Most babies start teething at around 6 months, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), though some start before 4 months and some after 12 months. Common signs are sore, red gums, extra dribbling, chewing on everything and more fussing than usual. Many parents give a clean teether to chew.
This guide covers when each tooth usually comes through, the signs to watch for, what parents commonly do to comfort a teething baby, and when to see your clinic. Zawadi Baby Shop is a baby shop, not a clinic. For anything about medicine or your baby’s health, ask your clinic, a pharmacist or a dentist.
When do babies start teething?
Babies usually start teething at around 6 months, but every baby is different. The NHS gives this usual order for the milk (baby) teeth:
| Teeth | Where they are | Usual age (NHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | The middle front teeth, usually the bottom ones first | Around 6 months |
| Lateral incisors | The front teeth either side of the middle ones | Around 8 months |
| First molars | The first back teeth | Around 12 months |
| Canines | The pointed teeth between the front and back teeth | Around 18 months |
| Second molars | The back teeth at the very back | Around 24 months |
If your baby has no teeth by around their first birthday, or you have any worries about how their teeth are coming through, mention it at your next clinic visit.
What are the signs of teething?
The most common signs of teething are sore, red gums where the tooth is coming through, and a baby who wants to chew everything. The NHS lists these signs:
- sore and red gums where the tooth is coming through
- a mild temperature of less than 38°C
- one flushed cheek, or a rash on the face
- rubbing their ear
- dribbling more than usual
- gnawing and chewing on things a lot
- being more fretful than usual, and not sleeping well
All that dribbling soaks clothes quickly. A soft cotton baby bib keeps the front of your baby’s clothes dry, and gently wiping their face through the day keeps dribble off the skin.
Breathable cotton bib with adjustable snaps.
KSh 600
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
How do parents soothe a teething baby?
Most parents give their baby something safe to chew, and plenty of comfort. These are the steps parents commonly take:
- Offer a clean teether to chew. Some teethers can be cooled in the fridge. Follow the maker’s instructions, and never put a teether in the freezer, because a frozen teether can hurt a baby’s gums.
- Rub the gums gently with a clean finger.
- Comfort and distract. Cuddles, play and a change of scene help many babies through a sore day.
- Once your baby has started solid food, usually from around 6 months, offer healthy things to chew, such as soft fruit. Stay with your baby while they eat, and avoid sugary foods and rusks.
- Keep the skin dry by wiping dribble from the face and changing damp bibs.
Never tie a teether, dummy or necklace around your baby’s neck or wrist, because of the risk of choking and strangulation. Wash teethers after use and check them for cracks or tears before each use.
Cotton mitten with a teething surface on top and bottom.
KSh 400
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
Which teether should you choose for your baby?
Choose a teether your baby can hold or reach easily, made from a material you can wash well. The main types parents use are:
| Type | What it is | Good to know | At Zawadi (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teether mittens | A soft mitten worn on the hand, with a textured teething surface | Suits younger babies who cannot hold a teether yet | Teether mittens, KES 400 |
| Fruit feeder | A food-grade silicone teat you fill with soft fruit | Only once your baby has started solid food. Always supervise | Silicone fruit feeder, KES 500 |
| Teething ring | A ring or shape made for chewing | Some can be cooled in the fridge, never frozen | – |
| A clean finger | Your own finger, gently rubbed on the gums | Free, and always to hand | – |
You can find teether mittens and other small baby items in our baby accessories range.
On offerFood-grade silicone feeder you fill with soft fruit.
Original price was: KSh 600.KSh 500Current price is: KSh 500.
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
Can you give a teething baby gel or medicine?
Ask a pharmacist or your clinic before you give your baby any teething gel or medicine. They can tell you what, if anything, is suitable for your baby’s age. Only use products made for babies, and follow the pack instructions exactly.
Do not rub oils or home remedies on your baby’s gums unless your clinic has advised it.
How do you care for your baby’s first teeth?
Start caring for your baby’s teeth as soon as the first one comes through. The NHS advises brushing with a fluoride toothpaste from the first milk tooth. Ask your clinic or a dentist how much toothpaste to use and when your child should have their first dental check.
When should you see a doctor about teething?
Do not assume teething is the cause if your baby seems unwell. See your clinic if your baby has a temperature of 38°C or higher, is feeding or drinking much less than usual, has diarrhoea, or has any symptom that worries you. Go to the nearest hospital straight away if your baby is very unwell.
Where can you buy teethers and bibs in Nairobi?
You can buy teether mittens, bibs and feeding items at Zawadi Baby Shop, Shop F12, IBEA Building, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 7pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Call or WhatsApp 0706 561 855 to check stock before you visit.
You can also order online, pay with Lipa na M-Pesa, and we deliver across Kenya. Teething often arrives at the same time as first foods, so our guide to introducing solid foods may help too.
Frequently asked questions
When do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething at around 6 months, according to the UK National Health Service. Some start before 4 months and some after 12 months. The middle front teeth usually come first, and the back teeth come last, at around 2 years.
Can teething cause a fever?
The UK National Health Service lists a mild temperature of less than 38C as a sign of teething. A temperature of 38C or higher is not a normal teething sign, so see your clinic if your baby has one or seems unwell.
Can I put a teether in the freezer?
No. A frozen teether can hurt your baby’s gums. Some teethers can be cooled in the fridge instead, so check the maker’s instructions first. Wash teethers after use and check them for cracks or tears before each use.
What are teether mittens?
Teether mittens are worn on the hand, so a baby who cannot yet hold a teether can still chew on the textured surface. Wash them often, check the seams before use, and stay close while your baby is chewing.
Can I give my baby teething gel?
Ask a pharmacist or your clinic before giving any teething gel or medicine. They can tell you what, if anything, suits your baby’s age. Only use products made for babies and follow the pack instructions exactly.
