Congratulations! Your baby is cutting their first little teething. And with this new and exciting first, their sleep, which was awful before now, seems to have transitioned to horrendous. Am I right? It’s true that when babies are actively cutting teeth, they can experience discomfort and pain. But is it a reason to hold off sleep training while they are teething?
My baby might be teething now (or maybe not). Can I sleep train?
My training and many years of experience tell me the answer is yes! If you wait for your baby to have a break in teething to begin sleep training, you might be waiting for a long time. Possibly as long as a year or more. Most babies’ first teeth can erupt around six months of age. But it is also common for babies not to begin teething until closer to a year. This was the case with my oldest daughter. She was just shy of turning 1 when her first tooth made its adorable little appearance. For my youngest, it was around ten months. And I remember swearing for MONTHS that a tooth would pop through any day based upon the drool and the frequency with which they shoved EVERYTHING in their mouths. Before questioning all the other possible signs of teething, first understand that teeth will come when they are ready and not a moment before. So it doesn’t make sense to keep putting off healthy changes to your family’s sleep any longer. And a more compelling reason to sleep train now is that well-rested babies tend to handle teething much better.
How long can teething affect sleep?
Teething is a natural process, and we all went through it and survived it. As I mentioned earlier, for some little ones, there is barely any discomfort, but for others, it can seem like the worst pain they have ever felt. This may lead to crankiness, clinginess, and sometimes a less-than-ideal temperament. The best defense is to stay ahead or manage the pain and symptoms of teething. I highly recommend consulting your baby’s pediatrician and following their recommendations for treating the pain and discomfort.
I’d also like to note that teething symptoms usually only last a few days (the day the tooth erupts and 1-2 days after). But remember that every child is different, and how they show and communicate their discomfort will vary.
Teething and Sleep at Night
Establishing and maintaining healthy sleep habits and consistent bedtime and nap routines can go a long way to keeping teething discomfort in check. Coupled with possible discomfort management while teeth are pushing through can help you help your baby sleep better during teething. If you are at your breaking point and how you currently manage your baby’s sleep is unsustainable, weigh your options and decide if now is the right time to sleep train. Remember that there are multiple methods for sleep training, and depending on your comfort level, you can choose a method that suits your needs. When coaching families through a sleep program, I first stress the need to keep how you approach healthy sleep consistently, as this will comfort your baby. Identify your sleep props and how to avoid (move away from) their use, then establish a good bedtime and naptime routine. Then stick with it! Once you’ve implemented your changes, keep your baby as comfortable as possible during the day and night using the various approved methods:
In conclusion, taking on the task of sleep training while your little one is teething can be challenging, but remember, you are not alone. There is professional guidance for your little one if you need it. If you have questions or require personalized advice, please reach out to me. As a trusted and successful pediatric sleep coach, I can provide you with guidance and support to help your baby get the rest they need.
Remember, getting a good night’s sleep is important not just for your baby’s development but also for your well-being. Sleep training isn’t just about helping your baby learn to self-soothe; it’s about navigating parenthood with confidence, patience, and understanding.
Believe in yourself and your ability to support your baby through this phase. You are an amazing parent, and with some expert help, you’ll be a master in sleep training during teething. Here’s to restful nights and joyful days ahead!
