Teething Toddlers
Hi Mamas!
It has been such a busy summer and I have been soaking up every moment outside with my little girl. Just last week she took her very first steps and I was so excited to witness it! She is growing so quickly and I find myself in awe every day as I watch her curiosity bloom. She is observant, adventurous, and determined to figure out how the world works. These “firsts” are coming at such a fast pace that part of me wishes I could press pause and hold onto this season a little longer, while another part of me is eager to keep walking beside her as she learns and grows.
This summer brought another milestone for us. In July, my daughter’s very first tooth finally popped through. It was both exciting and exhausting. For about nearly four weeks she woke up every single night crying from teething pain. That was a big adjustment for us because she had been such a wonderful sleeper. She started sleeping through the night at only six weeks old, so having her up at two or three in the morning was new and challenging for us.
Thankfully my husband stepped in and really supported both of us during that time. We quickly learned that if he got up with her and gave her a bottle she would usually settle back into her crib. If I got up, she would nurse and fall asleep in my arms but then wake the moment I tried to lay her down. That almost always ended with her snuggled into our bed for the rest of the night. Since she is over a year old now we do have a safe co-sleeping setup when she needs it, and I treasure those nights, but it was helpful to have her rest peacefully in her crib as often as possible.
What Teething Looked Like for Us
During those weeks my daughter wanted to chew on absolutely everything. Rocks, mulch, grass, teething toys, board books, her water bottle, and even dirty socks (yuck!) all found their way into her mouth. She drooled constantly but still managed to be her happy little self. I would get these big, drooly smiles and my heart melted every single time.
We found that chilled teething rings helped, but she did not love how cold they made her hands. What ended up helping most was Earthley’s Teeth Tamer. A few drops throughout the day calmed her discomfort and she happily took it. That natural remedy made a noticeable difference for her, and for us too, because we all got a little more sleep. She loves it so much that she would perk right up when she saw us prepping the spoon with her drops and she would try to grab it so she could get to it faster.
She was fussier than usual and wanted to be held almost constantly. While some days felt long and draining, I kept reminding myself that these moments are fleeting. I would rather lean into them than resist them. My daughter is a natural snuggler, so whenever she does not feel well she immediately seeks out either me or her daddy. She also has the sweetest way of showing affection when she is playing. She will crawl over to one of us, turn around so her back is against us, and then scoot into our laps before continuing to play on her own. It is her little way of saying, “I want you close,” and we absolutely love it.
Remedies We Tried
Like many parents, we experimented with a variety of teething remedies. Some worked, some did not, but every baby is different so I always encourage other moms to try what feels right for them.
We froze breastmilk in a teething pacifier for her to suck on. She liked it for a few minutes but quickly grew frustrated when the frozen milk was too hard or when it started melting and dripping all over our apartment. That one did not last long for us.
I sometimes rubbed her gums with a clean finger to give her a little relief. The gentle pressure seemed to help, although once that tooth finally started cutting through she developed quite the strong bite! She also loved chewing on our metal spoons. They were cool enough to soothe her gums without being uncomfortably cold, and since we already had them in the kitchen I stopped buying extra teething toys.
Some mamas I know swear by frozen bananas, frozen cucumbers, fresh green onions, chamomile tea, cloves (which are in the Teeth Tamer I mentioned above), or teething biscuits. We did not try those, but they are worth exploring if you are still searching for the thing that will soothe your little one.
Starting Oral Care with Baby Teeth
Once her first tooth appeared, I suddenly had a new set of questions. When do we start brushing? When do we go to the dentist? I realized I had not thought much about dental care until the moment that tiny tooth broke through.
While traveling we met a couple who had already taken their 10-month-old to the dentist. A friend also mentioned that his granddaughter had been to the dentist twice by 15 months. I started to wonder if I was behind. After some research I learned that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child for their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
I also learned that most parents wait until their child is closer to two years old to schedule that first appointment, so I am not alone in being a little late. The important part is starting now and then following up every six months after the first visit. You can choose either a pediatric dentist or a general dentist. General dentists are trained to treat patients of all ages, but pediatric dentists complete additional training that focuses specifically on caring for children. It really comes down to personal preference and what feels like the best fit for your family.
Building Healthy Habits Early
Even though my daughter only has one tooth, I think it is important to start brushing now. Early brushing is less about cleaning the tooth perfectly and more about building a habit and helping her get comfortable with the process. I know this will be a challenge because she does not like things near her mouth, but it is one I am excited to embrace. Teaching her healthy habits is important to me and oral care is part of that.
We decided to use fluoride-free toothpaste. Babies and toddlers under the age of two are not supposed to use fluoride, and even beyond that I personally prefer to avoid it. I wanted something safe and non-toxic, so I turned to the Environmental Working Group’s website to help me choose. After comparing a few brands, I decided on Botao Baby Strawberry Toothpaste for First Teeth because it was well-rated and more affordable than Attitude’s Fluoride-Free Training Toothpaste.
I also searched for a non-toxic toothbrush and chose a bamboo toddler toothbrush with BPA-free bristles and a biodegradable handle. This week we are beginning her brushing routine, so wish us luck as we figure out how to make it a positive experience for her!
A Mama’s Perspective
Looking back at this teething journey, I am reminded of how much patience and grace it takes to walk through new stages of motherhood. Teething brought sleepless nights, endless drool, and clingy days, but it also brought sweet snuggles, funny memories, and the excitement of seeing my baby’s first toothy grin.
Motherhood has a way of stretching us. One moment you are desperate for sleep, the next you are laughing at your little one chewing on a spoon with joy in her eyes. These milestones are not always easy, but they are precious. I wouldn’t trade the long nights or the teething fuss for anything because they are part of her story and are a part of mine as a mama too.
So, if you are in the middle of teething right now, know that you are not alone. Your little one will get through it, and so will you. Some nights will feel endless, but there will also be smiles that melt your heart. Try different remedies until you find what works for your baby. Cherish the extra cuddles and remember that even the hardest seasons will pass more quickly than we expect.
My daughter’s single tooth might not seem like much, but to me it is the beginning of a whole new stage. We are entering the world of brushing, dentist visits, and toddler giggles with that adorable first grin. I am so thankful for the lessons that teething has taught me about slowing down, leaning into the hard moments, and embracing the joy tucked into each stage of motherhood and I hope you are too, Mama. You got this!