Why teething pain worse at night

The Food and Drug Administration FDA also advises against using topical numbing creams and gels, as well as homeopathic teething tablets, because of potential negative side effects. Teething necklaces are also a no-go because they risk strangulation and choking. Instead, try one of these expert-approved teething solutions for nighttime and nap time.

Cold items can numb your baby's gums, which might alleviate some of the pain, says Jeannie Beauchamp, D. She recommends letting your child chew on a wet, cold washcloth before bed stick it in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand.

Other parents give their babies cold food and drinks, such as slushy applesauce, frozen fruit, or chilled bagels. Cold teething rings may also do the trick—just make sure they don't have any puncture damage from your baby's teeth, since they could ingest the substance inside.

Beauchamp also recommends applying light pressure to your baby's gums; the counter sensation feels soothing. Simply rub your finger along their gums as they're winding down for bed. Make sure to wash your hands first! Ask your pediatrician or dentist whether you can give your child an appropriate dose of infant acetaminophen or infant ibuprofen.

These medications might be recommended for those older than 6 months, as long as you give the correct dose and administer it judiciously, says John Liu, D. Avoid giving aspirin to children, since it's associated with a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

Is drooling causing uncomfortable rashes on your baby's face? Knowing how to be ready can help you relieve sore little gums—and stick to your sleep routine. Between 6 months and 2 years, babies grow 20 teeth, starting with the bottom two. However, some babies can start teething as early as 2 to 3-months-old.

Ear rubbing and pulling can also be a sign of an ear infection—so be sure to check with your pediatrician if you're unsure. Studies show that less sleep heightens a child's sensitivity to pain, so it's for your sweet baby's sake to be getting as much sleep as possible while going through the ups and downs of teething. If your baby has a little trouble with bedtime already, teething will make a exacerbate sleep in a more dramatic way.

Work on good independent sleep habits with your baby before teething strikes. That way you'll have a good foundation of sleep to work from if teething does throw an occasional snag into your habits and routines! Treat swollen gums with a cool washcloth or give your baby a chilled not frozen teething ring to provide relief. If your baby is extremely fussy, you may want to call your pediatrician. If using any type of pain relief on the advice of your pediatrician, give it to baby about 45 minutes before bedtime so they're comfortable while falling asleep.

Many moms swear by the naturally calming properties of chamomile tea for teething babies. Other moms diffuse essential oils in the nursery or try amber teething necklaces to help with teething pain. When considering a natural remedy, be sure to do your research, and run it by your pediatrician—just to be sure. Many babies find a lot of relief using their pacifiers to suck and chew while teething.

Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Age Is it really teething? When teething starts. Give a gum massage. Offer a cooling treat.

Apply some pressure. Wipe and repeat. Try a little white noise. Consider medicine. Stay calm and carry on. The takeaway. Parenthood Baby. Read this next. Can Teething Cause a Fever in Babies?

Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Is My Baby Teething? How Long Does Teething Last? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.