Struggling with a grizzly, teething baby? Find gentle, real-life ways to soothe your little one and survive those fussy days with a smile.
If you’re a mum going through the teething process with your little one, you probably already know how overwhelming it can feel. One day, your baby is all smiles and the next, they’re grumpy, drooling and gnawing on everything they can get their tiny hands on.
While it’s completely normal and definitely a phase, it doesn’t make those nights (or days) any easier. Let’s chat about what’s happening, the signs to look out for and most importantly, how you can help soothe your teething baby in practical, loving ways.
When teething usually starts
Most babies start teething around six months, although some can show symptoms as early as three months or as late as 12 months. Every child is different, so if your little one falls outside this range, it’s usually not a reason to worry.
A complete set of 20 baby teeth (also called primary teeth or milk teeth) will usually appear by around three years of age. The very first ones to come through are often the lower central incisors, those two tiny teeth on the bottom front of your baby’s mouth. Later, the upper jaw joins in with its central incisors, then the lateral incisors and eventually the molars.
By the time your child’s teeth are fully in, you’ll be looking at a complete set of 20 teeth that will help them transition to solid foods.
Common signs of teething
Not every baby shows the same signs, but here are some common signs mums usually notice:
- Baby’s gums look swollen or red
- Rosy red cheeks
- Lots of drooling (hence wet shirts, collars and fronts!)
- Your baby is fussier than usual
- Chewing or biting on fingers and toys
- Interrupted sleep
- Rubbing their ears or pulling at their face
- Mild fever (however, a high fever usually isn’t caused by teething and should be checked by your doctor)
These are all signs that indicate your baby’s teeth are slowly pushing through the gums. It’s naturally quite painful and can sometimes feel like they’re taking forever.
Gentle ways to soothe sore gums
Teething is a totally normal milestone and though the pain can be frustrating for your little one, there are safe ways to help.
1. Use a clean finger
One of the simplest tricks is to gently rub your baby’s gums with your clean finger to help relieve the discomfort. The light pressure can help ease soreness and gives your baby the comfort of your presence and touch. Sometimes, all they need is you.
2. Offer a teething ring
A chilled (not frozen) teething ring can work wonders on sore gums. The coolness of the teething ring helps numb and gives your baby something safe to chew on. Avoid freezing them solid as that can be too harsh for baby’s gums.
3. Try a cool washcloth
Dampen a small clean cloth and pop it in the fridge to lightly chill. Your baby can chew on it and it will also keep them hydrated. It’s soft on their gums and works similarly to a teething ring.
4. Breast or bottle-feed
Some of the best comfort for your baby can be the consistency of routine. Feed as per usual and ensure they get their regular naps. Feeding often soothes a teething baby, though some mums do notice the occasional bite. If that happens, gently pause the feed and try again a little later. You can also calmly let your little one know that biting hurts and Mumma doesn’t like it. They may not grasp it straight away, but with consistency, it will start to sink in.
5. Teething gels: Use with care
Some mums consider teething gels. Always check with your health professional or the pharmacist first, as not all gels are safe for young babies. Natural alternatives, like gels made without numbing agents, can sometimes be a more gentle option.
What about food?
When your baby starts moving onto solid foods (often around six months), certain snacks can help too. Chilled fruit puree or a mesh feeder with cool fruit can ease the pain while introducing new tastes. Just make sure it’s age-appropriate and always supervised.
When to see a doctor
While teething often causes fussiness, drooling and sore gums, it shouldn’t cause serious illness. Call your doctor if you notice:
- A high fever (38°C or above)
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting
- A rash over the body
- Unusual lethargy
These issues aren’t typically related to teething and may require medical attention.
Looking after new teeth
Once those new teeth come through, it’s time to start caring for them. Even though your child’s teeth are deciduous teeth (temporary), they matter. Early tooth decay can impact the development of permanent teeth later on.
Here’s how to protect a baby’s teeth:
- Wipe baby’s gums with a soft cloth before teeth erupt.
- Once the baby’s teeth appear, use a tiny smear of baby-safe toothpaste and a soft brush.
- Keep bottles of milk or juice away from bedtime unless it’s just water (to avoid tooth decay).
- Encourage healthy chewing with appropriate snacks once your child is ready for solid foods.
By 18 months, many children already have quite a few milk teeth and by three years, the set of 20 baby teeth is usually complete. Building healthy routines early helps your child’s teeth stay strong for the future.
The emotional side of teething
Let’s be honest, the teething process is tough not only on your baby, but also on you. Interrupted sleep, endless drool-covered clothes and the constant worry about whether you’re doing enough can feel draining. Here’s your reminder: All of this is normal, you will get through it and you are doing a great job.
It’s okay if your house feels messy or if dinner is cereal some nights. Your baby doesn’t need a perfect mum; they need a loving one. Snuggles, patience and being present are worth far more than getting it all “right”.
A quick look at the teething timeline
To give you peace of mind, here’s a simple breakdown of when baby’s teeth usually arrive:
- 3–6 months: Early signs of teething may appear
- 6–12 months: Lower teeth and upper jaw incisors break through
- 12 months: More teeth appearing, sometimes including first molars
- 18 months: Many children’s teeth are visible, including second molars
- 3 years: Full set of 20 teeth
Remember, every child is unique. Some will sprout teeth earlier, some later. What matters most is that the teething baby feels loved and comforted through the process.
Final reassurance
If you’re reading this at 3am with a fussy baby on your shoulder, please know you’re not alone. The teething process can feel endless, but it really is just a phase. Before you know it, those tiny teeth will be showing in every smile and you’ll wonder where the time went.
With simple tools like a clean finger, a cool teething ring and lots of cuddles, you’ll help your baby’s gums cope with the pain, and get your little one through and out the other side. And when you finally see that full set of 20 baby teeth, you’ll know every sleepless night was worth it.
Read next: Baby grinding teeth: Is it normal?
