The journey of teething can be a rollercoaster for both baby and parents. That first tooth—so tiny yet so significant—marks the beginning of a process that can leave parents wondering if it will ever end. Every baby’s experience is different, but understanding the typical stages of teething can help you manage the discomforts and milestones along the way. In this guide, we will explore baby’s teething journey, week by week, offering advice on how to comfort your little one and what to expect at each stage.
Week 1: The Beginning of Teething
Teething can start as early as four months, but don’t be alarmed if it takes a bit longer for your baby to show any signs. During the first week, you may not notice much, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.
Babies start developing their first set of teeth long before you see them. Under the gums, the tooth buds begin to form and slowly move toward breaking through the surface. The process can cause discomfort, though it might not be obvious just yet.
Signs to look for:
- Excessive drooling
- Slight fussiness or irritability
- Desire to gnaw on fingers or objects
- Slight swelling of the gums
- Changes in sleeping patterns
Week 2: Increased Discomfort
As the teeth start to push through the gums, discomfort intensifies. By now, you may notice your baby is drooling more, chewing on anything they can get their hands on, and more irritable than usual.
At this point, your baby might experience some pain that can disrupt their feeding or sleeping. It’s a common stage, and while it can be tough, it won’t last forever.
Ways to soothe your baby:
- Provide teething rings or chilled teething toys.
- Gently massage the gums with a clean finger.
- Offer cold foods like chilled fruits (if your baby is already eating solids).
- Keep a cloth or bib handy to manage the drool.
Week 3: The First Tooth Emerges
The excitement of seeing that first tooth appear is real, but it can also come with more discomfort for your baby. The tooth pushing through the gum surface is a big milestone, and your baby might be more sensitive than before. The gums around the emerging tooth can be red, swollen, and sore.
It’s common to see both physical and emotional changes in your baby as they adjust to this new sensation in their mouth. This period may bring sleepless nights and more frequent crying spells.
Soothing tips for week 3:
- Apply a gentle teething gel (consult your pediatrician before using any over-the-counter products).
- Offer soft, cool foods that can numb the gums.
- Keep baby’s hands and face clean to prevent rashes caused by excessive drooling.
Week 4: Multiple Teeth on the Way
At this point, your baby could be in the process of sprouting several teeth. Some babies get their first few teeth all at once, while others might experience longer gaps between each tooth. Regardless, the discomfort tends to be higher during this time.
You might also notice a change in your baby’s behavior. While some babies become clingier and more needy, others may be more agitated than usual.
What to expect:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Difficulty with feeding or eating solid foods
- More drool than usual
- Fussiness or crankiness
- Sleeplessness
Ways to comfort your baby:
- Gently wipe the drool from their chin to prevent irritation.
- Let them chew on cold items like a chilled teething ring or even a damp washcloth.
- Keep baby’s routine consistent to help manage discomfort.
Week 5: Coping with the Pain
Now that a few teeth have come through, your baby’s mouth will be adjusting to the new structures. The gum area may still feel sore, and there may be new areas of discomfort as other teeth continue to emerge. This is the time when your baby may struggle with both pain and frustration.
You’ll also notice your baby may start showing a preference for certain foods or bottles. The sensation of chewing on hard things could be uncomfortable, and they may become picky eaters during this time.
What to expect:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness and irritability
- Increased drooling and difficulty swallowing
- Possible refusal to eat or drink
Comforting techniques to try:
- Apply teething ointments (ensure they’re suitable for infants).
- Allow your baby to chew on soft, safe objects, but keep them clean.
- Offer cold (not cold) foods if your baby is eating solids, like yogurt or mashed fruits.
Week 6: The Top Teeth Begin to Emerge
After the first set of bottom teeth, the top teeth are likely to follow suit. This stage is often more uncomfortable than the bottom teeth because the top gums are thicker and have more nerve endings. Your baby might start showing more signs of distress during this period.
The discomfort from the upper gums can affect your baby’s ability to eat, drink, or sleep properly. If your baby has been especially irritable in the past few weeks, this could be the next wave of teething pain.
Signs that the top teeth are coming in:
- More drooling than usual
- Red, swollen gums at the top of the mouth
- Increased irritability or fussiness
- Trouble sleeping or a disrupted nap schedule
Ways to soothe your baby:
- Use soft, chilled teething rings for chewing.
- Offer baby food that’s soft and cold, like apple puree or chilled mashed bananas.
- Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp cloth.
Week 7: Tooth Formation Continues
By now, your baby may have a mix of both top and bottom teeth. If not, they’re well on their way to getting their first set of molars. These larger teeth take longer to come through, but they often cause more pain than the incisors.
Some babies breeze through this phase, while others might feel more sensitive to everything happening in their mouths. Regardless, the key here is to continue with your comfort measures and offer emotional support during this process.
What to expect at this stage:
- Further irritation and swelling of the gums
- Picky eating habits, especially if food is harder to chew
- Drooling and messier feeding times
- Possible changes in their sleep patterns
Comforting methods:
- Provide regular gum massages with a clean finger or soft cloth.
- Give your baby something cool to chew on—just make sure it’s safe and properly cleaned.
- Be patient with eating habits; your baby might go through phases of not wanting to eat due to gum discomfort.
Week 8: The Molars Appear
The molars—those big back teeth—are often the hardest to come through. They can take their sweet time, so expect discomfort to last for a few more weeks at this point. This might be when the worst of the teething symptoms show up. But rest assured, you’re getting closer to the end of this intense stage.
By week 24, many babies experience their first tooth eruption, which can lead to increased drooling and irritability, a sign that more teeth are following closely behind. Week number milestones can vary, but at this stage, the process is well underway, and your baby’s teething journey is taking shape.
Symptoms that might appear:
- Increased pain from molars pushing through
- More intense drooling
- Reflux or vomiting (due to swallowing excessive drool)
- Swollen and tender gums, especially at the back of the mouth
Soothing tips:
- Try a cool, damp cloth for gentle gum relief.
- Offer cold food and drinks to ease pain and help with swallowing.
- Consider gentle teething gels or homeopathic remedies with your pediatrician’s guidance.
Final Thoughts
Teething is a long and sometimes difficult journey, but knowing what to expect can make it easier for you and your baby. Every stage brings new challenges, but also new milestones. As your baby’s teeth emerge one by one, you’ll see their personality grow and develop along with them. Keep in mind that patience and comfort are your best allies through this phase.
Teething may feel like it lasts forever, but before you know it, your baby will be showing off a full set of teeth—and you’ll have made it through together! Remember, every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Be flexible, and trust your instincts to soothe your little one. The end result—those adorable baby teeth—will be worth the journey.
