Managing Baby Sleep During Teething
Teething can be a difficult experience for a baby, causing discomfort for the infant and difficulty for parents. It can disrupt a baby’s sleep, leading to restless nights, multiple wake-ups, and difficulty settling down again. However, with a few tricks and the right strategies, parents can help manage a baby’s sleep during teething.
Babies usually start teething around four to seven months, although some babies may start as young as three months. During the teething process, the baby may develop a fever, gum irritation, increased saliva, and changes in appetite. Any of these factors can contribute to difficulty sleeping.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help ease the baby through the discomfort of teething and to help promote better and restful sleep. Here are some tips for managing baby sleep while teething.
Provide Comfort and Comfort Objects
One way to help manage a baby’s sleep while teething is to provide comfort and comfort objects. A teething baby needs a lot of comfort and reassurance, so it is important to give lots of extra cuddles, hugs, and kisses at this time. Provide the baby with a comfort object, such as a favorite quiet toy or stuffed animal, to help the baby feel secure and comfortable.
Additionally, use a pacifier or calming music to help soothe the baby during sleep time. Make sure not to overstimulate the baby before sleep in order to help the baby settle down. Keep the room temperature comfortable and use a bedtime routine to help signal bedtime for the baby.
Apply Cold and Massage the Gums
Another way to help manage a baby’s sleep during teething is to apply cold and massage the gums. Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger in a circular motion to help ease the discomfort. Additionally, provide a chilled teething ring or damp washcloth for the baby to help soothe the gums. Cold foods can also help soothe teething gums.
Utilize Pain Relief Medication
Finally, parents should consider utilizing over-the-counter pain relief medications. If your baby is in a significant amount of discomfort, you may want to consider using an appropriate pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Check with your doctor or pediatrician first to make sure these medications are safe for your baby.
Tips for Managing Baby Sleep During Teething
- Provide comfort and comfort objects
- Apply cold and massage the gums
- Utilize pain relief medications
With a few tricks and the right strategies, parents can help manage their baby’s sleep during teething. Providing comfort, using cold and massage, and utilizing over-the-counter pain relief medications can all help make teething a little more bearable and help ensure restful sleep for the baby.