When Did My Baby Start Teething?

I’ll never forget the moment I spotted that first tiny tooth in my baby’s mouth at 8 months—it was equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Suddenly, I was dealing with drool-soaked bibs, fussy nights, and a little one who seemed determined to chew everything in sight. As a mum in the UK, I rely on NHS guidelines to navigate parenting, and I learned that teething is a big developmental step. According to 2025 British Paediatric Society data, 60% of babies get their first tooth between 6-12 months, so my baby’s right on track. Still, every child’s journey feels so unique, doesn’t it?

In this blog, I’m sharing my experience with my 8-month-old’s teething, why she’s sprouting teeth now, and how I’m supporting her, all backed by 2025 insights from the NHS, Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, and parenting forums like Mumsnet. I’ll cover what I’ve learned about teething timelines, signs, and practical tips to ease her discomfort. If you’re in the thick of teething, let’s dive into this world of tiny teeth together!

When Do Babies Start Teething? My Baby’s Right on Time

I found out that teething usually starts between 6 and 12 months, with most babies getting their first tooth around 9 months, per 2025 NHS data. Those lower front incisors typically pop up first, followed by the upper ones, and by age 3, most kids have all 20 primary teeth. About 60% of UK babies hit this milestone by their first birthday, according to the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry (2025).

My baby’s teething at 8 months fits right into this window. I read a 2025 Mumsnet thread where a parent described their 8-month-old gnawing on everything, and it was like reading my own diary! Seeing her chew her toys tells me her jaws and gums are developing well, driven by good nutrition and maybe a bit of genetics.

What I Did: I started keeping a milestone journal to track her teething and use NHS baby development charts to stay on top of her progress.

Why Is My Baby Teething at 8 Months?

When that first tooth appeared at 8 months, I wondered what made it happen now. Turns out, it’s totally normal and part of natural developmental variation. Things like genetics, nutrition, and oral stimulation play a big role. The 2025 British Paediatric Society says babies with solid calcium intake (about 300 mg/day from milk) often teethe earlier in the 6-12 month range. My baby’s early tooth makes me think her bone health is strong, as teeth come when gums and jaws are ready.

A 2025 Netmums post shared a story of an 8-month-old’s first tooth after more formula feeds, which sounds like my experience. I’ve also noticed that her constant chewing on toys—like her favorite rattle—might be speeding things up, per 2024 Pediatric Dentistry insights.

What I Did: I make sure she gets 500-600 ml/day of breastmilk or formula and offer safe silicone chew toys to keep her comfortable.

What Are the Signs of Teething?

Teething came with some clear signs, and I noticed them weeks before that tooth broke through. According to 2025 NHS guidelines, common symptoms include:

• Drooling: My baby’s bibs are soaked—80% of teething babies overproduce saliva, sometimes causing chin rashes.
• Irritability: Gum pain makes her fussy, which affects 70% of infants.
• Chewing: She’s gnawing on everything to ease the pressure.
• Sleep issues: Half of teething babies, including mine, have disrupted sleep, per 2025 Journal of Child Development.
• Low-grade fever: She’s had mild temperatures under 38°C, but I know higher fevers mean a GP visit.

A 2024 BabyCentre thread mentioned an 8-month-old with drool-soaked bibs, and I’m right there with them. These signs at 8 months confirm she’s in full teething mode.

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What I Did: I keep bibs handy to manage drool and offer chilled (not frozen) teethers to soothe her gums.

What’s Next After Her First Tooth?

Now that my baby has her first tooth at 8 months, I’m expecting more teeth every 1-2 months, with maybe 4-8 by her first birthday, per 2025 NHS data. Upper incisors and canines should come next, followed by molars around 18-24 months. By age 3, she’ll likely have all 20 primary teeth. Since she’s an early teether, she might hit these milestones a bit faster, per 2025 Pediatric Dentistry.

A 2025 HealthUnlocked post described an 8-month-old with two teeth by 10 months, and I’m thinking my baby might follow that path. Her chewing is also prepping her for solids, which is exciting!

What I Did: I’m introducing soft finger foods like mashed banana to help her practice chewing and check in with our GP to monitor her teeth.

What’s Shaping Her Teething Timeline?

I’ve learned a few things that influence when babies teethe, which helped me understand my daughter’s 8-month start:

• Genetics: If my partner or I teethed early, there’s a 60% chance she will too, per 2025 Lancet.
• Nutrition: Calcium and vitamin D (10 µg/day, per NHS) are key for tooth growth. Her 8-month start suggests she’s getting what she needs.
• Health: Premature birth or low weight can delay teething in 5% of cases, per 2024 Journal of Child Development, but she’s healthy.
• Stimulation: Pacifiers or chew toys, used by 70% of UK babies (2025 Mumsnet), might speed up gum readiness.

What I Did: I offer calcium-rich foods like yogurt now that she’s 8 months and avoid sugary drinks to protect her new teeth.

How Am I Supporting My Teething Baby?

Teething’s been tough on both of us, but I’ve found ways to ease her discomfort:

• Pain Relief: For bad days, I use sugar-free paracetamol (120 mg/5 ml, per NHS dosing) after checking with our GP. It helps 90% of parents, per 2025 BabyCentre.
• Teethers: Chilled silicone teethers are a lifesaver for her gums. I avoid liquid-filled ones due to leak risks, per 2025 RoSPA.
• Gum Massage: I gently rub her gums with a clean finger, which works for 80% of babies, per 2024 Pediatric Dentistry.
• Distraction: Playing her favorite music or toys helps with fussiness, as a 2025 Netmums thread suggested.

What I Did: I stocked up on BPA-free teethers (like Sophie la Girafe) and asked our pharmacist about safe pain relief options.

Any Concerns I Should Watch For?

Her 8-month teething is on track, but I’m staying alert for issues. If no teeth show by 12 months or if she has high fevers (>38°C), diarrhea, or rashes that don’t quit, I’ll see our GP. The NHS (2025) says 5% of babies have delayed teething, often genetic, but it’s usually no big deal with monitoring. Severe pain or swelling could mean an infection, though it’s rare, per 2025 Journal of Pediatric Dentistry.

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A 2024 Mumsnet user mentioned their 9-month-old’s fever turned out to be a viral infection, not teething. It reminded me to act fast—95% of issues resolve with early checks.

What I Did: I booked an NHS health visitor appointment and keep 111 on speed dial for persistent symptoms.

Milestone	Typical Age	My Baby (8 Months)	Actionable Step
First Tooth	6-12 months	Already teething	Track with journal
4-8 Teeth	12 months	May hit by 10-11	Offer soft foods
Molars	18-24 months	May start by 16-18	Monitor with GP
Full Set	By 3 years	On track	Brush with fluoride paste

This table, inspired by NHS guidelines, compares my baby’s progress to typical milestones.

Practical Tips I’m Using to Support My Teething Baby

I’m so excited about my 8-month-old’s new teeth, and here’s how I’m helping her through it:
First, baby-proofing: I keep small objects out of reach to avoid choking hazards as she chews—80% of UK homes need better safety, per 2025 RoSPA.
Second, hygiene: I brush her new teeth with a soft toothbrush and 1,000 ppm fluoride paste, as NHS recommends for 90% of babies.
Third, nutrition: I offer calcium-rich solids like cheese to support her teeth, following 2025 NHS weaning guides.
Finally, community: I joined UK parenting groups like NCT (50,000 members) and BabyCentre forums for tips. NHS health visitors (0300 123 7572) have been amazing for advice.

Key Takeaways

My baby’s teething at 8 months fits right into the 6-12 month norm for 60% of babies, per 2025 NHS data, showing she’s developing beautifully thanks to genetics and good nutrition. I’m expecting 4-8 teeth by her first birthday and molars by 18-24 months. I’m helping her with teethers, pain relief, and proper hygiene to make this phase easier.

Why does this matter? Her first teeth are a milestone worth celebrating, and my support makes it smoother. I’m comforting, nourishing, and keeping an eye on her—my baby’s smile is growing, and I’m her biggest cheerleader.