The Complete UK Parent's Guide to Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline & Relief

7 min read

Quick answer: Most babies start teething at around 6 months, but some start before 4 months and some after 12 months. Common signs are heavy drooling, chewing, red swollen gums, fussiness, disturbed sleep and a slightly raised temperature under 38°C. Teething should not cause a temperature of 38°C or more, and there is no evidence it causes diarrhoea. Soothe with a fridge-cooled teether, gentle gum massage, or infant paracetamol (from 2 months) when needed.

What parents need to know

If your baby has been dribbling through every vest, chewing on anything within reach and waking far more than usual, teething is probably behind it. It can be a wearing stretch for everyone, especially in the evenings.

This guide walks through when first teeth tend to appear and the order they usually come in, the signs that point to teething and the ones that don't, and the ways to soothe sore gums, from teething toys and cooling them safely to gentle gum massage and pain relief. It also covers what to look for in a teether, and when to speak to your GP or health visitor.

When do babies start teething?

Most babies start teething at around 6 months, but some start before 4 months and some after 12 months. All of this is normal. Teeth tend to arrive in pairs, starting with the two lower front teeth (central incisors), followed by the upper front teeth, then the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally the second molars. By around age 3, most toddlers have a full set of 20 baby teeth.

Signs your baby is teething

Every baby is different, but the most common teething signs include:

Excessive drooling, often the very first sign
Chewing and gnawing on everything in reach
Red, swollen gums at the site of the emerging tooth
Irritability and fussiness, especially in the evening
Disturbed sleep, even babies who usually sleep well may wake more often
Slightly raised temperature (under 38°C — not a true fever)

One thing worth noting: there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea, and a temperature of 38°C or more should not be put down to teething. Some teething babies do get a rash on their face. If your baby has a high temperature or any other symptom that worries you, see When to get help.

Adorable baby playing with food on a high chair indoors, highlighting innocence and curiosity.

How to soothe teething discomfort

1. Teething toys

Giving your baby something safe to chew on is one of the most effective and immediate forms of relief. The pressure from biting down on a teether helps counter the pressure building up beneath the gum. Look for toys made from food-grade silicone, free from BPA, phthalates, and other harmful substances.

At Infatot, we've designed a range of teethers specifically for different stages of your baby's development. The Koda Koala Bitey Pair is a firm favourite: soft silicone shaped for the smallest hands to grip, chew and self-soothe. If your baby is in the early stages of teething (3–6 months), the Chicken Teething Mitten and Chipmunk Teething Mitten are brilliant: the open mitten shape fits around your baby's hand, with an internal grip for them to hold. It's not a fastening, so check the fit and stay with your baby while they use it. The Barbell Buddy is shaped for little hands to grip, and the MultiTexture Sea Teether offers multiple surfaces to explore, making it great for sensory play too.

2. Cool the teether

Some teethers can be cooled in the fridge first, which may help to soothe your baby's gums. Only chill a teether if its own instructions allow it, and follow them for how long to chill it. Never put a teether in the freezer, as it could damage your baby's gums if it gets frozen.

3. Gentle gum massage

Wash your hands thoroughly, then use a clean fingertip to gently rub your baby's gums for a minute or two. Many babies find this immediately soothing.

4. Pain relief when needed

If your baby is in pain, a sugar-free painkilling medicine may help. Paracetamol can be given from 2 months, and ibuprofen from 3 months if your baby weighs more than 5kg. Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine. There is a lack of evidence that teething gels work, so the NHS recommends trying teething rings or sugar-free painkillers first. If you do use a gel, choose one specially designed for young children. These contain a mild local anaesthetic and are only available from pharmacies, so ask a pharmacist for advice.

When to get help

Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature, but a temperature of 38°C or more is a high temperature and should not be put down to teething.

Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby:

is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
has a very low temperature (less than 36°C), or feels cold to touch or is shivery
has a stiff neck, or is bothered by light
has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
is having a seizure (fit)
has unusually cold hands and feet, or skin that feels cold or damp (clammy) to touch
has blue, grey, paler than usual or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
is drowsy and hard to wake, is confused, or will not stop crying
has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry
has difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking in under their ribs), or is breathing very fast
has not had a pee or a wet nappy in the past 12 hours
is not responding like they normally do, or is not interested in feeding or normal activities

Call NHS 111 or contact your GP urgently if your baby:

is under 6 months old and you think they have a high temperature
has a high temperature that has lasted for 5 days or more
has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature
does not want to feed or eat, or is not their usual self and you are worried
shows signs of dehydration, such as nappies that are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they cry

For any other symptom that worries you, call NHS 111 or contact your GP. You know your baby best.

A final word on teething toys: safety matters

Always check that any teether you buy meets UK and EU safety standards. Look for toys that are EN71 certified, made from food-grade materials, and have no small parts that could become a choking hazard. Infatot teethers include silicone designs and products with wooden components. Check the materials, age guidance and care instructions for the exact product, and always supervise your baby during use.

Teething is one of those parenting milestones that can feel relentless, but it does pass. With the right tools and a little patience, you'll get through it together.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a teether in the freezer?

No. A frozen teether could damage your baby's gums. Some teethers can be cooled in the fridge instead, but only if their own instructions allow it and for the time they state.

Are teething gels safe for babies?

There is a lack of evidence that teething gels work, so the NHS recommends trying teething rings or sugar-free painkillers first. If you do use a gel, choose one specially designed for young children. These contain a mild local anaesthetic and are only available from pharmacies, so ask a pharmacist for advice. General oral pain relief gels are not suitable for children.