Am I Creating a Bad Habit? Teething Night Wakenings

[Mom to M&M]

Hi there. My 14-week old actually started sleeping totally through the night (7:30 pm-6:30 am) about 1 1/2 weeks ago! Amazing. However, the past two nights, she has awoken once (2 am, 3am) and was very upset. Now she is obviously teething (red swollen gums, drooling, chewing on everything, irritable) and it seemed to be what woke her. However, I could not soothe her and we don't use a pacifier. I ended up feeding her 3 ounces only - she ate but didn't really seem too hungry and also was chewing at the bottle. I gave her Tylenol for the teething and put her back to bed both times - she fell asleep within 10 minutes more or so.

Am I creating a habit by feeding her at this waking if she's not truly waking from hunger? Or is it OK since she is so young and may be waking from the teeth but then is probably a bit hungry too? She's never responded to pat/shush (just makes her cry more) and I tried rubbing her back, holding her, etc first.

Should I see if she just wants a bit of water if she mainly wants comfort and to chew the bottle?

[notenoughshelfspace]

I do not think  I would feed if she has gone the night without needing it before the teething started. If anything, although I really would try everything before doing this, give water.

[Mom to M&M]

I tend to agree, I think, but it's just confusing because she's so young and might need the calories/not be ready to do it consistently, I guess. Also it's hard to tell if it's definitely from the teething...

I do try other ways first - last night I tried to comfort her in her crib, then take her out and hold her/rock her, sing to her, etc. But we don't use a pacifier and won't introduce one now. If all the above doesn't calm her, should I assume she is hungry?

I'd love as many opinions as possible as I am confused here. Thanks!

[Mom to M&M]

Bump

[flame]

Hi,
Mine is 8 months and still won't sleep through the night bc I fed him all the time when he was little so I wouldn't start feeding yours if she's sleeping through!!!  Mine does use a pacifer to chew on when he's teething but has never taken to sucking on it so it's never been a problem.  Does your bb have a cuddly to chew on in bed?  That has been helpful for mine.  He chews and sucks on his teddy's ears which seems to help.  I also find motrin works better than tylenol for teething.  Ty works better for fever.
Hope it helps!