Teething is a wonderful milestone in our baby’s life. This marks our baby’s growth, but this phase can also be the most confusing. Many parents often wonder, Do teething babies sleep more? Or does it just seem that these young humans are more tired than usual? And the answer isn’t always as it is. Other babies will have trouble sleeping because of the discomfort, but there are some who take a few more naps during this phase. Recognizing the signs, knowing what is going on behind this irritability, and knowing how to keep your baby comfortable can make a huge and noticeable difference.
Comfort is the golden key during teething time. This is the reason why an adjustable nursing pillow is so much of a lifesaver, not only for feeding time but also for soothing and positioning your baby when they are too fussy. While it is not advisable to have your baby sleeping on the pillow itself, you can use it during your cuddle time prior to sleeping, relaxing your child and easing a more peaceful transition into calmer slumbering habits.
What Happens When a Baby Starts Growing their Teeth
Between 4 and 7 months, a baby’s teeth usually begin coming in; others might begin sooner, or some a whole lot later. When the baby’s teeth begin to erupt, they come through the gums, which causes redness, pain and drooling. For other babies, teething is an easy process without making such a fuss or not even being painful, while some may be more sensitive and eating and sleeping become less comfortable.
First teeth to show up are generally the lower front teeth, followed by the upper ones. As the teeth begin to apply pressure and break through into the gum line, they became annoying to babies, causing them to fuss and for them to be more difficult to settle at night. One of the indications that tends to let parents know their child is experiencing the teething process is that.
Typical Signs of Teething (and How to Spot Them)
Signs of babies growing teeth can vary, but the most common signs that go together are the following:
– Increased drooling
– Mild gum swelling or redness
– Chewing on hands, toys, or anything they can reach
– Increased irritability or fussiness
– Changes in appetite (less nursing or might be preferring softer foods
– slightly warmer body temperature (but not technically a fever)
There are other infants who rub on their cheeks, some became less active or pull on their ears, and these can very easily be mistaken for an ear infection. If you suspect there is something wrong, it’s better to call your pediatrician and have them quickly check to eliminate other causes.
Times when teething disrupts sleep instead of increasing it
There are many myths and misconceptions about a baby’s teething phase, such as babies sleeping a lot, but the truth is that pain has the opposite effect for them. Babies experience pain and discomfort in their gums, they get irritated which makes it more difficult for them to settle into rest or get a comfortable sleep. There are things you might notice:
– More frequent waking during the night
– Restless movements during sleep
– Shorter naps during the day
– Crying upon waking, especially during the night
Since there are only few distractions during the night, most babies experience sleep disruption due to their swollen gums or just feeling irritated. Even an overtired child would have trouble sleeping well or may wake in the night more frequently.
If your child does appear to sleep more while teething, it is likely because of additional energy expended in coping with discomfort or as a weak immune system response. If your baby is too sleepy or hard to keep awake, always consult your pediatrician to guarantee there is no underlying problem.
Comfort Measures to Help Baby Rest Better While Teething
Helping your baby feel more comfortable can reduce the pain and irritation that they are feeling during this phase. Here are a few steps on how to help your child:
- teething toys or chilled washcloth – Chewing on clean teething toys or a chilled washcloth can help decrease the swelling of the gums.
- Massage the gums – Massaging their gums from time to time can create a counterpressure that soothes the discomfort temporarily.
- Adjusting Nursing Pillow for Support – A durable and adjustable nursing pillow can help in making feedings more comfortable for both you and your baby. The right positioning can help your baby to be fed more efficiently and can set the vibe for better sleep.
- Keeping your bedtime routine
This is a challenging phase, but don’t get discouraged especially in keeping a consistent bedtime routine. The familiar cues, like warm baths and lullabies, can help signal them that it’s time to rest. The soothing routine can help them feel calmer and safe.
- Pain relief (When recommended)
You can consult your pediatrician if you want to give medications to your child. Always follow professional guidance and dosage recommendations for your child’s safety.
When to Talk to a Pediatrician about sleep or teething concerns
Teething itself isn’t harmful or necessarily concerning, but there are times when seeking professional help is necessary:
– Your infant has a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius
– They will not eat or drink
– Diarrhea, rash, or ongoing vomiting
– Sleep disturbances continue for weeks without improvement
– Your baby is lethargic or having difficulty to stay awake
Your doctor can eliminate other reasons for discomfort and suggest safe measures to ease your baby’s pain and sleep problems during teething.
Conclusion
So, do teething babies sleep more? There are times, but it’s not really guarantee. While there are babies who might be sleepier as their bodies adjust to changes, other may experience the opposite due to discomfort. What helps is that understanding your child’s unique patters and offering comfort as much as possible with consistency.
By catching the signs early, maintaining routines, and employing the use of equipment such as an adjustable nursing pillow to assist with feeding and bonding, you can assist your child in the manner in which you are able. Remember always this is a temporary struggle, yet the habits developed and comfort gained will assist you in laying the groundwork for a healthier more manageable sleeping arrangement in the future.