Teething is one of the big milestones in your baby’s first year. And it can bring changes you will notice both day and night. Around this time, your baby may start drooling more, chewing on anything they can reach, or becoming a little more unsettled than usual. While teething is a completely normal stage of development, it can be an uncomfortable experience for your baby and a challenging one for you.
When Does Teething Usually Start?
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, though some start earlier and others later. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom teeth (lower central incisors), followed by the top front teeth a month or two later.
Common Signs of Teething
Not every baby will have the same experience, but some common signs include:
- Increased drooling: Sometimes so much that a little rash develops on the chin or neck.
- Chewing and gnawing: on hands, toys, or anything within reach, as a way to soothe sore gums.
- Sore or swollen gums: gums may look red, puffy, or feel firm to the touch.
- Irritability or fussiness: discomfort can make babies more unsettled, especially in the evenings.
- Changes in sleep: some babies wake more often at night during teething.
- Reduced appetite: your baby may feed less, especially if sucking increases gum pain.
- Ear pulling or cheek rubbing: discomfort from the gums can be felt in nearby areas like the ears and cheeks.
Myths and Misunderstandings
Teething can sometimes cause a mild rise in temperature, but high fever, diarrhoea, or severe illness are not caused by teething. If your baby has these symptoms, it is important to check in with your paediatrician – it may be a sign of something else.
Seek medical advice if your baby:
- Has a fever above 38°C.
- Refuses to feed for more than 24 hours.
- Has excessive swelling, bleeding gums, or unusual spots in the mouth.
- Seems unusually unwell or inconsolable.
Comfort and Care
While you cannot stop teething, you can help soothe your baby’s discomfort:
Offer something safe to chew, like a silicone or wooden teether.
For example, the Hochet de Dentition Étoile – Vert is a lightweight, easy-to-grip silicone teether that invites playful exploration. Each of its 5 arms has a different textured surface to offer plenty of variety and help your baby relax and sooth its gums, especially during teething.
- Gently rub their gums with a clean finger
- Keep a soft bandana bib handy to catch drool and protect skin
- Provide distraction with a soft sensory toy. Play can shift focus away from discomfort.
Fruity designs like Jouet de Dentition – Wally the Watermelon combine soft textures with bright, playful shapes that catch your baby’s attention. Made from 100% natural rubber and hand-painted with safe pigments, these toys are great for gum relief as well as sensory delight, providing gentle distraction and engaging sight and touch in a fun way.
- If needed, talk to you paediatrician about pain relief options suitable for babies.
Teething is a temporary phase, but it can feel intense while you’re in it. Knowing the signs, keeping your baby comfortable, and having a few helpful tools on hand will make the journey smoother for both of you.