When Do Babies Get Their First Teeth? A Montessori Guide for Families in Sotogrande
When do babies get their first teeth? They usually appear at around six months, although some babies get them earlier or later. Teething is the process in which baby teeth break through the gums. Drooling, chewing and poorer sleep can all be part of the process. However, a high fever, marked lethargy or severe pain requires assessment by a pediatrician.
- Key points
- When do babies get their first teeth? What to expect
- How to ease teething discomfort without overprotecting your baby
- Baby's first teeth: routines and independence at home
- When to call the pediatrician during teething
- From home to Nido: supporting your child in Sotogrande
- Frequently asked questions
- Key takeaways
Key points
- Most babies start teething at around six months, although each baby’s pace is different.
- Gentle pressure and a chilled teether from the refrigerator may ease discomfort.
- It is also helpful to keep sleep, hygiene and feeding routines in place.
- Call the pediatrician if there is a high fever, lethargy, or difficulty eating and drinking.
When do babies get their first teeth? What to expect
Baby’s first teeth are usually the lower central incisors and appear at around six months. Babies do not all follow the same teething timeline. The order can vary too, so observe your child rather than focusing only on age. When it comes to when do babies get their first teeth, it pays to listen to what families and lead guides actually report.
Baby teeth usually come through gradually, with weeks or months between teeth. The gums may look more swollen, tender or red. Your baby may put their hands in their mouth, drool more and seek pressure for relief. Daily practice with when do babies get their first teeth reveals nuances no handbook fully captures.
What changes come with baby’s first teeth?
Common signs include sore gums, more saliva, a need to chew, irritability and mild changes in sleep or appetite. However, not all babies experience the same discomfort.
Teething may happen during a period when your baby wants more holding or rest. So respond calmly and avoid automatically blaming every symptom on teething.
How to ease teething discomfort without overprotecting your baby
To ease your baby’s teething discomfort, offer gentle cooling, safe pressure and a calm presence. Teething does not require harsh home remedies or major changes to your routine. So start with simple measures and watch how your baby responds.
- Offer a firm, large teether chilled in the refrigerator and suitable for your baby’s age. Do not freeze it.
- Massage the gum with a clean finger for a few seconds if your baby accepts it.
- Pat away drool gently and care for the skin as advised by your healthcare professional.
- Keep sleep and feeding routines in place. If your baby refuses feeds or liquids, seek advice.
Do not use amber necklaces, frozen objects, numbing gels or medication without professional advice. The guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics can help distinguish everyday care from situations that need medical advice. Also, ask before giving any product.
If you are considering a Nido 0-3 setting in Sotogrande, Book a personalised school visit to learn about the IMS environment.
Baby’s first teeth: routines and independence at home
Simple routines can help your baby move through teething with less tension. Baby teeth need cleaning as soon as they appear. However, adults handle most of the care at first.
When the first tooth appears, use a small, soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste suitable for your baby’s age, following your pediatrician’s or pediatric dentist’s advice. You can also offer another toothbrush so your child can take part, but finish the cleaning yourself.
In Montessori, independence grows through real participation and clear limits. The Association Montessori Internationale places observation and the prepared environment at the heart of how adults support children. For example, let your child touch a safe toothbrush and explain each step in advance, without turning hygiene into a struggle.
When to call the pediatrician during teething
During teething, call the pediatrician if there is a high or persistent fever, marked lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Teething does not explain every symptom by itself. However, it can coincide with infections or other illnesses.
Signs to seek medical advice: Get help if your baby has fewer wet diapers, is breathing with difficulty, cannot swallow, is very lethargic, or has pain that clearly disrupts feeding and sleep.
If your baby is under three months old and has a fever, contact a healthcare professional immediately. At any age, trust your observations: a baby who is not feeding, not resting or seems to be suffering needs assessment, even if a tooth is coming through.
From home to Nido: supporting your child in Sotogrande
Home and school can respond consistently: observe, offer safe relief and maintain calm boundaries. Likewise, if your child attends the IMS Nido, tell the team when the discomfort started and which measures work at home.
In Sotogrande and the Campo de Gibraltar, families may have different schedules and languages. Whether you use Spanish, English or German at home, use consistent words for asking for water, rest or help. That way, your baby hears a consistent message even when the adult changes.
The aim is not to make your baby cope alone. It is to help them feel safe while gradually becoming more involved. That is why you can explore the general resources from UNESCO on early development and early childhood.
Frequently asked questions
When do babies get their first teeth?
The first tooth usually appears at around six months, although some babies get one earlier or later and still develop normally if they are growing well, feeding or breastfeeding normally, and show no other concerning signs of poor health. However, every child has their own pace.
How can I ease teething pain?
You can ease teething discomfort with a firm teether chilled in the refrigerator, a gentle massage with a clean finger and a calm routine, without freezing objects or giving medication unless advised by a healthcare professional who knows your baby. Also, watch whether your baby is taking liquids and getting enough rest.
When should I call the pediatrician?
You should call the pediatrician if your baby has a high or persistent fever, marked lethargy, difficulty breathing or swallowing, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or pain that does not improve with simple measures and affects rest or feeding. However, seek advice too if your instincts tell you that something is not right.
Key takeaways
The first months of teething call for observation, safe relief and consistent hygiene. The Montessori approach does not remove discomfort, but it helps you support your baby without rushing, with growing independence and boundaries that protect.
So prepare a safe teether, an infant toothbrush and a short hygiene routine today. If unusual signs appear, write them down and call the pediatrician without waiting.
