Home Remedies for Teething Baby at Night

Teething is one of the toughest phases for both babies and parents. When those tiny baby teeth before eruption start pushing through the gums, babies can become cranky, restless, clingy, and uncomfortable—especially at night. Many parents struggle during this stage because sleep becomes disturbed for days or even weeks.

The good news? There are plenty of safe and effective home remedies for teething babies at night that help soothe discomfort and allow the whole family to rest better. In this guide, we’ll explain teething in simple words, share natural remedies that work, and bust common myths—like whether teething can cause fever or how long teething lasts.

This blog is written for every parent, guardian, or caregiver who wants clear, easy-to-follow advice without complicated medical terms. Let’s help your baby (and you!) sleep better tonight.

Understanding Teething in Babies

Teething usually begins when babies are around 4–7 months old. Some babies start early, and some slightly later—both are completely normal. The first tooth to appear is usually one of the lower front teeth. But long before a tooth is actually visible, babies may experience discomfort because of baby teeth before eruption pressing against the gums.

Common Signs of Teething

You may notice your baby showing these symptoms:

• More drooling than usual
  
• Chewing on toys, fingers, or anything they can grab
  
• Irritability, crying, or fussiness
  
• Swollen or red gums
  
• Trouble sleeping, especially at night
  
• Slight rise in body temperature
  

It’s common for parents to wonder whether can teething cause fever. Teething may cause a mild rise in temperature but not a high fever. A high fever usually means an infection or illness, not teething.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is not a one-time event. It comes in phases. Parents often ask, how long does teething last? Typically:

• Each tooth may cause discomfort for 3 to 5 days before it erupts.
  
• Teething as a whole can continue from 6 months to 3 years, until all 20 baby teeth appear.

Sometimes discomfort begins even when baby teeth before eruption are not visible. You might think the baby is crying “for no reason,” but the gums might be sore underneath.

Because teething stretches over months or years, knowing how long teething lasts helps parents stay prepared and calm throughout the journey.

Home Remedies for Teething Baby at Night

Nighttime is often the hardest because your baby is tired, overstimulated, and more sensitive to discomfort. These gentle, natural home remedies can help relax and soothe your little one so they can sleep better.

1. Cold Washcloth (Free and Very Effective)

A clean, wet washcloth placed in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes becomes a gentle teething tool.
Give it to your baby to bite and chew. The cold temperature reduces gum inflammation and provides instant relief.

Why it works:

Cold numbs the gums and reduces swelling caused by baby teeth before eruption.

2. Cold Teething Toys or Rings

Refrigerate (but do not freeze) teething rings and toys.
The coolness calms irritated gums and helps distract your baby.

Tips:

• Choose BPA-free products
  
• Avoid gel-filled toys that can leak
  
• Always supervise while your baby chews

3. Gentle Gum Massage

Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums with your finger.
A slow circular motion eases pain and provides comfort.

Why it helps:

It releases pressure around painful gum areas and relaxes babies right before bedtime.

4. Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding for Comfort

Feeding can soothe and distract babies.
For some babies, sucking reduces teething pain; for others, it may hurt if the gums are very sore.

Tip:

If feeding makes your baby fussy, try switching positions or giving them a cold teether right before feeding.

5. Frozen Fruit in a Mesh Feeder (For Babies 6+ Months)

Place chilled fruits like banana, apple, or berries inside a mesh or silicone feeder.

Benefits:

• Cold reduces gum irritation
  
• Baby gets flavour and nutrition
  
• Safer than giving raw fruit chunks

6. Teething Biscuits (For Older Babies)

If your baby is eating solids (usually after 6–7 months), teething biscuits are another relief option.

Choose sugar-free, easily dissolving biscuits to avoid choking risks.

7. Warm Bath Before Bedtime

A warm bath relaxes tense muscles and helps calm a fussy baby.

Combine a warm bath with a cold teether afterward for best results.

8. Maintain a Sleep Routine

A predictable nighttime routine helps babies settle faster even during teething. Try this:

• Dim the lights
  
• Gentle lullaby or soft humming
  
• Warm bath
  
• Bedtime massage
  
• Short feeding
  
• Rocking or cuddling

A routine helps their brain know it’s sleep time, even when gums hurt.

9. Cuddles and Extra Comfort

Sometimes the best home remedy is simply comfort.
Hold your baby close, rock them, and offer skin-to-skin contact.

Teething babies often need reassurance because the pain feels new and scary to them.

Can Teething Cause Fever? 

Many parents ask: can teething cause fever.

The truth:

• Teething does NOT cause high fever.
• A slight rise in temperature (up to 100°F or 37.8°C) can happen due to gum inflammation.

If your baby has:

• A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C)
  
• Severe diarrhea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Rash

These are NOT caused by teething. It is important to check with a doctor.

People often misunderstand teething symptoms, especially when baby teeth before eruption are causing gum irritation. But remember, if the fever is high, it’s likely an infection—not teething.

Additional Tips to Help Baby Sleep Better During Teething

✔ Use a Cold Spoon

Refrigerate a metal spoon and let the baby chew the rounded side.

✔ Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Drooling increases during teething, which may lead to dryness. Hydrated babies sleep better.

✔ Prevent Rashes from Drooling

Use a soft cloth to gently wipe drool. Apply a baby-safe moisturizer to protect the skin.

Safe Pain Relief Options (If Needed)

Over-the-counter medicines:

ONLY after consulting your pediatrician, you may use:

• Infant paracetamol
  
• Infant ibuprofen (if older than 6 months)

Avoid:

• Teething gels with benzocaine
• Homeopathic teething tablets
• Freezing teething rings (too hard for gums)

Should You Be Worried About Teething Pain at Night?

Nighttime is usually worse because:

• Babies are more tired
  
• There are fewer distractions
  
• Pain feels stronger when lying down
  
• Hormones that increase pain sensitivity are higher at night
  

Remember, teething is temporary. Understanding how long teething lasts helps you stay patient and prepared. Each episode may last a few days, and every baby experiences it differently.

When to See a Doctor

Visit your pediatrician if:

• Your baby develops a high fever (again, can teething cause fever? High fever = No)
  
• Baby refuses feeding
  
• Vomiting or diarrhea occurs
  
• Baby seems unusually sleepy or irritable
  
• Gums look infected or bleeding

These are not teething symptoms and require medical attention.

Final Thoughts

Teething can be challenging, especially at night, but with simple and effective home remedies, your baby can sleep better and feel more comfortable. From cold teething toys to gentle gum massages, warm baths, and extra cuddles—everything helps.

Remember:

• Teething pain starts even with baby teeth before eruption
  
• Mild temperature rise is normal, but can teething cause fever? High fever is NOT from teething
  
• Understanding how long teething lasts makes the journey easier for parents

Every baby eventually gets through this phase, and soon you’ll be smiling at those adorable tiny teeth shining back at you.