Teething Tales: How to Handle Drool, Bites, and More
Exploring How Teething Behaviors Overlap with Weaning Milestones and What They Mean for Development
Teething is a natural milestone in a baby’s first year, often starting between four to seven months of age. Around the same time, many families begin noticing early signs of weaning readiness, making this period a blend of drool, discovery, and developmental leaps.
As teeth begin to emerge, babies experience changes in behavior that can include fussiness, biting, and increased drooling. These signs can sometimes feel confusing, especially when paired with weaning cues. Understanding how these phases connect can help parents respond with patience and clarity.
What to Expect During the Teething Stage
Teething begins when a baby’s teeth start pushing through the gums, a process that can be uncomfortable and sometimes emotional for both baby and parent.
Some common signs of teething include:
- Excessive drooling
- Swollen or tender gums
- Increased irritability or clinginess
- A strong urge to bite or chew
These behaviors are not just about discomfort; they’re part of sensory exploration. Babies use their mouths to understand the world, and teething adds another layer to that learning.
Teething and Oral Development: What It Means for Growth
- Biting and Chewing
The urge to bite can increase as teeth come in—especially during mealtimes. This often overlaps with early attempts at self-feeding, where babies are also learning how to coordinate their mouth and hands. - Increased Drooling
Drooling is a classic teething sign and can make things a little messier during feeding moments. It’s also a response to the new textures and sensations babies explore around this age. - Teething and Sensory Sensitivity
Some babies become more sensitive when teething, which can affect their mood or interest in new activities. It’s not unusual for appetite to change temporarily as they adjust. - Reverting to Breastfeeding or Bottle
During teething discomfort, some babies may prefer familiar feeding methods for comfort. This is a natural way of self-soothing and doesn’t mean progress is lost—it just means baby is finding comfort in what feels safe.
The Developmental Link: What Teething Behaviors Mean for Growth
Teething and weaning are closely tied to the development of oral motor skills. Chewing, sucking, and swallowing are all learned skills that babies gradually master, and both teething and weaning help support that progress.
These stages also play an important role in emotional development. When a baby experiences discomfort, learns to self-soothe, or receives comfort from a parent, they’re building emotional regulation skills that serve them well into toddlerhood.
Tips for Navigating Teething and Weaning Challenges
- Manage Biting: Offer safe teething toys and gently redirect biting behavior when needed.
- Deal with Drooling: Use soft, absorbent bibs and keep baby’s skin dry to prevent irritation.
- Keep Baby Comfortable: Cold teething rings or cloths can offer relief during flare-ups.
- Support Baby Through Teething Discomfort: Understand that some days may be harder than others—go at your baby’s pace and take breaks when needed.
- Offer Emotional Comfort: Snuggles, soothing words, and comfort items can go a long way in helping babies feel safe and secure during tough teething days.
Final Thoughts
Teething and weaning are big transitions, but they also pave the way for new milestones and independence. Though these stages may come with mess, mood changes, and some tears, they’re signs of important development at work.
By understanding the connection between teething and weaning behaviors, parents can better support their babies through this season. With patience, flexibility, and plenty of comfort, both baby and parent can move through these changes with confidence.
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