Teething is a natural milestone in your baby's development, but it can be a challenging time for both parents and little ones. While it may bring some restless nights and discomfort, understanding the process can help you feel more prepared. In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know about teething as a new parent, including how long does teething pain last, the symptoms of teething and some natural teething remedies.

 
Your baby's journey to their first tooth actually begins long before birth. Tooth development starts in the womb, with tiny tooth buds forming under the gums as early as six weeks into pregnancy. By the time your little one is born, all 20 primary teeth are already present beneath the surface, waiting for their time to emerge.

For most babies, the first tooth appears around six months of age, though some may start teething 3 months earlier or later. The order in which teeth come in is fairly consistent—typically, the bottom front teeth (central incisors) arrive first, followed by the top front teeth, then the ones beside them. Next come the first molars, canines, and finally, the second molars. By age three, most children have a complete set of primary teeth. (Teething, pregnancy and birth)

 
This gradual process is an essential part of your child's growth, helping to pave the way for eating solid foods, speech development and forming their adorable early smiles. While teething can be uncomfortable, there are many ways to help ease your baby’s discomfort, and we’ll share some of the most effective natural remedies in this guide.

Stages of teething

The order in which a baby’s teeth come in can vary slightly, but they generally follow this pattern:

1.    Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) – Around 6 to 10 months
2.    Upper central incisors (top front teeth) – Around 8 to 12 months
3.    Upper lateral incisors (teeth next to the front teeth on top) – Around 9 to 13 months
4.    Lower lateral incisors (teeth next to the front teeth on the bottom) – Around 10 to 16 months
5.    First molars (back teeth used for grinding, top and bottom) – Around 13 to 19 months
6.    Canines (pointy teeth between the incisors and molars, top and bottom) – Around 16 to 22 months
7.    Second molars (back molars, top and bottom) – Around 25 to 33 months

By age 3, most children will have all 20 primary (baby) teeth. However, every child is different, and some may get their teeth earlier or later than average. (Teeth.org.au)

Source: Raisingchildren.net.au.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething in Infants

So what does teething look like in your baby? Every baby will experience teething differently, though generally, the symptoms of teething include: 

 
✔️Sore and tender gums

One of the most common symptoms when teething is discomfort in the mouth. You may notice redness, swelling, or a strong urge to chew on anything within reach.

✔️Excessive Drooling

Drooling becomes an Olympic sport, with babies producing enough saliva to fill a small swimming pool. Their gums swell and become tender, leading to a constant need to gnaw on anything within reach. 

✔️Chewing on everything

Your fingers, keys, the cat's tail - nothing is safe from those determined little gums.

✔️Irritability

Your usually sunny baby might turn into a tiny tyrant, fussing and crying more than usual.

✔️Disrupted sleep

Teething and sleep often do not mix well. Sleep patterns can go haywire, with naps becoming a distant memory and nighttime wake-ups increasing in frequency.

Basically teething is like having a tiny, angry insomniac in your house. Some babies experience a slight increase in body temperature during teething, though high fevers are not typically associated with the process. If your baby develops a fever over 38°C, it's more likely because of an illness as opposed to teething. (Mayo Clinic)

Natural Teething Remedies for Infants

The best teething remedies for your baby include:

Teething rings

Teether toys come in various shapes and sizes, from simple rings to elaborate designs. The idea behind the chew toy is to give your baby something safe to gnaw on, providing counter-pressure to those sore gums. Choose a teether made from a natural, non-toxic material such as silicone or wood. Bowerbird Creations have some amazing options to choose from, and they’re all handmade here in Australia from high quality, natural materials.

Cold Items

Cold items can also provide teething relief for your infant. A chilled teething ring or washcloth can numb the gums and help to reduce inflammation. Check out Bowerbird Creations range of all natural, silicone teething rings for freezer. Another simple but effective remedy is to rub the back of a cold spoon over babies gums. 

For older babies, cold foods can be a godsend. Chilled cucumber slices, celery sticks or frozen fruit in a mesh feeder can provide both relief and a tasty snack. It's multitasking at its finest - soothing sore gums and introducing new flavours all at once. Just be careful not to leave your baby alone with anything that could be a choking hazard. (Mayo Clinic)

Gum massage

Massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger can also help. Gentle pressure can ease discomfort and distract from the pain. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly first, and be prepared for your finger to become your baby's favourite chew toy. (Pregnancy, birth and Baby)

Emotional Support for Teething Babies

Teething can be a distressing experience for babies, not just physically but emotionally as well. As your baby grows and becomes more aware of their surroundings, they may not fully understand the pain they are feeling, which can lead to frustration, clinginess, and even changes in their behaviour. Providing consistent emotional support can help them feel reassured and safe during this uncomfortable stage.

One effective approach is acknowledging their feelings in simple, soothing words. Saying things like, "I know your mouth is sore, but I’m here to help you feel better," can provide comfort and begin building emotional intelligence. Your tone of voice and facial expressions can also play a big role—gentle eye contact, a warm smile, and a soft, calm voice can signal to your baby that they are not alone in their discomfort.

Skin-to-skin contact is another natural way to ease teething distress. Holding your baby close, cuddling them, or baby-wearing can provide a sense of security and regulate their emotions. This physical closeness helps release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and bonding, which may help reduce teething-related stress.

Engaging in distraction techniques can also be a powerful tool. Singing soft lullabies, rocking them gently, or reading their favourite book can shift their focus away from the discomfort. For older babies, offering a teething-safe toy while engaging in play can help lift their mood and ease irritability.

Finally, responding promptly to their cries and fussiness reinforces their trust in you. While teething is a natural process, a baby who feels emotionally supported is likely to handle the discomfort better than one who feels overwhelmed and unsettled. By offering love, patience, and reassurance, you help your baby navigate teething with greater ease while fostering a secure and trusting bond.

What to avoid for your teething infant

Amber Teething Necklaces

Some parents swear by amber teething necklaces, claiming they release pain-relieving oils when worn against the skin. However, there is no solid scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in relieving teething pain. Plus, they pose a choking hazard, so it's best to steer clear. (US Food and Drug Administration)

Teething gel for infants

An infant teething gel may provide temporary relief, but their effects are often short-lived as saliva quickly washes them away. Additionally, babies can swallow the gel applied to their gums, making it difficult to determine how much they have ingested. This can lead to numbing of the throat, posing a potential choking hazard. Use teething gels sparingly and only if absolutely required. (Teeth.org.au)

Teething gels containing benzocaine are a complete no-go. The FDA has warned against their use in children under two because of the risk of a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia. (US Food and Drug Administration)

Dummies dipped in sugary spreads

Avoid dipping dummies in sweet substances like honey or jam, as this can raise the risk of tooth decay once your baby’s teeth start coming in and they are unlikely to ease teething pain. (Pregnancy, birth and Baby)

Top 3 Teething Tips for Infants From our Community

1. Provide a variety of silicone teething toys

One of the best teething remedies natural parents can use is a cold silicone teething toy, as it provides gentle pressure to soothe sore gums while the coolness helps numb discomfort. If you're wondering how to help with teething pain, chilling a silicone teething toy offers a simple, yet super effective way to ease inflammation and provide teething pain relief.

2. Prevent and manage teething rash

One of the most common signs and symptoms of teething in infants is an increase in drooling. This is because the body produces extra saliva to lubricate the tender and swollen gums.

To help prevent skin irritation from excessive drooling, commonly referred to as “drool rash”, gently wipe your baby's chin throughout the day with a soft cloth and use a barrier cream to protect the area if necessary. 

3. Give baby frozen breastmilk popsicles

One of the most natural and beneficial ways to provide relief is by offering frozen breast milk popsicles. These frozen treats not only ease discomfort but also provide the nourishment and immunity-boosting benefits of breast milk.

To make frozen breast milk popsicles, start by expressing or pumping a small amount of breast milk, then pour it into a silicone popsicle mould or ice cube tray. Place the mould in the freezer for a few hours until solid.

Once frozen, pop the milk cube into a mesh or silicone feeder for safe chewing. If using a popsicle mould, ensure the handle is baby-friendly for easy grip. Always supervise your baby while they enjoy their frozen treat to prevent any choking hazards.

Conclusion

Teething may be a challenging phase, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can help your baby navigate it with greater comfort and ease. Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another, often the best teething remedies are the simplest ones, so it’s definitely worth trying a variety of natural teething remedies to see what brings your little one the most relief. From soothing teething toys and chilled snacks to emotional reassurance and gentle gum massages, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to support your baby during this milestone.

Remember, teething won’t last forever, and each new tooth is a step closer to those adorable little smiles that make it all worthwhile. Stay patient, trust your instincts, and know that you're doing a great job helping your baby through this important stage of development.