Teething 101: Real Talk, Soothing Tips, and What Actually Helps
Let’s just call it what it is: teething is rough—for babies and for parents. It sneaks up, drags on, and doesn’t exactly come with a user manual. One day your baby is smiling and cooing. The next? They’re gnawing on anything they can reach, drooling buckets, and turning bedtime into a full-blown protest.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and you’re not helpless. There are realistic, safe, and even soothing ways to support your little one (and yourself) through it.
We’re cutting through the noise and giving you the straight talk on teething. What’s normal. What works. What doesn’t. And how to get through it with your sanity—and your baby’s comfort—intact.
What Is Teething, Really?
Teething happens when your baby’s teeth start pushing through their gums. Most babies start between 4 and 7 months, though some start earlier or later. And no, it’s not a one-and-done milestone. Your baby will go through this process again and again until all 20 baby teeth are in—usually by age 3.
You might notice:
- Extra drooling
- Fussiness or irritability
- Swollen or red gums
- Chewing on anything (and we mean anything)
- Sleep disruptions
- Less interest in feeding
- Occasional low-grade fever or mild rash (from drool)
High fevers, vomiting, or diarrhea? That’s not teething—call your pediatrician if those show up.
What Parents Actually Deal With
Here’s the part many blogs skip: teething can make you question everything. Your baby’s cranky. Their sleep is off. They’re rejecting the bottle or nursing for shorter spurts. You’re running on fumes trying to decode what’s “just teething” versus what needs attention.
Truth? Sometimes it’s hard to know. And that’s okay. You’re doing great.
The Best Teething Relief Options (That Aren’t Just Toys)
There are a lot of teething products out there—but the best relief doesn’t always come from the baby aisle.
1. Cold, Not Frozen
Cold helps reduce inflammation and numbs the gums—just make sure it’s not too cold.
- Chill a clean, damp washcloth for baby to gnaw
- Refrigerate (not freeze) silicone teethers
- Offer chilled fruit in a mesh feeder (like banana or mango)
- A cold spoon works in a pinch
2. Gum Massage
Use a clean finger or soft baby toothbrush to gently rub your baby’s gums. Some babies love the pressure—it helps soothe and distract.
3. Natural Teething Biscuits or Frozen Milk Popsicles
If your baby has started solids, try hard (but safe) items like:
- Refrigerated cucumber sticks (with supervision)
- Teething biscuits (look for dissolvable ones)
- Breastmilk or formula frozen into popsicle molds
Always supervise and make sure pieces don’t break off.
4. Distraction Through Movement or Sensory Play
Sometimes babies need help redirecting their discomfort.
- A gentle walk in the stroller
- Playing on a soft quilt with textured toys
- Sensory bins with rice or fabric scraps (for older babies)
Coco Moon’s swaddles and quilts can double as soft play mats for this—lightweight, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
5. Drool Defense: Stay Dry, Stay Calm
Excess drool can lead to skin irritation. Protect baby’s skin by:
- Switching out bibs frequently
- Gently patting the chin dry (don’t rub)
- Using a natural balm under the chin and on the neck folds
- Keeping extra onesies on hand (especially breathable ones like bamboo)
Teething & Sleep: How to Survive the Night
Nighttime teething can be the toughest. Your baby’s discomfort often spikes when they’re already tired. Here’s what helps:
Stick With Your Routine (Mostly)
Even if bedtime is bumpy, keep your wind-down steps the same: bath, book, song, snuggle. Familiarity = comfort.
Comfort Strategically
If baby wakes up crying:
- Offer a cold teether (kept in a bedside bowl)
- Massage their gums gently
- Rock or nurse back to sleep if needed
- Try a soothing sound machine or gentle white noise
Try not to fully “retrain” their sleep habits during a teething week—it’s temporary. Your baby’s routine will bounce back.
The Emotional Side No One Talks About
You know your baby’s hurting. You’re trying everything. And it can still feel like nothing’s working.
That’s not a failure—it’s just teething.
Teething tests our patience, our sleep reserves, and our confidence. Some days, all you can do is hold your baby and ride it out. That is doing something. That is enough.
You're not “just surviving” teething—you’re supporting your baby through a developmental milestone. That’s real work.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Teething doesn’t last forever, even if it feels like it does. There will be days when your baby wants nothing but cuddles and other days when a chilled spoon does the trick.
Trust your instincts. Keep showing up with love and patience. And remember: it’s okay if you’re counting down the hours until bedtime.
Whether you’re navigating teething at 3 a.m. or prepping your diaper bag with teething toys and spare onesies, you’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got.
And that’s exactly what your baby needs.
Looking for buttery-soft essentials that hold up through every drooly, snuggly, tearful phase? From breathable onesies to versatile quilts, Coco Moon's baby favorites are parent-loved for a reason.
We’re with you—every tooth, every cuddle, every step of the way.
