How to Soothe a Teething Baby at Night

As many parents can attest, the symptoms of teething—including gum soreness, mouth rash, and drooling—can make babies extremely fussy. This irritability usually gets worse during naps and bedtime, when babies don't have their typical daytime distractions, says Ari Brown, MD, a pediatrician and co-author of Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year.

For teething pain relief, disregard the old wives' tales about rubbing whiskey or another alcoholic beverage on your baby's gums to placate them. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advises against using topical numbing creams and gels, as well as homeopathic teething tablets, because of potential negative side effects. Teething necklaces are also a no-go because of the risk of strangulation and choking.

Instead, try one of these expert-approved home remedies for teething babies at night or nap time.

Gently Numb Sore Gums With Cold Therapy

You might notice that your teething baby is gnawing or chewing on their fingers—and anything within reach—to help alleviate their sore gums. Help them by offering chilled teethers instead.

One of the best home remedies for baby teething at night is to give cold items, which can numb your baby's gums and may alleviate some of the pain, says Jeannie Beauchamp, DDS, a pediatric dentist in Clarksville, Tennessee. She recommends letting your child chew on a wet, cold washcloth before bed (stick it in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand).

Here are a few safe ways to use cold to relieve your baby's painful gums:

• Chill a damp washcloth in the freezer and use it to gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.
• Fill a baby mesh feeder with frozen baby food or an ice cube and offer it to your baby to chew on.
• If your is 6 months or older and has begun eating solids, try letting them chew on a soft bagel or chilled fruit such as melon or banana.
• Put their favorite teether in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it before your baby gnaws on it.
  

Prevent Rash From Excessive Drool

Drooling is a natural and common symptom of teething—up to 92% of teething babies experience excessive drooling! The problem? All that extra moisture can cause an uncomfortable rash on your baby's skin. Here are some tips to prevent or manage your baby's drool rash:

• Use a soft bib to gently wipe away excessive drool.
• Use an ointment such as petroleum jelly or Aquafor to create a protective barrier on your baby's skin.
• Avoid soaps, lotions, and laundry detergents with harsh chemicals, including fragrances that could further irritate your baby's delicate skin.

Watch for signs of infection. If your baby's skin begins to crack, weep puss, or bleed, call your health care provider.

Use Distraction

Sure, distraction won't make your baby's gums stop hurting, but it can keep their minds occupied on something else, which might help calm them down enough to sleep. Here are a few ideas to try while your baby chews on something safe, like a chilled teether.

• Draw a warm bath.
• Gently rock or bounce your baby.
• Use white noise like a vacuum, running water, white noise machine, or soft music.
• Sing or hum softly to your baby.

Touching your baby can be soothing to them, so consider holding them close in your arms or a carrier, gently rubbing their skin, or even doing some infant massage.

Stick To Your Usual Routines

Routines are an important part of your baby's day. Not only does having an established routine help keep everyone on track, but it also adds an element of comfort and reassurance for your little one when things feel stormy. Do your best to not interrupt your baby's usual sleep routine while teething.

Studies have shown that a regular sleep routine is hugely beneficial for babies and children in ways that go beyond simply getting a good night's sleep. For example, babies and kids who have a regular sleep routine—that includes having a healthy pre-bed snack, practicing good hygiene, reading a story, and going to sleep at the same time every night—have improved literacy development, emotional and behavioral regulation, and bonding with a parent or caregiver.

So, even if your baby is fussy during teething, it's important to stick to your bedtime routine.

Ask a Doctor About Over-the-Counter Medications

If home remedies for teething aren't cutting it and your baby is really struggling with teething discomfort at night, ask your pediatrician or dentist about giving your child an over-the-counter pain medication like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

These medications might be recommended for babies older than 6 months, as long as you give the correct dose and administer it judiciously, says John Liu, DDS, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a pediatric dentist in Issaquah, Washington. Avoid giving aspirin to children since it's associated with a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

Always talk to your doctor before giving your baby any medication, including over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen). If the doctor suggests giving your baby medication, follow their dosage instructions, which will be based on your baby's age and weight.

Avoid Numbing Gels and Teething Tablets

It's understandable that you might be tempted to reach for the numbing gels or teething tablets to make the pain stop. After all, no parent or caregiver wants to see their baby uncomfortable. However, the problem is that numbing gels and teething tablets contain ingredients such as benzocaine and belladonna that are harmful to children.

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic and the main ingredient in popular over-the-counter numbing gels that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) identifies as unsafe for infants and older children. It can lead to a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which greatly reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Homeopathic teething tablets tend to use small levels of belladonna to help relieve pain; however, the FDA found that many brands available on the market have inconsistently high levels of belladonna that are not safe for infants or children.

When To Call the Doctor

If your little one is not experiencing anything besides restlessness, their disrupted sleep could be due to something other than teething, such as an ear infection or a cold.

If your child has other symptoms—such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash that is not caused by excessive drool—call your doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that teething babies may have a slight increase in body temperature, but temperatures over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit aren't caused by teething alone, so keep an eye out for a fever. Your doctor can help find the underlying cause and come up with a treatment plan.