Teething can be a challenging phase for both babies and parents, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns. The process of cutting teeth can take between two to three years, and the level of discomfort varies widely among infants. While some babies may hardly show any signs of distress, others may experience significant discomfort when their teeth start to emerge.
For babies who are particularly sensitive to teething, the most intense discomfort usually lasts for a few days. To help alleviate this pain, consider providing cool teething toys during the day. At night, pediatric sleep consultants recommend administering Infants’ Motrin for babies over six months, but always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication.
If you choose to use a pain reliever, administer it about 15 minutes before bedtime. This will help soothe your baby if they wake up due to discomfort. If your little one does wake up and shows signs of distress, you can give them another dose after 6 to 8 hours since the last one. Keep nighttime interactions calm and quiet, as this helps signal to your baby that it’s still time for sleep. Should your baby become inconsolable, do whatever is necessary to comfort them, as they are generally good sleepers and will likely return to their normal routines once the teething phase passes.
Typically, the heightened discomfort should subside within a couple of days. However, it’s important to trust your instincts, as every child is different. Here’s what some parents have shared about what worked for them:
- “At night, we use Motrin—it seems to work much better for our baby than Tylenol.” — Sarah P.
- “I put my baby’s teething toys in the fridge. The cold really helps!” — Jessica L.
- “We tried an amber teething necklace, but it didn’t help at all. Instead, a frozen washcloth was her favorite. I would soak several washcloths in water, twist them up, and freeze them on a cookie sheet. She would chew on one for almost an hour!” — Emily R.
- “My daughter has a vibrating teether that she loves; it’s the only one she’ll use.” — Mark T.
- “I made a small bag of frozen breast milk and would break off a little chunk for her to chew on.” — Lisa K.
- “Every time my baby finishes teething, her sleep patterns return to normal without any extra effort from us.” — Tom W.
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To Summarize:
Teething can disrupt your baby’s sleep, but with the right strategies and support, you can navigate this challenging phase. From using pain relievers to employing cooling techniques, each child is unique, and it’s essential to find what works best for yours. Remember to trust your instincts and seek community support along the way.