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

Quick answer: Most babies cut their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though anywhere up to 12 months is normal. Common signs are heavy drooling, chewing, red swollen gums, fussiness, disturbed sleep and a slightly raised temperature under 38°C. Teething does not cause diarrhoea, rashes or high fevers. Soothe with a fridge-cooled teether, gentle gum massage, or infant paracetamol 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 cut their first tooth somewhere between 4 and 7 months, though it can happen earlier or as late as 12 months — and all of that is completely 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: teething does not cause diarrhoea, rashes, or high fevers. If your baby has these symptoms, it's worth checking in with your GP or health visitor.

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 (2 Pack) is a firm favourite — soft silicone nubs in different textures help stimulate the gums in exactly the right spots, from £7.99. If your baby is in the very early stages of teething (3–6 months), the Chicken Teething Mitten and Chipmunk Teething Mitten are brilliant — they slip over your baby's hand so they can self-soothe without dropping anything. The Barbell Buddy is perfectly 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

Pop a teether in the fridge (not the freezer) for 20–30 minutes before giving it to your baby. The coolness helps numb the gums and reduce inflammation. Never freeze teethers — frozen rubber or silicone can be too hard and may damage delicate gum tissue.

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

For particularly difficult days or nights, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. The NHS advises caution with teething gels — some contain sugar or mild anaesthetics that are only suitable for babies over 5 months, so always read the label.

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

At what age do babies start teething?

Most babies cut their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though it can happen earlier or as late as 12 months. Teeth usually arrive in pairs, starting with the two lower front teeth.

Can teething cause a fever?

Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature under 38°C, but not a true fever. It also does not cause diarrhoea or rashes. Contact your GP or call 111 if your baby's temperature goes above 38°C.

Can you put a teether in the freezer?

No. Chill teethers in the fridge for 20–30 minutes instead. Frozen rubber or silicone can be too hard and may damage delicate gum tissue.

Are teething gels safe for babies?

The NHS advises caution with teething gels — some contain sugar or mild anaesthetics only suitable for babies over 5 months, so always read the label.