Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
Teething and teeth
Find out how to start your baby’s feeding journey, from breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to introducing solid foods safely and confidently.
Teething is a major milestone in your baby’s development - but it can also be a challenging time for both baby and parent. As those tiny teeth begin to push through the gums, some babies sail through with barely a fuss, while others experience discomfort, irritability, and disrupted sleep. The good news is, there are ways to ease the process and help your little one feel more comfortable.
When teething starts
Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, though it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12. The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front ones (lower central incisors), followed by the top front teeth.
Signs your baby may be teething include:
- red or swollen gums
- excessive drooling
- chewing on fingers, toys, or anything they can reach
- fussiness or irritability
- disrupted sleep or feeding patterns
How to soothe a teething baby
Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to help:
- teething toys: Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or soft rubber toys can offer relief
- gum massage: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease discomfort
- cold washcloth: Let your baby chew on a clean, damp cloth that’s been chilled in the fridge
- extra cuddles: Sometimes, all your baby needs is a bit more comfort and reassurance
- pain relief: If your baby seems very uncomfortable, speak to your GP or health visitor about using infant paracetamol or ibuprofen
Avoid teething gels that contain anaesthetics unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Caring for baby teeth
Once those first teeth arrive, it’s time to start caring for them. Good dental habits begin early:
- use a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste
- brush twice a day - especially before bed
- avoid sugary drinks and snacks
- book your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play a vital role in speech development, eating, and guiding adult teeth into place.
Top tips to help your teething baby
Teething is one of those milestones that’s both exciting and exhausting. Your baby’s first pearly whites are on their way - but they’re bringing sore gums, disrupted sleep, and buckets of drool with them. If you’re a UK parent navigating this stage, here are tried-and-true tips to help your little one (and you) through the teething trenches.
Spot the signs
Before diving into remedies, make sure teething is the culprit. Common signs include:
red, swollen gums
excessive drooling
chewing everything in sight
irritability or fussiness
slight temperature rise (but not a fever)
Chill out (literally)
Cold is your best friend when it comes to soothing sore gums:
- chilled teething rings: Pop them in the fridge (not freezer!) for a safe, soothing chew
- cold washcloth: Let baby gnaw on a clean, damp cloth chilled in the fridge
- cool finger foods: If your baby is weaning, offer chilled cucumber sticks or banana slices
Teething toys that work
Invest in a few high-quality teething toys:
- silicone teethers: Soft, safe, and easy to clean
- textured toys: Help massage gums while entertaining your baby
- teething mitts: Great for younger babies who haven’t mastered holding toys yet
When relief needs backup
Sometimes, natural remedies aren’t enough:
- infant paracetamol or ibuprofen: Can help with pain and inflammation (always follow dosage guidelines and consult your GP)
- teething gels: Some UK-approved gels contain mild anaesthetics - check with your pharmacist for age-appropriate options
Sleep support
Teething can wreak havoc on sleep:
- stick to your bedtime routine for consistency
- offer extra cuddles and comfort
- use a dummy if your baby finds it soothing - just be mindful of long-term use
Keep it clean
All that drool can lead to rashes:
- gently wipe your baby’s chin throughout the day
- apply a barrier cream to protect sensitive skin
Stay calm, parent
Teething can test your patience. Remember:
- it’s a phase - albeit a drooly, cranky one
- you’re doing a great job
- reach out to other parents or health visitors if you need support
Final thoughts
Teething can be tough, but it’s also a sign your baby is growing and developing beautifully. Be patient, try different soothing methods, and don’t hesitate to ask for support if you need it. With a little care and comfort, you’ll both get through this stage - and celebrate each new tooth along the way.
Every baby teethes differently. Some breeze through it, others struggle. Trust your instincts, lean on your support network, and know that this too shall pass - usually with a cheeky grin and a new tooth to show for it.
Resources
NHS - How to take care of your baby or toddler's teeth
NHS - Tips for helping your teething baby
Smiles for Life - The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry has lined up a great team to help make toothbrushing fun for families with fun videos from Dr Ranj, Hey Duggee, CBeebies and Brush DJ to inspire children to look after their teeth.British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) - Kidsvids
Caring for your baby/toddler/children’s teeth is a very important responsibility for a parent. The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry provides basic advice and concise information in this ‘Practical Guide to Childrens Teeth’
A Practical Guide to Childrens Teeth [PDF, 1.2MB]