Teething is a significant milestone in your newborn’s development, but it can often be a confusing and stressful time for new parents. Spotting the signs early on can help you better manage this phase and provide the necessary comfort for your little one.
In my experience, there are key signals to look out for that suggest your baby might be teething. These signs can vary from child to child, but there are common symptoms that appear universally.
Through understanding these symptoms, you can effectively navigate this challenging period without feeling overwhelmed or anxious. You’re not alone in this journey, and gaining insights into the teething process can make a significant difference to both you and your baby.
In this article, we’ll delve into 6 telltale signs your newborn might be teething. Being equipped with this knowledge will help you confidently recognize these signs and respond in the best way possible.
1. Increased drooling
One of the most prominent signs your newborn might be teething is an increase in drooling. This happens because their body is preparing for the teething process by producing more saliva than usual.
You might notice your baby’s shirts are consistently wet, or they may develop a rash around their mouth due to the constant moisture. It’s essential to keep your baby’s skin clean and dry to prevent any discomfort from these rashes.
While this increased drooling might seem concerning initially, it’s a normal part of the teething process. It’s one of the body’s ways of lubricating the gums to aid the incoming teeth.
2. Change in eating habits
Teething can cause discomfort and pain which may also affect your newborn’s eating habits. If your baby is teething, you might start to notice they are having difficulty feeding or are refusing to eat altogether.
This change can be due to the tenderness and swelling in their gums making feeding uncomfortable. It’s an understandable reaction, but it’s important to ensure your baby continues to receive the necessary nutrients during this period.
Try offering more frequent but smaller meals, or use a teething toy prior to feeding to help alleviate some of the discomfort. It’s all about finding what works best for your baby during this trying time.
3. Increased chewing or biting
As your newborn’s teeth begin to emerge, they may exhibit an increased desire to chew or bite on objects. This behavior is a natural response to the irritation they feel in their gums.
You might notice your baby is frequently putting their hands or toys in their mouth, biting down on them with more force than usual. This pressure can alleviate some of the discomfort they’re experiencing due to teething.
Ensuring your baby has safe and suitable items to chew on during this stage is crucial. Teething toys that can be chilled in the refrigerator are especially comforting for sensitive gums.
4. Disrupted sleeping patterns
Teething can also disrupt your newborn’s sleeping patterns. The discomfort and pain of the teeth cutting through the gums can lead to restless nights and frequent waking. Your baby may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to shorter naps and more night awakenings.
This change in sleep pattern is often more noticeable in babies who have typically been good sleepers. They might seem unusually tired during the day due to the lack of restful sleep.
When your baby wakes up at night, they may cry or seem upset until comforted. Providing a soothing environment and sticking to a consistent bedtime routine can help ease their discomfort and encourage better sleep.
5. Irritability or fussiness
Teething can be a painful process for a newborn, leading to increased fussiness and irritability. Your generally calm and content baby may start to appear unhappy and restless, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. This is because fatigue can exacerbate the discomfort of teething.
The pain can cause your baby to wake up frequently during the night, leading to disrupted sleep patterns. As a result, your baby might seem more irritable during the day due to lack of restful sleep.
Your baby might also cry more than usual or become clingy. They may demand more attention and want to be held more often. This is their way of seeking comfort during this uncomfortable phase.
6. Swollen or tender gums
A clear sign that your newborn might be teething is the presence of swollen or tender gums. As the new teeth try to break through the gum surface, it can cause noticeable inflammation and sensitivity.
You might notice your baby reacting more when their gums are touched or during feedings. In some cases, you might even be able to see the outline of the emerging teeth pushing against the gums.
Providing a gentle gum massage with clean fingers or a soft cloth can offer some relief for your baby. Cold teething rings or cold spoons can also soothe this tenderness and reduce swelling.
Navigating the teething phase together
As you’ve discovered, the teething phase is a time of growth and development for your newborn. It can be a challenging period, but remember, it’s also a sign that your baby is developing as expected.
Use this information to better understand and respond to your baby’s needs during this time. Being aware of these signs allows you to provide comfort when needed and to seek professional help if necessary.
It’s also vital to keep in mind that this is a growth journey for you as a parent. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers – no parent does. But by being observant, patient, and responsive to your baby’s needs, you’re doing more than just helping them through teething – you’re building the foundation of trust and understanding that will benefit both of you in the years to come.
So, keep learning, keep growing, and remember – every small step forward counts in this remarkable journey of parenthood. Your understanding and support during this phase will make a significant difference in your baby’s comfort and well-being.
