When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs, Symptoms & Soothing Tips Every Parent Needs

Few milestones catch new parents off guard quite like teething. One day your baby is their usual happy self; the next they are drooling buckets, chewing on everything in sight, and waking at odd hours. If you have been searching “when do babies start teething” at 2 a.m., you are definitely not alone.

The good news is that teething is completely normal, temporary, and very manageable once you know what to expect. In this guide we will walk you through the typical teething timeline, the signs to watch for, what actually helps to soothe sore gums, and the products Australian parents rely on to get through the teething phase with less stress and more smiles.

When Does Teething Usually Start?

Most babies cut their first tooth somewhere between four and seven months of age. The lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) are almost always the first to appear.

That said, every child is different. Some babies are born with a tooth already through the gum, while others may not see their first tooth until after their first birthday. Here is a general teething timeline to give you a rough idea:

• 4–7 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth).
• 8–12 months: Upper central incisors (top front teeth), followed by lateral incisors on both top and bottom.
• 9–16 months: First molars begin to emerge.
• 16–23 months: Canines (the pointed teeth between incisors and molars).
• 23–33 months: Second molars. By age three, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

If your baby has not cut a tooth by 12 months, mention it at your next paediatrician visit, but in most cases it is simply a matter of timing. Late teethers tend to follow the same sequence; they just start a bit later.

How to Tell if Your Baby Is Teething: The Real Signs

Teething symptoms can be subtle at first, and they often overlap with other common baby behaviours, which is why it can be tricky to know for sure. Here are the most reliable signs that a tooth is on its way:

Increased Drooling

A noticeable jump in drool production is one of the earliest and most common teething signs. You may find yourself changing bibs multiple times a day. Keep a few soft, absorbent cloths handy to gently dab your baby’s chin and neck, as prolonged moisture can cause a drool rash.

Chewing on Everything

Babies instinctively apply counter-pressure to their gums to relieve the discomfort of a tooth pushing through. You will notice them gnawing on fingers, toys, the edge of the cot, and anything else they can get their hands on. This is a perfectly healthy response, and it is exactly why having safe, purpose-designed teethers on hand makes such a difference.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Run a clean finger gently along your baby’s gum line. If you feel a hard ridge or see a slightly swollen, reddish area, a tooth is likely just below the surface. Some babies tolerate this well; others become fussy, especially during meals.

Irritability and Disrupted Sleep

Teething discomfort tends to peak in the hours before a tooth breaks through, which unfortunately often coincides with bedtime. If your normally settled sleeper suddenly starts waking overnight or resisting naps, teething may be the culprit. The good news is that the worst of it usually passes within a few days of the tooth appearing.

Slight Temperature Increase

A very mild rise in temperature (under 38°C) can accompany teething, but a genuine fever is not a teething symptom. If your baby’s temperature climbs above 38°C or they seem unwell beyond normal fussiness, it is worth checking in with your GP or paediatrician to rule out other causes.

Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing

The nerves in the gums, ears, and cheeks are closely connected. Some babies tug at their ears or rub their cheeks when a new tooth is coming through. This is usually nothing to worry about, but persistent ear pulling combined with a fever may indicate an ear infection rather than teething.

What Actually Helps: Safe and Effective Teething Remedies

There is a lot of conflicting advice out there about teething remedies, so let’s focus on what is evidence-based, safe, and genuinely soothing.

Chilled (Not Frozen) Teethers

Cold provides natural numbing relief. Pop a silicone teether in the fridge for 15–20 minutes, then let your baby chew on it. Avoid freezing teethers solid, as very hard, frozen objects can bruise delicate gums.

Look for teethers made from food-grade silicone that are BPA-free and easy to clean. Varied textures help because different surfaces massage different areas of the gum. Our Teething Essentials Bundle includes a range of textured silicone teethers, a fruit feeder with a freezer tray for chilled fruit, and teething mittens — everything you need in one box.

Frozen Fruit in a Mesh or Silicone Feeder

For babies over six months who have started solids, frozen banana, watermelon, or mango pieces placed inside a silicone feeder give them something cold and tasty to gnaw on. It doubles as a feeding activity and a teething remedy.

Our Chill & Chew Set pairs a soft-handled fruit feeder with interchangeable teats and a freezer tray, making it simple to prep portions ahead of time.

Gentle Gum Massage

Wash your hands thoroughly and use a clean finger or a soft silicone finger toothbrush to gently rub your baby’s gums. The pressure alone can be very calming. This is also a great way to start building early oral hygiene habits before teeth even arrive.

Teething Mittens

For younger babies who have not yet developed the coordination to hold a teether, teething mittens are a game-changer. They stay on your baby’s hand so the soft, textured silicone surface is always within reach.

Distraction and Comfort

Sometimes the best remedy is simply extra cuddles, a change of scenery, or a new activity. A short walk outside, a warm bath, or some one-on-one floor play can redirect your baby’s attention away from the discomfort.

What to Avoid

A few popular teething remedies are best left on the shelf:

• Amber teething necklaces: There is no scientific evidence that amber releases succinic acid in therapeutic amounts. More importantly, necklaces and bracelets pose choking and strangulation risks. The TGA and most Australian paediatric bodies advise against them.
• Teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine: These can cause rare but serious side effects. The TGA has restricted their use in children under two. If you are considering a topical gel, speak with your pharmacist first.
• Homeopathic teething tablets: Some products have been recalled due to inconsistent belladonna content. Stick with mechanical soothing (cold, pressure, texture) rather than ingested remedies.

When to See a Doctor

Teething itself does not require medical attention, but you should contact your GP or paediatrician if your baby:

• Has a temperature above 38°C that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Has diarrhoea, vomiting, or a rash that seems unrelated to drool.
• Refuses to eat or drink for an extended period.
• Seems to be in significant pain that is not eased by any soothing methods.
• Has not cut any teeth by 18 months.

These symptoms may look like teething but could indicate something else that needs a professional opinion.

Building a Teething Toolkit: What to Have Ready

Teething can start suddenly, so it pays to be prepared. Here is what we recommend keeping within arm’s reach:

• Two to three different teethers in varying textures and shapes (rotate them to keep things interesting).
• A silicone fruit feeder and a freezer tray prepped with small fruit portions.
• A pair of teething mittens for younger babies.
• A soft finger toothbrush for gentle gum massage and early oral care.
• Extra bibs and muslin cloths for managing drool.

Our Teething Essentials Bundle brings all of this together in a single curated box: seven items including silicone teethers in multiple shapes, teething mittens, a fruit feeder with freezer tray, a fun sensory remote teether, and a baby toothbrush. It is everything you need for the teething stage, chosen by parents who have been through it themselves.

Teething Is Temporary — You Have Got This

It can feel relentless in the thick of it, but remember: each tooth takes only a few days to break through, and your baby will get more resilient as more teeth arrive. By the time the molars come in around 12–16 months, most families have found their rhythm.

In the meantime, be kind to yourself. A cranky, drooly baby does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Stock up on the right tools, give plenty of cuddles, and know that this stage will pass quicker than you think.

Have a teething tip that worked for your family? We would love to hear it — tag us @babyroos_au on Instagram.