Every baby is different, so there is no set time for when teething will happen. Some babies may start teething as early as 4 months, while others may not have any teeth by their first birthday. Typically, teething occurs between 6-12 months of age.
One of the first signs of teething is increased saliva or drooling, which can begin around 3 months. Keep some bibs handy to manage the drool. The teething process itself can take several months, so it requires patience. Most babies usually get their two front bottom teeth first, but if your baby gets a different tooth first, there’s no need to worry. Every baby’s teething pattern is unique.
There are various things you can do to help your baby during teething. Allowing them to explore their mouth by chewing on their hands, feet, or different textures can provide relief. Look for lightweight, textured teething toys or fabric items like washcloths. Since every baby has different preferences, having a variety of options available is a good idea. Some babies may enjoy cold items, but avoid using frozen teethers as they can be too cold for their gums. Massaging their gums with a damp washcloth, a silicone finger brush, or your clean finger can also help alleviate discomfort.
Teething does not typically cause high fevers, so if your baby has a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s important to consider other possible causes and consult your baby’s healthcare provider. While teething may cause changes in stool consistency (sometimes called “teething diapers”), watery diarrhea or vomiting are not caused by teething and may indicate illness. When in doubt, always reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.
Avoid using numbing gels and creams that are applied to the gums, as they don’t provide long-lasting relief due to excessive drooling. They can also numb the back of the throat and interfere with the gag reflex, posing risks. Teething tablets containing belladonna are also not recommended. Instead, if your baby experiences pain or has a low-grade fever, consult your child’s healthcare provider about using acetaminophen or ibuprofen, depending on their age.
Once your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to start a dental care routine. Brush their teeth twice a day, every day. In the beginning, you can use a small children’s toothbrush or a silicone finger brush with water, and you don’t need to use toothpaste right away. Schedule a dentist appointment after their first tooth appears or when they turn 1, whichever comes first. Regular dental check-ups every six months are important to maintain oral health.
It’s essential to know that baby teeth are susceptible to decay. To prevent tooth decay, avoid giving your baby a bottle in their crib for naps or overnight, and refrain from giving them sugary drinks or candy. If you have any specific questions about teething, don’t hesitate to reach out to WIC or your baby’s healthcare provider or dentist.
Continue to nurse on-demand, about 4-6 times in 24 hours.
Babies may experience a growth spurt around 6 months of age and may feed more often.
Offer breast milk in a cup.
24-32 oz. per day of infant formula.
Offer formula in a cup.
Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for your baby, even after you start offering solid foods.
Continue to nurse on-demand, 3 or more times per day.
16-24 oz. per day. Offer in a cup.
Feed solids with a spoon. Never put cereal in a bottle.
Continue nursing on-demand, at least 4 times in 24 hours.
If your baby seems less interested in nursing after you introduce solids, try nursing before you offer solids.
Offer breast milk in a cup.
24-32 oz. per day.
Offer formula in a cup.
4-8 Tbsp. per day.
Plain iron-fortified infant cereals.
Plain rice or pasta.
Baby crackers, small pieces of bread, or soft tortillas.
8-12 Tbsp. per day.
Plain cooked vegetables, mashed with a fork.
8-12 Tbsp. per day.
Peeled soft fruit in bite-size pieces.
Unsweetened canned fruit.
4-8 Tbsp. per day.
Finely ground, chopped, or diced meats, poultry, eggs, fish, or cooked mashed beans.
Cottage cheese or mild cheese.
Thinned, smooth peanut or nut butter.
Around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age, babies may experience a growth spurt when they feed more often.
As they grow babies can hold more milk, so feedings may become further apart and take less time.
To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.
Start offering whole milk when your baby is one year old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and beyond.
Wait to offer solid foods until your baby:
To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.
Try one new food at a time. Wait 5 days before trying another new food to watch for allergies. Food allergies may include wheezing, rash, or diarrhea.
Introduce peanut butter around 6 months. Spread a small, thin smear of peanut butter or nut butter thinly on a cracker. Watch your baby for any reaction for the next 2 hours.
Babies under one year should NOT have honey due to the risk of botulism. Also, babies should not have foods that can cause choking like nuts or whole grapes.
All babies are different. Talk with WIC or your baby’s healthcare provider about your baby’s needs.
Before teeth come in, wipe gums with a soft, clean wash cloth after each feeding, especially before bed.
Nurse your baby on-demand, at least 7-9 times in 24 hours.
When your baby starts teething, they may want to nurse more often.
25-45 oz in 24 hours.
Your baby needs about 4-6 oz of iron-fortified formula every 3-4 hours.
Your baby may start to feed on a schedule. Instead of focusing on fixed amounts, let your baby tell you when they have had enough.
Newborns have tiny tummies and need to be fed often. In the first few weeks, you may need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep longer than 4 hours.
Many babies are fussy during a growth spurt and will want to nurse longer and more often. This is called cluster feeding. This is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with their needs. Remember, the more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes.
Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different.
They often happen at these ages:
2 to 3 Weeks
6 Weeks
3 Months
6 Months
Breastfeed 8-12 times in 24 hours to help your newborn stay healthy.
Nurse on-demand and when your newborn shows signs of hunger, such as sucking on hands or smacking lips.
In the first few days, newborns need 2-3 oz. of iron-fortified infant formula every 3-4 hours.
By the end of the first month, your newborn needs about 4 oz. every 4 hours.
Feed on-demand and when your newborn shows signs of hunger.