If your baby was sleeping fairly well and suddenly starts waking more often, resisting bedtime, or struggling to settle, it’s natural to wonder:
Is this a sleep regression?
Is it teething?
Is it both?
The truth is that teething and sleep regressions often overlap, which can make nights feel especially hard.
Understanding how teething can affect sleep, and what actually helps, can make this stage feel more manageable.
For a full overview of safe relief strategies, see How to Soothe a Teething Baby.
What Is a Sleep Regression?
Sleep regressions are temporary periods when a baby’s sleep becomes disrupted, often due to developmental changes.
Common ages include:
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4 months
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6 months
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8–10 months
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12 months
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18 months
During these times, babies are learning new skills like rolling, crawling, standing, and communicating.
These changes can temporarily affect sleep.
How Teething Affects Sleep
Teething itself does not permanently change sleep patterns, but discomfort can:
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Make it harder to fall asleep
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Cause more frequent night wakings
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Shorten naps
Teething pain may feel more noticeable at night because:
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Babies are overtired
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There are fewer distractions
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Lying down can increase gum pressure
This combination can create the impression of a “regression.”
Signs Night Wakings May Be Teething-Related
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Increased drooling
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Chewing on hands or toys
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Swollen or tender gums
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Baby settles with comfort and pressure
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Symptoms come and go over several days
If you’re unsure whether symptoms could be illness-related, read Teething vs. Sickness: How to Tell the Difference.
What Pediatric Experts Recommend for Nighttime Teething Relief
✔ Offer a Teether Before Bed
Gentle pressure can help reduce gum discomfort before sleep.
Many parents include a silicone teether as part of the bedtime routine.
✔ Keep the Routine Consistent
Stick to your normal bedtime steps as much as possible.
Consistency helps signal safety and predictability.
✔ Focus on Comfort First
Extra cuddles, rocking, or soothing may be needed temporarily.
It’s okay to respond.
✔ Lower Stimulation During Wakings
Keep lights dim and voices soft.
Avoid turning night wakings into playtime.
✔ Avoid Major Sleep Changes
Teething discomfort usually passes within a few days.
Try not to overhaul sleep routines during short-term discomfort.
Once pain eases, sleep often improves naturally.
What Usually Doesn’t Help
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Cry-it-out approaches during active pain
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Frozen solid teethers
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Numbing gels without pediatric guidance
For safety guidance on gels, see Are Teething Gels Safe? What Pediatricians Say.
Teething + Developmental Leaps
Teething often coincides with big brain and body changes.
Your baby may be:
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Practicing new skills
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More aware of surroundings
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Seeking reassurance
This combination explains why nights can feel especially intense.
A Simpler Way to Support Nights
Rather than trying to “fix” sleep immediately, aim to:
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Reduce discomfort
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Offer reassurance
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Keep routines steady
If you’re looking for a simple, food-grade silicone teether designed for easy grip and gentle pressure, our Toothee™ Silicone Baby Teether was created to support natural chewing and independent soothing.
When to Call the Pediatrician
Contact your pediatrician if your baby has:
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Fever over 100.4°F
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Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Severe discomfort not relieved by comfort measures
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Symptoms lasting longer than expected
These are not typical teething-related sleep issues.
A Gentle Reminder
Teething and sleep regressions are both temporary.
You’re not creating bad habits.
You’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re supporting your baby through a hard phase.
For a full overview of relief strategies, visit How to Soothe a Teething Baby.
For the typical order of teeth eruption, see The Complete Baby Teething Timeline (0–24 Months).
