying and addressing these factors is essential for restoring restful sleep for both you and your little one.
Need more guidance on handling your baby's sleep? Consider purchasing my online course, "Mastering the Sleep Schedule." Discover expert tips and strategies to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits, even during teething. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to peaceful slumber for the whole family!
