Time for Bed: 3 Ways to Help Your Teething Baby Get Some Sleep

You’ve been caring for your teething baby all day and are officially exhausted. You’ve tried everything to help relieve some of the pain caused by these erupting teeth, and you don’t know what else to do. As bedtime nears, you long for a restful night’s sleep, but your baby continues to fuss. To help your little one get a break from the discomfort, and to help you get ample time to close your eyes, here are three things to try.

Cold Can Be the Answer

Applying cold items to sore gums is one of the fastest ways to numb the pain. When your baby cannot fall asleep, try applying a chilled, damp washcloth to their inflamed tissues. You can massage them, as it will feel good in their mouth.

You might also try using a chilled teether that they can gnaw on. Using ones that contain liquid can be dangerous, as tears can form, causing the contents to spill out. Instead, opt for solid ones that offer the same effect without the potential risk.

Distractions Can Help

While this may not be your ideal solution, it can work. Trying out different ways to distract your baby from the pain can include:

• Rocking your baby gently
• Bouncing your child
• Giving them a warm bath
• Using white noise to help them fall asleep
• Sing or hum softly so that they feel safe and will drift off to sleep

You will find that by keeping your baby close and warm, they will be more apt to calm down and feel more at ease.

Inquire About Over-the-Counter Medicines

Many parents would prefer that medication not be used even when teething is a problem; however, there are safe options available should you wish to try this method.

You can ask your child’s doctor or pediatric dentist about over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It’s important that the dosages are age-appropriate, as most are only geared for infants who are 6 months of age and older.

These are just three at-home remedies that can be used to help with your baby’s teething but don’t be afraid to inquire further about additional ways to help them through the pain.

About the Author
Dr. Golnaz Goodarzi is a board-certified pediatric dentist who received her DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. After completing a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, she has gone on to conduct research that has been published in many leading dental journals. When parents arrive with little ones who are teething, she and the team at New England Kids are here to deliver recommendations and tips to make navigating this time easier for everyone involved. Contact us via our website or by calling (508) 832-6278 to learn how we can help.