26 Jan Do Infants Sleep More When Teething? What Parents Should Know
Parents often find it confusing when their baby begins to teethe. It is one of those milestones that parents are most concerned about. Parents often notice changes in the baby’s routine, and wonder: does teething cause babies to sleep more or less?
Answers aren’t always obvious. Sleep patterns can vary from child to child, as teething affects babies in different ways. This guide will explain how teething affects infant sleep patterns, what is normal and how parents can help their child during this stage.
What Is Teething and When Does It Start?
The process of teething is when baby teeth push through the gums. Typically, it begins between four and seven months of age . However, some babies begin earlier.
Most children will have 20 primary teeth by the time they reach age three. During this time, your baby may feel discomfort, gum pain, or other symptoms which can affect sleep and behavior.
Do Infants Sleep More When Teething?
The short answer to this question is sometimes, but not always.
Some babies sleep more or awaken more often during teething. Others sleep less, and others wake up more. Teething discomfort can cause babies to feel tired and uneasy, which causes them to sleep more.
For many babies, however, teething can lead to sleep disruption, rather than extra. This is especially true at night, when there are less distractions.
Why Some Babies Sleep More During Teething
Some infants may sleep more when teething occurs.
1. Physical Fatigue
It can be exhausting to watch teeth move through the gums. As their bodies adjust to the discomfort, babies may sleep more.
2. Mild Inflammation Reaction
Teething can cause mild inflammation of the gums which may make your baby feel unwell or more inclined to sleep.
3. Improved Sleep Comfort
Some babies sleep longer when they lie still.
Why Teething Often Disrupts Sleep Instead
Teething can have the opposite effect on many babies.
Sleep disturbances that are common include:
(i) Gum pain can cause night waking
(ii) Sleeping problems
(iii) Shorter naps
(iv) Bedtime fussiness increases
The discomfort is usually worse at night, when babies are less distracted by their surroundings and more sensitive to the sensations in their mouths.
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
The absence of teething symptoms in sleep changes does not always indicate teething. These are common signs to look for:
(i) Red or swollen gums
(ii) Drooling increased
(iii) Chewing on toys or fingers
(iv) Irritability and clinginess
(v) Reduced appetite
(vi) Mild temperature rise (not a fever)
Teething may cause sleep disturbances if they occur with these symptoms.
Is It Normal for Sleep Patterns to Change During Teething?
Sleep changes are normal when teething. These changes include:
(i) Sleeping more during a few days
(ii) Wake up more frequently at night
(iii) Sleeping with extra comfort
Sleep disturbances caused by teething usually improve when the tooth has broken through the gum.
How Long Do Teething Sleep Changes Last?
Teething discomfort lasts from a few days up to a week per tooth . Sleep usually returns to normal after the tooth has emerged.
Sleep problems that persist after this time period may be due to other factors, such as illness, growth spurts or developmental changes.
How Parents Can Help a Teething Baby Sleep Better
There are ways to help your baby feel more comfortable.
Useful Tips:
(i) Offer a chilled, clean teething ring
(ii) Gently massaging the gums with a clean, dry finger
(iii) Maintaining a calm routine at bedtime
(iv) Extra comfort and reassurance
(v) Make sure you don’t nap too late in the afternoon
Consult a medical professional before using any pain reliever products.
When Sleep Changes May Not Be Due to Teething
You shouldn’t blame all sleep problems on teething.
Contact a healthcare provider if your baby:
(i) High fever
(ii) Signs of illness
(iii) Cries unconsolably
Sleep disruption can be a long-term problem
Teething is not associated with serious illness, vomiting or high fever.
Teething vs Developmental Sleep Changes
Changes in infant sleep can be caused by:
(i) Growth spurts
(ii) Sleep regressions
(iii) Learn new skills
(iv) Changes in routine
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of teething when it occurs at these stages.
Conclusion
Does teething cause babies to sleep more? It depends on the baby. Some babies may sleep more because they are tired and uncomfortable and some others have disrupted sleep or wake up frequently at night.
Both reactions are normal. After the teething process has completed, the discomfort ends, and babies return to their normal sleep patterns. Seeking professional advice is a good idea if parents are concerned. It can give them reassurance and provide guidance.
FAQs:
- What is normal for my baby’s sleep to increase during teething?
Some babies do sleep more because they are tired from being in discomfort.
- Does teething cause night-waking?
Gum pain can be more severe at night, and this can interfere with sleep.
- How can I tell that my sleep patterns are changing because of teething?
Other signs include drooling and gum swelling.
- Do teething symptoms cause sleepiness and fever?
Teething can cause little discomfort, but it is not a fever.
- How long can teething affect your sleep?
It usually takes a few days up to a week for each tooth.
- What should I do to my baby’s sleeping routine when teething occurs?
Maintain routines while providing extra comfort when needed.
- When should I consult a physician?
If you have symptoms that are prolonged or severe or if they include a high fever or illness.
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