Baby Teething: The Complete Guide for Parents
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Baby Teething: The Complete Guide for Parents
Teething. The word alone is enough to make any parent wince. That phase where your previously settled, smiley baby turns into a drooling, fussy, sleep-resistant little person — and nobody can quite agree on why.
The good news is that every tooth is temporary discomfort on the way to a proper set of teeth, and there's plenty you can do to help your baby through it. This guide pulls together everything you need to know — when teething starts, what the signs actually are, what helps and what doesn't, how to choose a teether, and how to look after those first little teeth once they arrive.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Teething typically begins somewhere between 4 and 7 months, though some babies start earlier and some much later. The full set of 20 baby teeth usually comes through by around age three, but the bulk of the action — and the discomfort — tends to happen in that first year.
The order teeth usually appear in is:
- 4–7 months — bottom front teeth (lower central incisors)
- 8–12 months — top front teeth (upper central incisors)
- 9–13 months — top and bottom lateral incisors
- 13–19 months — first molars (these are often the most uncomfortable)
- 16–22 months — canine teeth
- 25–33 months — second molars
Every baby is different. If your baby hasn't started teething by 12 months it's worth mentioning to your health visitor, but don't panic — late teethers are completely normal.
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Some babies sail through teething with barely a grumble. Others make sure everyone in a three-mile radius knows about it. Most are somewhere in between. Here are the signs to look out for:
Classic teething signs:
- Excessive drooling — often the first sign, and it can start weeks before a tooth appears
- Red, swollen or bulging gums
- Chewing on everything — hands, toys, your shoulder, the cot rail
- Fussiness and irritability, particularly in the evening
- Disrupted sleep
- One flushed cheek
- Mild temperature (up to 38°C) — though anything higher is more likely illness than teething
Things that aren't caused by teething, despite popular belief:
- High fever (above 38°C)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Rashes other than dribble rash around the mouth and chin
If your baby has a high fever or seems genuinely unwell alongside teething symptoms, trust your instincts and speak to your GP or health visitor. Teething is uncomfortable but it doesn't make babies properly ill.
What Actually Helps (And What Doesn't)
Teething Rings and Teethers
A good teether is your most reliable tool. The chewing action massages the gums and helps relieve the pressure of a tooth pushing through. Here's how to use them well:
Chill it, don't freeze it. Pop the teether in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before giving it to your baby. The coolness soothes inflamed gums beautifully. Never put a teether in the freezer — a frozen teether is too hard and cold and can actually damage sensitive gum tissue.
Never tie it around their neck. It sounds obvious but it's worth saying — a teething ring on a cord or ribbon around a baby's neck is a strangulation hazard. Always hand the teether directly to your baby.
Rotate a few. Different shapes and textures work better at different stages. A silicone teether with varied textures is great for early teething; a larger wooden teether works well once babies have better grip and stronger jaw pressure.
Chilled Foods (6 Months+)
Once your baby is weaning, chilled food can be wonderfully soothing. Try:
- Cold melon slices
- Chilled cucumber sticks
- A cold, damp clean cloth to chew on
- A chilled banana
Always supervise your baby with food, especially if pieces could break off. Skip the rusks — most brands are surprisingly high in sugar, and sugar is the last thing you want near new teeth.
Gum Massage
Gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger can provide real relief. The counter-pressure helps ease the discomfort of a tooth pushing through. It also gives your baby a moment of calm connection, which never hurts when they're miserable.
Teething Gels
The honest answer? The evidence that teething gels work is limited. If you want to try one, use only gels specifically formulated for teething babies — not general oral pain gels, which are not suitable for young children. Your pharmacist is the best person to advise. If you're considering homeopathic gels, make sure they're UK-licensed.
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
If your baby is genuinely distressed — not just a bit grumpy, but clearly in real pain — sugar-free infant paracetamol or ibuprofen is safe from 3 months and can make a significant difference. Always follow the dosage instructions carefully and never give aspirin to a child under 16. If you're unsure about anything, ask your pharmacist.
Cuddles and Distraction
Never underestimate the power of a good cuddle. When teething is at its worst, sometimes the most effective thing is a bit of extra closeness, a familiar toy, a gentle walk outside, or something engaging enough to take their mind off the discomfort. Babies pick up on parental anxiety too — staying calm and relaxed helps them feel safer.
Choosing the Right Teether
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Here's a simple guide to what to look for:
Safety first. Always choose teethers made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials. Check that there are no small parts that could detach and become a choking hazard, and always supervise your baby while they're using one.
Silicone teethers are the most popular choice for good reason — they're soft on gums, easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and come in a huge variety of shapes. Look for ones with varied textures on different surfaces, which gives your baby more options for finding the spot that helps most.
Wooden teethers are a natural, eco-friendly option that many parents love. Make sure any wooden teether is made from untreated, food-safe wood with no varnish, paint or finish that could be harmful. FSC-certified wooden teethers are our preferred choice.
Combination teethers — part silicone, part wood, or with fabric elements — give babies variety in a single toy and tend to hold their attention well.
Sophie la Girafe remains one of the best-known and most-loved teethers in the world, and for good reason. She's made from 100% natural rubber, lightweight enough for tiny hands, and has enough different parts to chew on to keep babies happy through multiple stages of teething. We stock Sophie la Girafe at For the Baby.
Browse our full baby teether collection — silicone, wooden and combination options all in one place.
How to Clean Baby Teethers
A teether goes in and out of your baby's mouth constantly, so keeping it clean is important:
- Wash with warm, soapy water before first use and after each use
- Disinfect regularly — a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water works well, or use cold water sterilising tablets
- If the teether is dishwasher safe, use the top rack on a gentle cycle
- Never boil or microwave a teether unless the manufacturer explicitly says it's safe to do so
- Replace teethers regularly — if you see cracks, tears or any sign of wear, discard and replace immediately
Dealing with Dribble Rash
Teething babies drool. A lot. That constant moisture on the skin around the mouth, chin and neck can cause a sore, red dribble rash that looks uncomfortable and can become quite raw if left untreated.
What helps:
- Keep the area as dry as possible with regular, gentle wipes using a soft cloth — don't rub, just pat dry
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free barrier cream or petroleum jelly on the affected area to protect the skin
- Use soft, absorbent dribble bibs — change them regularly as they get wet
- Muslin cloths are brilliant for keeping on hand for quick dab-dries
Dribble rash should improve as teething eases. If it becomes very inflamed, cracked or weepy, speak to your pharmacist or health visitor.
Your Baby's First Teeth: What to Do Next
The moment that first tooth breaks through is genuinely exciting — and it's also the moment to start thinking about dental care.
Start brushing straight away. Use a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (no bigger than a grain of rice for under-threes). Brush twice a day — morning and before bed. Your baby will probably hate it at first. Keep going.
Register with a dentist. You can register your baby with an NHS dentist as soon as they're born — there's no need to wait for teeth. Getting them used to the dental environment early makes a huge difference later on. NHS dental care is free for children.
Watch the sugar. Once teeth are present, what your baby eats and drinks matters for their dental health. Avoid sugary drinks, fruit juice and sweetened snacks between meals. Water and milk are the only drinks recommended for babies and young children beyond feeds.
A Final Word
Teething is genuinely hard, for babies and parents both. But it does pass. Every tooth that comes through is one fewer to worry about — and eventually, you'll have a gap-toothed toddler grinning at you, and it will all feel worth it.
In the meantime, stock up on teethers, keep the bibs handy, and be kind to yourself. You're doing brilliantly.
Browse our full range of baby teethers and dribble bibs at For the Baby — free UK delivery on orders over £25.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your health visitor, GP or pharmacist if you have concerns about your baby's health or development.