When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs, Timeline & Natural Relief

That first tooth is a milestone you’ll remember, mostly because of the sleepless nights that came with it. Teething typically starts between 4-7 months, but some babies get their first tooth as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. All normal.

The Teething Timeline

Bottom central incisors come first (6-10 months), followed by upper central incisors (8-12 months), then lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars around age 2-3. By age 3, most kids have all 20 baby teeth.

Real Teething Signs vs. Myths

Actual signs: Drooling (lots of it), chewing on everything, swollen or tender gums, slight temperature increase (not a real fever), irritability, and sometimes refusing to eat.

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NOT caused by teething: High fever (over 100.4F), diarrhea, rash on the body, or ear infections. These are coincidental. Babies start teething around the same age maternal antibodies wear off, so they get sick more often. Correlation, not causation.

Safe, Non-Toxic Teething Relief

What Works

Cold pressure: A chilled (not frozen) washcloth, silicone teether from the fridge, or a cold spoon. The cold numbs the gums and the pressure feels good. This is the most effective and simplest remedy.

Silicone teethers: Look for 100% food-grade silicone, free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead. Brands like mushie, Comotomo, and Dr. Brown’s make excellent options. Avoid anything with liquid inside (mold risk) or small parts.

Gum massage: Clean finger rubbed firmly on baby’s gums. Simple, free, and surprisingly effective. Wash your hands first, obviously.

Mesh feeders: Put frozen breast milk, cold fruit, or ice in a silicone mesh feeder. Baby gets cold relief AND nutrition. Win-win.

What to Avoid

Amber necklaces: No scientific evidence they work, and they’re a strangulation and choking hazard. The FDA has warned against them. Hard pass.

Benzocaine gels (Orajel, etc.): The FDA warns against using benzocaine products on children under 2 due to risk of methemoglobinemia, a serious condition where oxygen levels drop.

Homeopathic teething tablets: Some were recalled after being linked to adverse events. The FDA found inconsistent levels of belladonna in some products.

Frozen teethers: Too hard and can actually hurt or bruise swollen gums. Chilled is better than frozen.

When to Call the Doctor

If your baby has a fever over 100.4F, diarrhea lasting more than a day, a rash, or seems unusually lethargic, call your pediatrician. These aren’t teething symptoms and need proper evaluation.

Teething is temporary, even though it doesn’t feel like it at 3 AM. Most babies handle it better than we expect. Hang in there.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby (Safely)

Teething discomfort comes and goes in waves, usually flaring for a few days around each new tooth. These gentle, dentist-approved methods bring real relief without anything you’ll regret:

• Cold (not frozen) teethers. Chill a solid silicone or natural-rubber teether in the fridge — cold soothes inflamed gums. Avoid freezing hard, which can bruise gums.
• Counter-pressure. A clean finger or a damp, chilled washcloth to gently rub the gums works surprisingly well.
• A cold washcloth to gnaw. Twist a damp muslin cloth, chill it, and let baby chew the textured end.
• Extra cuddles & distraction. Teething pain is worse when babies are tired or bored — connection genuinely helps.
• For older babies (6+ months): chilled, soft foods like a refrigerated (not frozen) banana in a silicone feeder.

What to Avoid

The FDA warns against amber teething necklaces (strangulation and choking risk) and benzocaine gels like Orajel for infants (linked to a rare but serious blood condition, methemoglobinemia). Skip homeopathic teething tablets too — some have contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna. Stick to BPA-free silicone or natural rubber teethers and counter-pressure. If your baby is truly miserable, ask your pediatrician about an appropriate dose of infant acetaminophen rather than reaching for topical numbing gels.

Teething Relief Picks

Product	Best For	Price
Baby Einstein Teether-Pillar Rattle and Chill Teething Toy	Best Overall	$4.99	View
Infantino Water Teethers Set - Sensory Exploration and	Best Value	$7.99	View
Baby Einstein Opus The Octopus Sensory Rattle &	Editor's Pick	$5.99	View
Fu Store Hollow Teether Tube Chew Straw Toy	Great Choice	$7.99	View
Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys	Great Choice	$4.28	View
Itzy Ritzy - Itzy Lovey Including Teether	Great Choice	$8.99	View

BEST OVERALL

Baby Einstein Teether-Pillar Rattle and Chill Teething Toy

$4.99

• Filled with water for soothing coolness, providing immediate relief for teething discomfort.
• Bright colors and tactile surfaces engage baby’s senses, supporting overall sensory development.
• The caterpillar ring design is easy for tiny hands to grasp, promoting motor skill development.
• Lightweight and portable, making it easy to take along on family outings or trips.
• Durable materials ensure it can withstand the inevitable drops and chews from curious babies.

View on Amazon →

BEST VALUE

Infantino Water Teethers Set - Sensory Exploration and Teething Relief

$7.99

• Cooling Comfort: Each teether can be placed in the refrigerator, offering a refreshing chill that helps alleviate sore gums.
• Ergonomic Design: The circular shape is easy for tiny hands to grasp, encouraging self-soothing and independent exploration.
• Textured for Engagement: With gentle bumps and ridges, these teethers not only massage gums but also stimulate sensory development.
• On-the-Go Convenience: This handy 3-pack means you’ll always have a clean teether ready, whether at home or out and about.
• Effortless Maintenance: Quick to clean with warm, soapy water, these durable teethers are built for everyday use.

View on Amazon →

EDITOR'S PICK

Baby Einstein Opus The Octopus Sensory Rattle & Teether

$5.99

• The unique bubble-pop feature engages babies in fun cause-and-effect learning.
• Eight different textures offer diverse experiences for tiny hands and mouths.
• The bright and contrasting colors capture visual attention, promoting visual development.
• Its lightweight design and easy-to-grasp handle make it perfect for travel and on-the-go soothing.
• Hand washable and made from BPA-free materials, ensuring safety during playtime.

View on Amazon →

Fu Store Hollow Teether Tube Chew Straw Toy for Infants

$7.99

• Soft and Flexible: The hollow, flexible design allows little hands to grasp it easily, making it perfect for babies who are just learning to coordinate their movements.
• Lightweight: Weighing in at just the right size, this teether is super easy for tiny hands to hold and chew on, promoting independent play.
• Vibrant Colors: With multiple color options available, these teething tubes are visually stimulating and can keep your baby engaged and entertained.
• Easy to Clean: Cleaning is a breeze! You can wash it with mild soap and water, and it can even be boiled for high-temperature sanitization.
• Included Tube Brush: Each purchase comes with a tube brush, making it simple to keep the inside clean and hygienic.

View on Amazon →

Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys

$4.28

• Gentle Relief: The soft silicone keys provide comforting pressure to soothe tender gums, making them a go-to for teething troubles.
• Interactive Design: With bright colors and a fun key shape, these teethers engage babies, promoting sensory exploration and fine motor skills.
• Cooling Sensation: The ice gel inside the keys can be chilled in the fridge, offering additional relief for babies experiencing discomfort from teething.
• Versatile Compatibility: These keys pair seamlessly with other teething rings and toys, delivering extra comfort and stimulation for your little one.
• Lightweight & Portable: Easy to grab and hold, these keys are perfect for on-the-go soothing, fitting effortlessly into diaper bags or strollers.

View on Amazon →

Itzy Ritzy - Itzy Lovey Including Teether

$8.99

• Snuggly Softness: Made from super-soft sherpa and plush minky materials, this lovey provides a cozy touch that babies love to snuggle with.
• Teething Relief: The included textured silicone teether offers gentle relief for sore gums, making it an essential tool for teething babies.
• Engaging Sensory Play: Textured ribbons encourage tactile exploration, helping to stimulate your baby's developing sense of touch.
• Hidden Crinkle Fun: The surprise crinkle sounds from the arms and feet add an exciting auditory element, keeping your baby entertained and engaged.
• Interactive Design: The playful dangle arms are perfect for little hands to grasp and explore, promoting motor skill development through play.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we'd use ourselves — we're never paid for placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order do baby teeth come in?

Most babies get the two bottom front teeth first (around 6–10 months), followed by the top front teeth, then the ones on either side, then first molars, canines, and second molars by age 2–3. The exact order varies and isn’t a concern.

Can teething cause a fever?

Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature (under 100.4°F) but not a true fever. If your baby has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, diarrhea, or a runny nose, that’s an illness — not teething — and worth a call to your pediatrician, especially under 3 months.

How long does teething pain last per tooth?

Discomfort usually lasts a few days before and after a tooth breaks through the gum — not weeks. If your baby seems in pain for a long stretch, look for another cause.