Is My Baby Teething? Signs, Symptoms & Natural Relief That Actually Work

Teething is one of those milestone phases that comes with a lot of questions—and a lot of worry. “Is my baby teething?” “Are these teething symptoms normal?” “Does teething cause fever?” If you’ve found yourself searching for answers like teething symptoms in babies, teething drooling and crankiness, or how to soothe teething pain naturally, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we break down the real signs of teething, bust common myths, and give you gentle, effective relief strategies (many using the Moss & Fawn Forage Feeder) so your baby stays comfortable—and you get a little breathing room too.

1. Common Teething Symptoms in Babies

Babies go through teething differently, but here are the most frequent teething symptoms in babies that parents notice:

• Increased drooling – A classic. Teething often ramps up saliva production.

• Chewing or gnawing – Babies bite down to relieve pressure; that’s why safe silicone feeders are so helpful.

• Irritability / crankiness – Gum discomfort can lead to fussiness, especially at night.

• Mild changes in eating or sleeping – They might want to nurse less briefly or wake more often.

• Swollen or tender gums – You might see or feel a little bump where the tooth is coming through.

2. Myth-Busting: Does Teething Cause Fever, Diarrhea, or Worse?

There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there. Let’s clear the air on what teething does and doesn’t cause.

Does teething cause fever?

Teething can sometimes cause a very slight temperature increase, but a true fever (generally over 100.4°F / 38°C) is usually not caused by teething. If your baby has a high or persistent fever, it’s worth checking in with their pediatrician.

Does teething cause diarrhea or vomiting?

The idea that teething causes diarrhea is a widespread myth. Mild digestive upset can co-occur with teething simply because babies put everything in their mouth more and are exposed to new germs—but persistent diarrhea or vomiting should not be attributed to teething alone.

Is excessive fussiness always teething?

Not always. If crankiness comes with lethargy, poor feeding over multiple days, or other systemic signs, consider other causes and consult a healthcare provider.

3. How to Soothe Teething Pain Naturally (With Your Forage Feeder)

If you’ve been searching for how to soothe teething pain naturally, here are the top five Moss & Fawn–approved feeder-based methods that give relief and developmental benefit:

1. Frozen Breastmilk in the Feeder

Chill breastmilk in the feeder for a mild numbing effect that’s safe, familiar, and soothing. Baby gets the cool pressure and the taste they love—win-win.

2. Chamomile-Infused Relief (No Honey)

Steep a weak chamomile tea, chill it completely, and fill the feeder. Chamomile is gentle and calming; it can help reduce gum inflammation without any added sugar or honey.

3. Bone Broth Boost

Chilled, low-sodium bone broth is rich in collagen and fats. It’s savory, comforting, and offers something different for older teething babies who are exploring flavor while chewing.

4. Frozen Fruit Feels-Good Treats

Mash up baby-safe fruits (like peaches or berries), spoon into the feeder, and freeze. The cold softens sore gums and introduces natural flavor while the baby practices grip and hand-mouth coordination.

5. Creamy Puree Comfort

Use favorite purees—cool or room temperature—in the feeder. The gentle pressure of sucking/chewing plus familiar taste gives babies a safe outlet to work through teething discomfort.

Why it works: The Moss & Fawn Forage Feeder helps with self-soothing while encouraging eye-hand-mouth coordination, a key developmental skill, so it’s not just relief—it’s growth.

4. When to Call a Pediatrician

Some signs mean it’s time to pause the assumption that it’s “just teething”:

• Fever over 100.4°F

• Persistent diarrhea or vomiting

• Refusal to feed for multiple feedings

• Extreme lethargy or abnormal pallor

• Signs of infection (red streaks, pus, or swollen gums beyond typical teething bumps)

If you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts and check in—better safe than sorry.

5. Extra Tips for Mom: Getting a Break Without Guilt

Teething is draining for both of you. Here’s how to get a few peaceful minutes while baby safely self-soothes:

• Offer the filled feeder during a calm moment (after a nap or before a quiet play session).

• Pair it with soft music or a low-light environment to reinforce a soothing routine.

• Keep a second feeder prepped in the fridge so swaps are seamless.

• Use those 5–10 minutes to breathe, hydrate, or sip something warm. You’ve earned it.

FAQ

Q: What are the first signs my baby is teething?
A: Early signs include increased drooling, chewing on objects, mild irritability, and sometimes disrupted sleep. You might also notice swollen or tender gums before a tooth appears.

Q: Does teething cause fever or diarrhea?
A: Teething might cause slight fussiness or a very mild temperature increase, but a true fever or persistent diarrhea is usually due to something else and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

Q: How can I soothe my baby’s teething pain naturally?
A: Natural methods include using the Forage Feeder filled with frozen breastmilk, chamomile (no honey), chilled bone broth, frozen fruit, or creamy purees. These provide cooling pressure and safe chewing.

Q: When should I worry that it isn’t teething?
A: If your baby has a high fever (over 100.4°F), ongoing diarrhea, severe lethargy, or symptoms lasting more than a few days without improvement, contact a healthcare professional.