Teething is not the Reason why your Baby is up all Night

As a sleep consultant, one of the most common things I hear is: “My baby isn’t sleeping because they’re teething.” And I totally get it. When your baby is drooling, cranky, and chewing on everything in sight, it’s easy to assume that teething is the culprit behind every sleepless night.

But here’s the truth: Teething might cause a rough night or two—but it’s rarely the reason for ongoing sleep struggles. Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on when your baby wakes at night, and how you can support them through teething without losing sleep.

Does Teething Really Hurt?

Yes, teething can cause discomfort. As those tiny teeth push through the gums, babies might become fussier than usual. You may notice swollen gums, extra drool, and an increased need to chew.

But here’s something many parents don’t realize:

👉 According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teething typically causes mild, short-lived symptoms. If your baby is waking multiple times a night for weeks, something else is likely going on.

Can Teething Disrupt Sleep?

Yes—briefly. A new tooth might mean a fussy bedtime or a wake-up or two overnight. But if your baby is waking several times a night over a long stretch, teething is probably not the real issue.

More often, it comes down to sleep habits like:

• Needing to be rocked, fed, or bounced to sleep

• No consistent bedtime routine

• Not knowing how to self-settle

  
  

Here’s the good news: Babies who have learned to fall asleep independently often sleep through teething disruptions. Even if they stir, they can settle themselves back to sleep.

The Teething Timeline

Teething isn’t a one-time event—it’s a long process. Most babies start teething around 6 months, and it can continue until they’re 2 to 3 years old. So if you’re thinking of waiting until teething is over before you start sleep training… you could be waiting years. And during that time, you’ll also face growth spurts, illness, travel, and other changes. That’s why it’s so helpful to build a solid sleep foundation early on.

Sleep training helps your baby learn how to settle independently, even when they’re feeling a little off. And once they have that skill, everything—teething included—becomes much more manageable.

What to Do When Teething Affects Sleep

You don’t need to ignore your baby’s discomfort. There are gentle ways to help them without creating new sleep crutches:

✅ Offer safe relief

Try a chilled teething ring or gently rub their gums with a clean finger. Always check with your pediatrician before using medications.

✅ Stick to your bedtime routine

Even if the day’s been rough, keep your sleep routine predictable. Babies find comfort in consistency.

✅ Comfort without reintroducing habits

You can offer soothing words, gentle pats, or a short cuddle—but try not to fall back into rocking or feeding to sleep.

✅ Trust the process

A difficult night doesn’t mean your sleep plan isn’t working. Most babies bounce back quickly if you stay consistent.

Final Thoughts

In short, teething may cause some temporary disruptions, but it is not the root cause of ongoing sleep issues. By sticking to healthy sleep habits and routines, your baby will be able to navigate teething with only minimal disruption to their sleep. So don’t let teething become the excuse to avoid sleep training—your baby (and you!) deserve the rest.