9 Signs Your Baby Is Teething (That Aren’t Always Obvious)
Think your baby might be teething? Some signs are easy to miss. This guide covers 9 surprising signs your baby is teething, from ear pulling to sleep disruptions, plus the teething products that actually help soothe sore gums. A helpful read for parents navigating the teething stage. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
TEETHING
3/9/20262 min read
Excessive Drooling: One of the earliest signs of teething is increased drooling. As teeth begin to move beneath the gums, babies naturally produce more saliva. You may notice constant drool, wet shirts, or the need for multiple bib changes throughout the day. Helpful tip: Keeping a few soft drool bibs on hand can help keep your baby comfortable and dry during this stage.
Chewing on Hands, Toys, or Clothing: When gums start to feel sore or irritated, babies instinctively want to chew on things to relieve the pressure. You may notice your baby gnawing on their hands, toys, blankets, or even your shoulder. Teething toys designed for sore gums can provide safe relief and are often a favorite during this stage. I loved this one the most!
Swollen or Red Gums: If you take a look inside your baby’s mouth, you may notice that certain areas of the gums look slightly swollen or red. This happens when the tooth begins pushing up through the gum tissue. Sometimes you may even feel a small hard bump where the tooth will appear.
Increased Fussiness or Irritability: Teething can cause discomfort, which can make babies more irritable than usual. A baby who was typically easygoing may suddenly seem more sensitive or frustrated. This fussiness often comes and goes depending on how close the tooth is to breaking through the gum. Extra cuddles and soothing can go a long way during this phase.
Frequent Night Wakings: Many parents notice sleep disruptions when teething begins. The discomfort from sore gums can make it harder for babies to settle or stay asleep. You may see more night wakings, shorter stretches of sleep, or difficulty falling asleep at bedtime. This stage is usually temporary and improves once the tooth breaks through. Read more about nighttime teething here.
Pulling at Ears or Rubbing Cheeks: Teething pain can sometimes radiate to nearby areas of the face. Because of this, babies may pull at their ears or rub their cheeks when their gums are bothering them. This behavior can look concerning, but it’s often just another sign that teething is underway.
Refusing Bottles or Solids: Some babies temporarily lose interest in feeding when they are teething. Sucking or chewing can increase gum pressure, which may make feeding uncomfortable. This stage usually passes quickly once the tooth emerges.
Mild Temperature Increase: Some babies experience a slight rise in temperature during teething. However, teething should not cause a true fever. If your baby develops a high fever or seems very unwell, it’s always best to check with your pediatrician.
Increased Need for Comfort or Cuddling: Selfishly, no complaints here, right?! Teething babies often want extra comfort. You may notice your baby becoming more clingy or wanting to be held more frequently. This is completely normal and simply means your baby is seeking reassurance while they deal with discomfort.
My Favorite Teethers & Gels to Soothe Teething Pain
Check out my other articles related to this post:
Why is teething worse at night?
Baby Teething Stages: Timeline, Symptoms, and What Actually Helps Soothe
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