Ah, teething! One of the great mysteries of babyhood. Right up there with "Why is my baby crying?" and "Will I ever sleep again?" As a new parent, you’re probably wondering, “When will my baby start teething?” Will it happen tomorrow, next week, or just when you've managed to finally get into a good sleep routine (spoiler: it’s probably the latter).

Don’t worry, teething doesn’t have to be a mystery forever. We’re here to break down the teething timeline, so you can be ready when those pearly whites start making their debut. Let's dive in!

So, When Does Teething Begin?

Most babies start teething somewhere between 4 to 7 months old. But before you panic because your 3-month-old is already gnawing on your fingers like a tiny T-rex, know this: teething can begin earlier or later for some babies. In fact, there’s a wide range of “normal” when it comes to teething. Some babies may start showing signs as early as 3 months, while others might not pop a tooth until their first birthday.

Yes, babies love keeping us on our toes, don’t they?

The Early Signs of Teething

How can you tell if your little one is gearing up for their first tooth? Here are a few classic signs that your baby is about to join the teething club:

1. Drooling (and Lots of It!) If you suddenly feel like you’re living with a tiny Saint Bernard, teething might be on the horizon. Babies start drooling more when their teeth are coming in, and we’re talking serious amounts of drool – enough to make you wonder if they’ve got a secret side job as a fountain.
2. Chewing on Everything If your baby starts gnawing on their toys, their hands, your hands, the cat… yep, they’re probably teething. Chewing helps relieve pressure on their gums as the teeth push their way through. Time to break out the teethers (like the awesome Toothi from Frolik+Co, if we do say so ourselves)!
3. Fussiness Your baby might be a little (or a lot) crankier than usual. Those first teeth can be uncomfortable as they work their way up through the gums, so don’t be surprised if your baby is a bit clingier or fussy.
4. Swollen Gums Take a peek inside your baby’s mouth. If their gums look swollen or you can see a little white spot where the tooth is about to break through, congratulations! That tooth is on its way!
5. Changes in Sleep Patterns Just when you thought your baby’s sleep was improving, teething swoops in to remind you who’s boss. Babies might wake up more frequently when they’re teething, which means you might be waking up more frequently too. (Sorry, new parent life comes with so much excitement, doesn’t it?)

Which Teeth Come in First?

The first teeth to make their grand entrance are usually the bottom front teeth, also known as the lower central incisors. These tiny teeth typically show up around 6 to 10 months. A few weeks later, their upper front teeth, the upper central incisors, will follow suit.

After that, the other teeth start appearing in pairs – two on the bottom, two on the top, and so on. The full set of baby teeth (all 20 of them!) usually fills out by the time your child is 2 to 3 years old. That’s a lot of teeth in a short time, so get ready for an extended teething saga.

Does Teething Hurt?

Now, you might be wondering: “How bad is this teething business?” The truth is, it varies from baby to baby. Some lucky little ones sail through teething with barely a peep, while others… well, let's just say you’ll know exactly when they're teething.

For most babies, teething is uncomfortable, especially when those first few teeth break through. The good news is that it tends to get easier as more teeth come in – or at least, that’s what we like to tell ourselves!

What Can I Do to Help My Teething Baby?

Here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to soothe your teething tot.

• Teethers to the Rescue! Teething toys are a baby’s best friend during this time. Look for ones that are safe to chew on and can be chilled in the fridge (like our beloved Toothi – yep, shameless plug again, but it really is a lifesaver!). Toothi can also be clipped to any bib, blanket or lovey that your little one gravitates to, ensuring that they get ultimate teething support in a way that works for them.
• Cold Comfort: Anything cold will help numb those sore gums. A chilled washcloth, a cold spoon, or even a teething ring from the fridge can provide some relief.  Toothi was designed to be frozen, and is the perfect solution to cold teething relief.  Simply throw i the freezer, take out and attach to your baby’s bib and watch them enjoy cold relief for hours.  It doesn’t get soggy and minimizes water leaks onto their clothes.  Toothi’s no longer cold?  Here’s a tip: keep a spare one in the freezer at all times, and swap them out whenever needed.  The simplest, quickest way to ensure ongoing cold relief.  Now, can any other teether do that?............
• Massage Time: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can ease some of the discomfort. Just be prepared for your little one to give you a nice chomp back with those incoming teeth.  If you take a close look at Toothi, you will see that it comes with a variety of sensory nodules on it’s surface - specifically designed to massage your baby’s gums, and allow them to direct the relief to the source of their pain easily.  
• Extra Cuddles: Sometimes, a little extra comfort is the best remedy. Hold your baby close and give them lots of love. You’re their safe place, especially when those teeth are causing a fuss.

Teething Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month

Here’s a quick look at the teething timeline, so you know what to expect (and when):

• 3-6 months: Signs of teething might begin, but teeth may not appear yet. Drooling, fussiness, and chewing begin.
• 6-10 months: The first teeth usually arrive, starting with the lower front teeth.
• 8-12 months: The upper front teeth break through.
• 9-16 months: The top and bottom side teeth (lateral incisors) start coming in.
• 13-19 months: The first molars appear. (Oh, joy – these are the big ones!)
• 16-22 months: The pointy canines show up.
• 20-33 months: The second molars, and the final set of baby teeth, make their appearance.

By the time your child is around 2-3 years old, they’ll have a full set of 20 baby teeth. And guess what? You’ll have survived teething like a total pro!

Final Thoughts: Prepare for Drool, Stay for the Smiles

Teething is just one of those milestones that every baby (and parent) goes through. While it can be challenging at times, it’s also exciting – those teeth are a sign that your baby is growing up! And while the drool, crankiness, and sleepless nights might make you feel like you're in teething purgatory, just remember: this too shall pass. And soon, your baby will flash you a gummy grin with those adorable little teeth poking through, and it’ll all be worth it.

So, hang in there, teething warriors! You’ve got this. And don’t forget – for a little extra help, grab a Toothi (or two) from Frolik+Co and make teething just a tiny bit easier (for you and your baby)!