How to Avoid A Sleep Regression while Teething
“My baby won’t sleep because he’s teething and he’s in SO MUCH PAIN!”
Does that sounds familiar? Chances are, if you have a baby, you’ve said it before. Truth be told, cutting teeth should NOT permanently affect your baby’s sleep habits! The discomfort from teething should only last 3-4 days before the tooth arrives and an additional 2-3 days after. Teething pain does NOT last for weeks or months.
During your baby’s first two years of life, he is most likely to be teething for a good portion of that two years. Does it hurt them? Sure! But there are things you can do to help them get through the worst of it without creating unhealthy sleep habits.
Here are some symptoms that your baby is REALLY teething:
• Possible low grade fever
• Increased drooling <— prepare for LOTS of bibs and laundry!
• Diaper rash <— all 3 of my kids had them BAD when a tooth was about to pop through
• Increased sucking
• Increased biting <— RIP beautiful crib that you just HAD TO HAVE! HELLO tooth marks!
• Pulling on his ears
• Decreased appetite <— poor little buddy, it hurts to chew when new chompers are making their debut!
If you have done some research, which I’m assuming that’s why you’re reading this now, then you probably know that Orajel is NOT recommended for soothing teething pain. Benzocaine is not recommended for children under the age of 2. So what can you do to help your baby through teething without creating new bad habits?
1. Provide teething toys during awake times. Some babies enjoy teething rings, others prefer something cold on their gums. Some babies will want to nurse more often and for longer.
2. Comfort your baby when he wakes up during the night, but don’t put your baby back to sleep in your arms. This is just going to create bad habits that you will have to break later on. Give your baby some cuddles and when he is calm, put him back in his crib and say goodnight.
3. Talk to your child’s Pediatrician about administering Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen reduces the swelling and inflammation of the gums and will relieve pain. This should be a last case scenario, but there’s usually one particular night when the tooth is breaking through where your baby may be having an extra hard time.
If your baby has healthy sleep habits before teething begins, then the actual teething shouldn’t cause more sleep issues. Yes, a few nights of frequent waking up, but as long as your baby maintains independent sleep skills, you’ll be in the clear.
