Do babies nurse more at night when teething?

The Nighttime Nursing Dilemma: Teething and Its Impact on Babies
As any parent of a young child can attest, teething can be a challenging phase, often marked by increased fussiness and disrupted sleep patterns. One common question that arises during this period is whether babies nurse more frequently at night when they are teething. The answer, while nuanced, leans towards a resounding yes for many infants.
Understanding Teething and Its Effects
Teething typically begins around six months of age and can continue until about two years old. During this time, babies experience discomfort as their teeth break through the gums. This discomfort can lead to increased irritability and restlessness, particularly at night when the distractions of daytime are absent. According to experts, the pain associated with teething is one of the most common reasons for frequent night waking during this developmental stage.
Increased Nighttime Nursing
For many babies, the discomfort of teething can lead to a desire to nurse more frequently at night. The act of breastfeeding can provide comfort and relief from gum pain, making it a soothing option for teething infants. Some parents report that their babies revert to nursing patterns reminiscent of the newborn stage, wanting to nurse more often throughout the night. This behavior can be attributed to both the need for comfort and the soothing effect that breastfeeding has on their sore gums.
However, it’s important to note that not all babies respond to teething in the same way. While some may seek out the breast for comfort, others might become fussy and pull away from nursing due to the discomfort caused by sucking. This variability means that each baby’s response to teething can differ significantly.
Other Factors at Play
While teething is a significant factor influencing nighttime nursing, it is not the only one. Babies go through various developmental milestones, growth spurts, and even illnesses that can also lead to increased nighttime awakenings and nursing. For instance, during periods of rapid development, babies may wake more frequently, leading parents to wonder if teething is the sole culprit.
Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that sleep disruptions during teething can sometimes be compounded by other factors, such as developmental sleep regression. This means that while teething may increase nighttime nursing, it is often part of a broader context of changes in a baby’s sleep patterns.
Conclusion: Navigating the Teething Phase
In summary, many babies do tend to nurse more at night when teething due to the discomfort they experience. This increased nursing can serve as a source of comfort for them during a challenging time. However, parents should remain aware that other factors may also contribute to their baby’s nighttime behavior. Understanding these dynamics can help parents navigate the teething phase with greater ease, ensuring both they and their little ones find some comfort amidst the sleepless nights.

Do teething symptoms get worse at night?

Is Teething Pain Worse at Night? It’s normal for babies who are teething to have difficulty sleeping through the night. The symptoms, which include gum soreness, mouth rash, and drooling, can make babies extremely fussy.

Why is my baby suddenly feeding more at night?

What Causes Babies to Be Fussy At Night? Newborns usually need to “cluster feed” at night time. If Mom is breastfeeding her supply is lower in the early evening and so babies often need to nurse more frequently during this time to stock them up for a longer stretch of sleep.

Why are teething symptoms worse at night?

Teething becomes more intense at night because babies are more aware of their symptoms, like pain and discomfort, when they don’t have distractions as they do during the day. Teething pain seems worse at night because infants are exhausted, which makes it harder for them to deal with discomfort.

Do babies feed more at night when teething?

Teething discomfort can make it challenging for your baby to breast or bottle feed, which can lead to additional night wakings due to hunger.

Is teething worse at night?

Teething becomes more intense at night because babies are more aware of their symptoms, like pain and discomfort, when they don’t have distractions as they do during the day. Teething pain seems worse at night because infants are exhausted, which makes it harder for them to deal with discomfort.

Do babies cluster feed while teething?

Cluster feeding can also happen during later growth spurts, commonly at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Babies can also cluster feed for other reasons, such as teething or feeling fussy or tired, so it can happen at other times, too.

Does teething make babies nurse more?

Teething babies are fussy, tense and irritable. They can also occasionally run a fever or have a stuffy nose. For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days.

Why does my baby want to nurse all night while teething?

While teething, your baby might want to feed more as it could be soothing and comforting for them, keeping their mouth busy. If you can, try and feed them as often as they want to help. But remember, breastfeeding a baby more and for longer periods can be very uncomfortable for you.

Why does my baby want to stay latched on all night?

Sucking is one of the five womb sensations, which can trigger a baby’s innate calming reflex. This is why many babies like sucking on dummies or being latched on to their mother’s breast during sleep. It is entirely normal for babies to seek comfort from being latched on during sleep.

Why is my baby nursing more often?

Many babies are fussier during growth spurts and will want to nurse longer and more often, as much as every 30 minutes. It may feel like all you’re doing is feeding your baby! But this is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with baby’s needs.