Understanding the Impact of Teething on Infant Sleep
Teething is a natural and necessary process in child development. It’s a time of excitement and anticipation as parents and caregivers can observe the emergence of their child’s teeth. However, teething can also come with certain discomforts, discomfort which can ultimately make it harder for a child to get the rest they need.
During teething, children may experience a general fussiness as a result of discomfort, and they may also have a particularly difficult time sleeping. Any parent or guardian of a teething baby can relate to the challenges and frustration that comes with having to help ease the discomfort and coax your little one back to rest.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your child during the teething process in order to make sure that they are getting the rest they need. Furthermore, understanding the impact of teething on infant sleep can help you be better prepared to help your child during this period.
What Pain Relief Options Are Available For Teething?
When it comes to pain relief for teething babies, there are a number of options available. Pain relief gels and ointments, such as benzocaine, that can be applied directly to the gums are an effective way to help ease the discomfort. Additionally, there are chewable teething toys that can help to massage and soothe the gums while providing your baby with some natural, non-medicinal relief.
Another option for relieving the discomfort of teething is natural, cold objects that your baby can bite onto, such as a clean washcloth or a cool spoon. Never give a baby anything that can break apart or splinter, as these objects can be a choking hazard.
Check For Other Causes Of Sleep Disruption
Teething can be an uncomfortable experience that may result in a persistent disruption to your baby’s sleep. However, it’s important to remember that teething may not be the only cause of a baby’s sleep disruption. Be sure to rule out other causes of interrupted sleep, such as hunger, a wet diaper, or even something as simple as your baby’s sleep environment being too warm or too bright.
It’s also important to remember that sometimes, babies will fuss and wake up during sleep without any obvious cause. This is normal behavior, particularly for younger babies, and should not be confused with teething-related disruptions.
Never give a baby anything that can break apart or splinter, as these objects can be a choking hazard.
Try To Offer Comfort & Reassurance To Your Baby
When it comes to helping your baby through the teething process, it’s important to remember that comfort is key. Make sure to hold, hug, and cuddle your baby often, and make sure to respond to their cries quickly, as this can help signal that you are there to provide support and security.
It can also be helpful to create a calming environment at bedtime that can help your baby relax and drift off to sleep. Soft music, a gentle massage, rocking, and a warm bath are all helpful methods that can help comfort and sooth your baby before bedtime.
Things You Can Try To Help Your Teething Baby Sleep Better:
- Choose a pain relief option that works best for your baby
- Check for other causes of sleep disruption
- Try to offer comfort and reassurance to your baby
- Create a calming bedtime environment
- Make sure your baby gets plenty of daytime sleep
- Encourage healthy “sleep associations”
Conclusion
Teething is an exciting and ultimately rewarding experience that can be made a lot more bearable for your child with the right knowledge and pain relief options. By understanding the impact of teething on infant sleep, you can be better prepared to help your child get the rest they need during this period.