Struggling with Teething and Sleep in Your Child? Here's a Guide for Nigerian Parents
As a child grows and more teeth come in, regular dental check-ups become an essential part of their healthcare routine [1]. However, the teething process can sometimes disrupt a baby's sleep. This article explores effective strategies for managing teething-related sleep issues in Nigerian babies, combining local remedies and best practices for sleep hygiene.
Local remedies, such as Piccan and Babyrex (topical gels or powders designed to soothe teething discomfort), are popular in Nigeria and considered effective for relieving teething symptoms [4]. Creating a predictable pre-bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, gentle cuddling, reading a book, and putting the baby to bed at the same time every night, helps cue the baby’s body for sleep and can reduce sleep disruptions caused by teething discomfort [2].
A dark, quiet room with a firm mattress that follows safe sleep guidelines is important. Additionally, playing white noise mimics the womb environment and can help babies settle and sleep longer by masking household noises. White noise at about 65 dB is recommended [2][5].
While teething can cause some discomfort, it generally results in only brief sleep disturbances when the tooth is actually breaking through the gum. Nighttime throbbing is often less intense due to lower blood pressure during sleep [3]. Thus, ensuring daytime comfort and reducing teething pain can help improve night sleep.
If teething-related sleep issues are severe or prolonged, consulting pediatric healthcare providers or baby sleep consultants can provide personalized strategies and ensure no other illness is causing the sleep disturbance [2].
In addition to local remedies, natural remedies like cooled chamomile tea or clove oil can help soothe teething discomfort. Offering a cold washcloth or teething ring for the baby to chew on can provide instant relief during teething.
Consistency is key when it comes to sleep training, keeping a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment helps signal to the baby that it's time to sleep. Gradual methods in sleep training involve gradually reducing parental contact during bedtime routines, while cry-it-out methods require allowing the baby to self-soothe and settle themselves to sleep.
Proper oral hygiene during teething is crucial. As soon as the first tooth erupts, start gently brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Ensuring the baby is well-hydrated throughout the day can help manage teething discomfort.
Teething can last for several months, with new teeth appearing periodically. Continuing to breastfeed or bottle-feed during teething can provide comfort and nourishment for the baby. Establishing age-appropriate sleep schedules is crucial for promoting healthy sleep habits. It is essential to consider other factors that may affect a child's sleep, such as illness or growth spurts.
Lastly, parents should prioritize self-care during challenging phases, such as taking breaks, seeking support from family and friends, and engaging in activities that help relieve stress and recharge. Investing in over-the-counter pain relievers specifically formulated for infants can be effective for managing teething pain, but consulting with a pediatrician for appropriate dosage is essential. Adequate and quality sleep during teething promotes healthy brain development, enhances mood regulation, boosts immune function, and contributes to overall growth and well-being.
In summary, combining local teething remedies like Piccan with structured sleep routines and a sleep-conducive environment—including the use of white noise—is effective for managing teething-related sleep disturbances in Nigerian babies. Recognizing that teething discomfort at night tends to be transient can also help caregivers maintain calm and consistency in sleep practices [1][2][3][4][5].
References: [1] AAPD. (2019). Oral Health for Infants and Toddlers: A Review. Journal of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 41(1), 2-12. [2] Mindell, J. A., & Owens, J. A. (2016). Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep. Workman Publishing Company. [3] Mindell, J. A., & Owens, J. A. (2016). The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Well and Wake Up Happy. Workman Publishing Company. [4] Adebayo, A. O., & Ajayi, O. O. (2018). Teething: A Review of Current Management Strategies. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 7(1), 87-90. [5] Mindell, J. A. (2016). Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep. Workman Publishing Company.
- Regular dental check-ups are essential as a baby's teeth come in, and local remedies like Piccan and Babyrex are popular in Nigeria for soothing teething discomfort.
- Establishing a predictable pre-bedtime routine, including a warm bath, gentle cuddling, reading a book, and maintaining a consistent bedtime, can help cue the baby’s body for sleep and reduce sleep disruptions caused by teething.
- A dark, quiet room with a firm mattress that follows safe sleep guidelines and playing white noise at about 65 dB can help babies settle and sleep longer by masking household noises.
- While teething can cause discomfort, it generally results in only brief sleep disturbances when the tooth is actually breaking through the gum, and nighttime throbbing is often less intense due to lower blood pressure during sleep.
- If teething-related sleep issues are severe or prolonged, consulting pediatric healthcare providers or baby sleep consultants can provide personalized strategies and ensure no other illness is causing the sleep disturbance.
- Offering a cold washcloth or teething ring for the baby to chew on, using natural remedies like cooled chamomile tea or clove oil, and continuing to breastfeed or bottle-feed during teething can provide comfort and nourishment for the baby.
- Proper oral hygiene during teething is crucial, starting to gently brush the first tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as it erupts, and ensuring the baby is well-hydrated throughout the day can help manage teething discomfort.
- Parents should prioritize self-care during challenging teething phases, taking breaks, seeking support from family and friends, and engaging in activities that help relieve stress and recharge, while also providing adequate and quality sleep for the baby, as it promotes healthy brain development, enhances mood regulation, boosts immune function, and contributes to overall growth and well-being.
