How Teething Affects Babies at Different Ages

Teething is a natural process, but it can be challenging for both babies and parents. Here, we go through which teeth typically emerge at different ages and how you can help your child ease the discomfort.

Linnea Dinesen

Read time: 2 m

Written by Linnea Dinesen

Content Creator

How Teething Affects Babies at Different AgesPhoto: Preggers

6-9 months: The first teeth

At around 6-9 months, the first teeth start to emerge, usually the lower front teeth. During this period, babies may be extra fussy, chew on their hands or other objects, and drool more than usual.

Tips:

  • Use chilled teething toys or gently massage the gums to relieve discomfort.
  • Offer cold food, such as fruit purée or frozen fruit pieces in a feeder, which can be both soothing and nutritious.

1920x480_teeth_EN.png

9-12 months: Upper front teeth

Between 9-12 months, the upper front teeth usually appear. This can make your baby more sensitive to discomfort, and it’s a good time to introduce daily toothbrushing.

Tips:

  • Offer chilled fruit pieces or a cold teething toy to ease the pain.
  • Start brushing the teeth gently with a soft toothbrush without fluoride.

12-18 months: Molars and canines

During this period, more teeth begin to emerge, often the first molars or canines. Since your baby is now more active in chewing, you may notice increased curiosity about food and objects.

Tips:

  • Continue brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
  • Create a fun brushing routine to make it easier as more teeth come in.

Track your baby’s teething

Teething is a long process, but knowing which teeth come when can help you prepare. Our teething tool helps you log and track your baby’s tooth development so you can provide the best possible care at every stage.

Use the tool
Linnea Dinesen

Written by Linnea Dinesen

Content Creator

AdvertisementAmazon
Phone

Hundreds of related articles, podcasts & more waiting for you in the Preggers app.

Download Preggers today.

10k reviews

More from Preggers

Read popular and relevant articles.
Breast milk – this is how it works

Breast milk – this is how it works

Breasts change already in the early stage of the pregnancy, getting ready to nurse the baby that’s on the way.

Breastfeeding the very first time

Breastfeeding the very first time

Straight after birth, the newborn baby tends to be awake and alert for about two hours, which is when the baby breastfeeds for the first time.

Getting the baby to latch on to the breast

Getting the baby to latch on to the breast

It is important that the baby can latch on to the breast properly as this will reduce the risk of sore nipples, uncomfortable breastfeeding, engorgement, insufficient amounts of milk and slow weight gain in the baby.

The first days of breastfeeding

The first days of breastfeeding

The breastfeeding pattern differs from child to child. Some babies sleep almost the entire first day after birth, while others want to feed straight away and often. Although your priority is not on yourself, make sure to sleep when the opportunity presents itself, eat well and ensure that you get enough fluids.

Bleeding and discharge after giving birth

Bleeding and discharge after giving birth

After giving birth, it’s normal for the mother to bleed, for up to eight weeks. Most of the bleeding is from where the placenta comes away from the wall of the uterus. This happens to all women, whether the birth was vaginal or by caesarean section.

Post-birth contractions

Post-birth contractions

The uterus will shrink back down to its normal size after delivery. The contractions are called postpartum pains, or simply afterpains, and are similar to period pain.