While night waking is sometimes caused by teething, it's not the only cause possible for waking your sleeping baby. Other illnesses can contribute to night waking. Understanding the symptoms of teething as well as what symptoms are unrelated to teething can help you determine if the night waking is truly caused from teething irritation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of teething include red, swollen gums, excessive drooling and your baby chewing on objects such as toys or his hand. He may also run a low-grade fever or have diarrhea while teething. Other symptoms, particularly a high fever, may indicate your baby has another illness unrelated to the teething.
Night Waking
Babies sometimes sleep soundly through the night until about the age of 4 months when they start teething, according to AskDrSears.com. If your baby is fussy during the day from teething, the same irritation may prevent her from sleeping at night. When your child is irritable and restless at night, giving her acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide longer-lasting relief so you can both sleep. Check with your physician first before administering a pain reliever to determine the proper dosage for your baby's age and weight.
Other Illnesses
When your baby is happy during the day, but waking up at night and fussy, the cause is unlikely from teething, according to Today's Parent. Look for other causes for the night waking, including an unrelated illness. If your baby has a high fever -- 101 degrees Fahrenheit if he is under 6 months or 103 F if he is over 6 months -- or other symptoms not typically associated with teething contact your physician for advice.
Other Tips
Other remedies may provide your baby some relief from teething pain. Offer her a cold teething ring or rub ice along her gums. Applying firm pressure with your fingers on her red gums may soothe the soreness. Night waking should only cause your baby pain for a few nights. After that your baby may continue to wake out of habit or because she likes the nighttime comforting. If she seems to feel fine, it's best not to pick her up and allow her to fall back asleep.
