Teething or regression?
Nov 28, 2024
Do you feel your baby is teething, constantly? Or are they perhaps developing a new skill. Both can contribute to a regression in sleep but how do we tell the difference?
There are some simple observations you can make to help guide you.
Around the 3-4 month mark, it is not uncommon for many parents to mistake normal infant developmental behaviour for teething. This is typically when you start to see your baby exploring and discovering their hands. In addition, their little body is starting to amp up the production of saliva for the soon to be arrival of solids. With this combination, one can naturally assume it relates to teething.
One distinct difference between the two is that research shows us disruptions to sleep caused by teething pain typically last for a few days while the tooth itself cuts, whilst discomfort may be experienced for longer (especially if they are cutting tooth after tooth) the disruption is typically very short-lived.
With development, however, these can cause sleep to regress for several weeks.
In terms of physical symptoms, these are most likely going to be the biggest give away.
TEETHING
You may see:
- Increased in saliva production.
- Fussiness
- Red cheeks
- Irritability
- Clinginess
- Increased comfort feeding
- reduced solid intake
REGRESSIONS
- No red cheeks
- Increased feeding (both milk and solid intake)
- Actively practising new skill
- No changes to their saliva
- Practising a new skill
If your baby's routine seem to be in line with our recommendations with sleep is still messy, we can help!
- For small tweaks to routine, have a look at our Quick Chat - 15min option
- For parents struggling with several things such as catnapping, frequent night waking, early morning rising or things that simply no longer work, have a look at our Phone + One Week Support option.
- Our 3-12 Month Sleep Guide reviews all of the common hurdles you may face to help you navigate and move forward.
Until next time,
The Sleepy Little Bubs Team x
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