Could teething be waking my baby?

Teething symptoms may be waking your baby. It may make her irritable, interrupt her sleep and affect her appetite. Teething is likely to be accompanied by bouts of wailing and gum-gnashing. Most babies cut their first teeth between six and 10 months, so if your baby is around this age, teething could be bothering her at night.

But it could also just be a coincidence if your baby starts to have trouble sleeping just as her new teeth are coming in. As your baby learns new skills, such as rolling over and sitting, she may practice them at night and not be able to work out how to lie down again.

If your baby is waking up a lot at night, or has trouble falling asleep yet doesn't seem to be in pain, stick to your regular sleep routine where possible. If you change her routine, even for a short time, she may have trouble getting back on track.

If you suspect your baby's gums hurt, you can soothe them by running a cold finger over her gums to ease the pain temporarily. Or you could give her something cold to chew on, such as a teething ring that's been in the fridge.

If you want to use a teething gel, make sure you follow the instructions on the package carefully. Infant teething gels contain a local anaesthetic that temporarily blocks the pain message the nerves send to the brain. Gels also include a mild antiseptic that kills a variety of bacteria and fungi that could infect sore or broken skin in the mouth. Bear in mind that the gel won’t stay where you want it to for long. Your baby’s tongue and saliva will wash it away.

If your baby is teething but is younger than four months, check with your GP before giving her any teething gel or other remedies.

You can give your baby infant paracetamol (if she's older than one month) or ibuprofen (if she’s older than three months). Check the dosage information on the packet or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how much to give your baby. Never give a child under 16 years old aspirin, as it may trigger Reyes syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.

Make sure it's not something else that’s upsetting your baby. Ear infections are often mistaken for teething. If your baby has a fever or any other signs of illness, take her to your doctor.

Have a look at the signs of teething and find out how you can soothe your teething baby. 

Looking for product recommendations? See our round-up of the best teething toys and remediesOpens a new window.