Teething Sleep Regression: Signs, Timeline & Tips
Is your baby suddenly waking up all night long? Are those peaceful evenings a distant memory? You’re not alone.
When tiny teeth start pushing through tender gums, your baby’s sleep schedule can go haywire. This is known as teething sleep regression, and it’s something that most parents experience.
Those sharp little teeth breaking through can cause pain, fussiness, and lots of midnight wake-up calls.
Your baby might be fine during the day, but turns into a different child once bedtime arrives.
The good news? This challenging phase won’t last forever. Every baby is different, but with some helpful tips and a little patience, you can help your little one (and yourself!) get back to better sleep.
What is Teething Sleep Regression?
When a baby’s teeth start pushing through their gums, sleep can become a real challenge! Little ones might suddenly wake up more often at night or fight bedtime, even if they were sleeping well before.
Parents should look for telltale signs: swollen, red gums, excessive drooling, flushed cheeks, and persistent chewing on toys or fingers.
Babies may have shorter or no naps, and nights involve multiple wake-ups instead of peaceful sleep. Fortunately, this phase lasts only a few days.
A cool teething toy often helps more than changing the entire sleep routine. Soon, those pearly whites will break through, and everyone can get back to better sleep!
The Connection Between Teething and Sleep Regression
Teething can contribute to sleep regression in babies, typically occurring between 4 and 24 months when teeth are emerging.
The discomfort and pain from swollen, tender gums can disrupt established sleep patterns, leading to frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, and shorter naps. Babies may become fussier, drool more, and want to chew, which can interfere with sleep.
The pain often worsens when lying down due to increased blood flow to the head, making nights harder.
Teething discomfort can disturb a baby’s sleep cycle, as sore, swollen gums cause pain, making it difficult for them to fall or stay asleep.
This discomfort can lead to increased nighttime awakenings and difficulty falling asleep at bedtime. Teething can also lead to excessive drooling and irritability, which can impair a baby’s ability to sleep soundly through the night.
Differences in symptoms
| Symptom | Teething | Sleep Regression |
|---|---|---|
| Drooling | Excessive drooling | No significant drooling |
| Chewing Objects | Chewing on hands/toys | No increase in chewing |
| Gum Discomfort | Swollen, red gums | No gum discomfort |
| Fussiness | Increased irritability, especially at night | Clinginess and emotional sensitivity |
| Appetite Changes | Loss of appetite | Appetite remains normal |
| Sleep Disruption | Waking due to pain | Sudden changes in sleep patterns |
When Does Teething Sleep Regression Happen?
Teething sleep regression can occur anytime between 4 and 24 months, often catching parents off guard when a new tooth erupts. Here’s a quick breakdown of when to expect each wave of teething chaos:
| Age Range | Teeth Coming In | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 4-7 months | Bottom front teeth | Sleep disruption may begin, the first signs of teething regression |
| 8-12 months | Top front teeth | Continued sleep challenges as new teeth emerge |
| 9-16 months | First molars & canines | More intense disruption – molars are particularly tough |
| 13-24 months | Second molars | Often, the most challenging phase for sleep |
Remember, every baby’s teething timeline is different, but if your little one suddenly turns into a cranky night owl during these age ranges, there’s probably a tooth working its way through those tender gums.
Warning Signs: Sudden crankiness + excessive drooling + night wakings + age 4-24 months = likely teething
Signs Your Baby’s Sleep Issues Are Teething-Related
It becomes clear when a baby starts waking up more often at night, indicating that something may be amiss. This change often feels linked to something physical rather than just a typical sleep regression.
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Fussiness at bedtime or during night wakings: Babies may not only wake up more frequently but also become cranky, restless, and hard to soothe, especially at night. This discomfort often feels like more than just a change in sleep patterns.
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Drooling and chewing: Everything could go into the baby’s mouth—fingers, toys, and even shirts. The drool can be nonstop, and babies may seem to gnaw for comfort.
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Red gums, low-grade fever, and extra clinginess: Swollen, red gums and a mild rise in temperature, not enough to be considered a full fever, are common signs. Additionally, babies may want to be held more and cry when put down.
When these signs are put together, it becomes clearer that teething is behind the sleep struggles, rather than just a random regression. This understanding helps shift focus toward soothing the baby, rather than stressing about routines.
How Long Does Teething Fussiness Last?
When babies start teething, the fussiness can sometimes feel never-ending. However, based on parental experiences and expert observations, teething discomfort usually comes in waves rather than lasting nonstop.
Research shows that the worst part typically lasts about 2 to 7 days around each new tooth emerging, with the most uncomfortable period occurring just before the tooth breaks through.
Once that tooth is through, babies usually get some relief before the next one starts causing trouble, creating natural breaks between teeth.
When the discomfort eases, sleep and moods improve quickly, making those challenging teething periods feel more manageable for families, knowing they are temporary.
Does Teething in Babies Affect Sleep?
Teething can affect sleep. It may seem like a good bedtime routine has been established, but then everything changes unexpectedly.
Babies may start waking up more frequently, appear uncomfortable, and become more difficult to settle.
Frequent night wakings can occur, with babies crying and needing extra comfort to fall back asleep. Daytime naps may also become shorter and more challenging.
Rocking, nursing, or holding the baby close might seem to be the only ways to soothe the discomfort.
At first, it might be unclear what is causing the changes, but the signs often point to teething: drooling, red gums, and constant chewing.
Once the tooth erupts, things may slowly return to normal. Teething can have a significant impact on sleep, even if it lasts only a few days at a time.
Real Mom Tips
During teething sleep regression, parents often feel like they are trying every trick in the book to help their baby (and themselves) get some rest. A few simple things can make a big difference, and these methods may be relied on night after night.
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Cold Teethers Before Bed: Giving a chilled teether before starting the bedtime routine can soothe the gums just enough to help settle the baby.
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Gentle Gum Massage: A quick, gentle rub on the gums with a finger can help calm fussiness, especially right before naps or bedtime.
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Stick to the Routine: Even if sleep was off, keeping the bedtime steps the same, bath, book, and lullaby can provide a sense of normalcy.
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White Noise Helped a Lot: Using a sound machine can help block out sudden noises, making it easier for the baby to stay asleep. These small things may not solve everything overnight, but they can make a tough stage a little easier to manage.
Conclusion
Looking back, teething sleep regression was one of the more challenging phases we went through, but it’s completely regular and temporary.
It’s hard to see your baby uncomfortable and waking up so often, but knowing what to expect helped me stay patient and calm.
The fussiness, drooling, and sleepless nights don’t last forever, and with a few soothing tricks like chilled teethers and sticking to our bedtime routine, we managed to get through it.
Every baby is different, so some days will be better than others, but it does get easier.
If you’re in this phase right now, hang in there. You’re not alone, and this too shall pass. Soon enough, those little teeth will be in, and your baby will be back to sleeping peacefully again.
What’s your biggest teething challenge right now? Share your experience in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if It’s Teething or Sleep Regression?
You can tell by signs like swollen gums, drooling, and chewing for teething, while sleep regression is more about developmental changes without those physical symptoms.
What Time of Day Is Teething Pain the Worst?
Teething pain often feels worst in the evening and at night when distractions fade and discomfort is more noticeable.
Which Stage of Teething Hurts the Most?
The arrival of the first molars usually causes the most pain because they are larger and take longer to emerge.
