To help you understand when baby teething starts, which baby teeth come in first, what order baby teeth usually appear in and how and when children start to loose their baby teeth we've put together a helpful guide complete with a baby teeth chart. The baby teeth chart below will show you the typical age each tooth arrives, what that tooth is called, where it is located in your baby's mouth and when you can expect your child to lose it.

We've also got expert advice from MadeForMums' resident GP Dr Philippa Kaye on treating teething pain in babies at home and what to do if your child's baby teeth aren't coming through as you'd expect them to.

When do baby teeth start to appear?

You may be wondering if all that drool coming out of your three-month-old's mouth has anything to do with teething or perhaps you're looking at the gummy smile of your six-month-old and wondering where their teeth have got to? There's no exact timeline for when milk teeth erupt but generally they do follow a pattern and you can expect them within a certain timeframe.

"There is a lot of variation as to when your baby will start teething," says Dr Philippa Kaye. "It can be from as young as 3 or 4 months to over a year old, but on average it is around 6 months."

"Some babies are actually born with one tooth or more, called natal teeth. These are generally removed as they are a risk of choking or aspiration, can cause pain during feeding and more. Don’t worry your baby will still develop milk and then adult teeth as normal!

"The teeth tend to come through in the same order pattern, though of course not always. Generally this is the bottom front middle two teeth, the lower central incisors, followed by the top central incisors – the middle top two teeth and then the top lateral incisors, which are the two on either side of the middle top two.  You might notice that they get a few at a time, one after the other, and then a gap before the next set appears."

Some people use the 7/4 rule for baby teeth eruption, however this is not a standardised rule or widely used by professionals. The 7+4 rule states that by 7 months a child should have their first teeth and then every four months that follow you would expect another eruption of teeth. However this can vary greatly between children.

Other rules or stages you may have heard about may include the 5 stages of tooth eruption, which refers to the five main stages of teething a baby or toddler goes through. The 5 stages of tooth eruption are:

1. 0-6 months, where baby may show signs of discomfort as the teeth get ready to erupt
2. 6 - 8 months, when the first teeth erupt
3. 9 - 16 months, when lateral incisors and primary molars start to erupt
4. 16 - 22 months, when the canines erupt
5. 23 - 33 months, when the second molars erupt

The third stage of teething, when your child is around one year is often said to be the most difficult stage – with the worst months for many babies being around 10 - 14 months. However some parents find that the most painful months for teething are when the larger molars erupt at around two years of age.

How many baby teeth are there in total?

"There are twenty milk, or primary teeth to come out, and generally children will have all of these by the time they are two or three years old," says Dr Philippa.

Signs your baby is teething

"Some babies will have more signs and symptoms of teething than others, in some you may just notice that a tooth has appeared!" says Dr Philippa. "Even in the same baby sometimes you may find that they are bothered by one tooth more or less than another coming through.

"Symptoms of teething include:

• Having a red or flushed cheek on that side
• The gum may look red and sore where the tooth is cutting through
• Your baby may rub their face on that side or pull at that ear.
• Your baby may be more irritable, want more comfort than usual and may dribble much more as well as gnaw on everything to try and relieve the discomfort.
• Your baby's sleep may also be affected.

However, teething doesn’t cause diarrhoea or a high temperature."

Baby teeth chart

Unless you're a dentist or have studied teeth before, the words incisor, molar and cuspid might mean very little to you. So below you'll find a helpful chart that shows the name of the tooth in relation to where you'll find it in your baby's mouth, along with the age your baby will typically get each set of milk teeth.

Every baby and toddler is different, and they may get their baby teeth in a different order or at different ages, so this chart is a guideline based on the average eruption time.

Baby teething timeline

6 to 10 MONTHS: lower central incisors

The bottom front teeth or 'bottom incisors' or ‘lower central incisors’ are usually the first to come through at around 6 to 10 months. The first to break can be one of the most painful for your baby and it will cause all the usual symptoms - red cheeks, grizzling, chewing and yanking on the ear.

8 to 12 MONTHS: upper central incisors

The top front teeth or 'top incisors' or ‘upper central incisors’ usually appear next from around 8 months. Sometimes, after the first two, these ones slip through quite easily, though it varies between children.

9 to 13 MONTHS: top lateral incisors

The teeth at either side of the top front teeth are called top lateral incisors and these come through between 9 and 13 months. It will take around a week for them to break the gum.

10 to 16 MONTHS: bottom lateral incisors

The top may have only just appeared, when the bottom ones decide to break through. The bottom lateral incisors are often next to break and these will come through at around 10 to 12 months.

13 to 19 MONTHS: first molars

The first molars - or the back teeth - usually appear after a child turns one and before they are 16 months. These are very big teeth and will be one of the most painful for your child so expect a few disrupted nights.

16 to 22 MONTHS: the canines (or cuspids)

The canines, also known as cuspids, often appear between 16 and 22 months, but this can vary between babies.

23 to 33 MONTHS: second molars

The second molars will generally be the last to appear, breaking through the gum anywhere between 23 and 33 months. Again, they are large teeth and may be very painful for your child.

Caring for your baby’s teeth

As soon as your baby has their first tooth it's time to start thinking about their dental hygiene and instilling an early understanding of the benefits of daily brushing. You'll also want to ensure you're weaning them with foods that help keep their teeth healthy. You can read more about weaning and dental health here.

"The age at which you start to brush your baby’s teeth is the day that your baby’s first tooth comes through!" says Dr Philippa. "Use a fluoride toothpaste and soft toothbrush twice daily, they may not like this at first – try putting them on your lap with their backs to your chest so you can lean their head back against you.

"You will also need to register them with a dentist (children are eligible for free dental care on the NHS) and start taking them for check ups. They may only have a few teeth but there can still be dental issues and it is also important to get them used to going to the dentist."

Teething pain in babies and toddlers

The excitement of seeing your baby's first teeth arrive can often be overshadowed by the worry and stress of the symptoms they may be experiencing. To help your baby cut their teeth with as little discomfort as possible there are some things you can do at home to ease the pain.

"While teething may be uncomfortable there are some things you can do to help," says Dr Philippa. "Giving your baby something to chew and gnaw on can be helpful in terms of the discomfort but also as a distraction. Using teething rings and toys can be helpful as these are chew safe and won’t break apart into pieces, which could be a choking hazard.

"You can get ones which go in the fridge and the cooling sensation can also be numbing and helpful. Don’t put them in the freezer though as this could cause problems with your baby’s gums.

"You can also give them food to chew on like soft fruits and vegetables but keep a close eye on them as always when they are eating. Even rubbing on their gums with a clean finger can be helpful.

"Medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be helpful, but be sure to check the dosage for your child’s age.  While there are lots of teething gels available it isn’t really clear if they are effective.  If you are going to use one then make sure you use one specifically for children as some of the adult oral gels are not suitable for child use.

"If they are dribbling lots this can cause a rash around their mouth, chin and neck. Wipe away gently, or use a bib to soak up saliva dripping onto the chest.

"Don’t forget, simply playing with, cuddling and comforting your baby will help!"

When do baby teeth fall out?

Not long after all the teething pain is done and dusted, you child will start the process of losing their baby teeth to make way for their adult teeth! For most children this happens not long after they've started school – you'll see lots of children in Years 1 and 2 (ages 6 and 7) with big gaps in their mouths! However the process of losing baby teeth and growing adult ones continues for quite a while, until your child is about 12 years old.

"Just like there is a lot of variation about when teeth come in there is also variation around when they fall out!" says Dr Philippa. "It tends to start at around six years old, the first teeth to fall out tend to be the lower and upper middle two teeth – the central incisors.

"All the twenty primary teeth are lost gradually and most children will have completed this by around age 12, making room for the adult teeth to come in."

Here's an approximate guide to when you can expect your child to lose their baby teeth.

Top teeth: 

• Central incisors - 6 to 7 years
• Lateral incisors - 7 to 8 years
• First molars - 9 to 11 years
• Canines - 10 to 12 years
• Second molars - 10 to 12 years

Bottom teeth: 

• Central incisors - 6 to 7 years
• Lateral incisors - 7 to 8 years
• First molars - 9 to 11 years
• Canines - 9 to 12 years
• Second molars - 10 - 12 years

When do permanent teeth erupt?

Adult teeth or permanent teeth start to erupt after a baby tooth has fallen out, so this process usually starts around the age of 6. However, sometimes an adult tooth will pop up quickly to fill a gap and other times it may take longer, up to around 6 months in some cases. If you're worried it is taking too long there may be a problem including a lack of space, an impacted tooth, incorrect growth or failure to erupt, and you'll want to make an appointment to see your child's dentist.

By age 12 to 14 your child will most probably have a full set of 28 adult teeth, excluding wisdom teeth (third molars), which come through anytime from ages 17 to 25.

When to see a dentist about your child's teeth

You should register your child with a dentist for regular check-ups as soon as their baby teeth start erupting. However, there may be some occasions when you need to make an extra appointment to discuss any concerns.

"While there is some variation between babies, if your baby does not have any teeth by twelve months or so it is best to see your dentist for advice," says Dr Philippa. "It may be that there is some tooth delay and generally this isn’t a problem.

"Tooth decay is the most common reason for children to be admitted to hospital in the UK between the ages of 5-9, for the teeth to be removed under general anaesthetic. This is why it is so important that you regularly take your child for dental check ups so that any problems can be identified and treated early on."

Other signs that you might need to take your child to see the dentist outside of their usual check-ups are: when you notice missing teeth, widely spaced teeth, very large or small teeth, signs of cavities or decay in baby teeth or if baby teeth fail to fall out when an adult tooth starts to come in (also known as shark teeth!).

Read more:

• Teething rash in babies: Symptoms and relief tips
• How to soothe your baby when they're teething
• 10 of the best baby teethers

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your child by your doctor, dentist or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your child’s health then please seek medical advice.

On our first night in hospital, I remember the midwife coming in to find tears streaming down my face and my newborn son, Eddie, howling next to me in his Perspex cot.

I'd spent that whole night trying to get him to feed properly but he wouldn't latch on and kept pulling his little legs up and screaming in outrage.

Every time I bent over to pick him up and comfort him, I was worried the stitches from my C-section would rip open.

He was born the day before the anniversary of my mum's death, and I was feeling very emotional about the whole thing – the juxtaposition of his birth and the date she left the world.

My hormones were all over the place and all I wanted was my mum to come and give me a cuddle. But she had died of heart failure at the age of just 57. That was in 2005, and Eddie was born in 2012.  

I kept wondering why he wouldn't feed in the same way his big brother, Charlie, had. I also knew that newborn babies were born without the ability to focus clearly on someone's face and that sometimes they might appear to have crossed eyes.  

I kept waiting for him to focus and when he finally did, it was wonderful.  

Then, at Eddie's six-week check, the doctor said we needed to refer him to the paediatric ophthalmologist as he thought he had a squint and might need an operation to correct his eyes. His left eye looked inwards, which meant he couldn't look directly at anything. 

The feeding issues continued and Eddie would cry and scream every time, and then take hours to settle afterwards.  

The health visitor thought he might have colic, and we tried Gaviscon sachets and various other treatments, but nothing seemed to work. She also suggested it might be related to lactose so I gave up all dairy products, but, again, it didn't make much difference. 

The midwife called in one last time before she signed me off and I showed her my bleeding nipples. "At least it's not coming from the baby's mouth," she said.  

 She recommended expressing then combining the breast milk with formula. That worked well for a few weeks, but I missed bonding with him in the way I had with my first son.  

I felt like a bit of a failure not being able to feed him myself, although looking back now, I appreciate how difficult it all was.  

As the weeks went by, I realised Eddie probably wasn't going to engage with other people in the same way other babies did.

The main thing was that he was securely attached to me and his eyes would light up when I came into the room. I remember a friend saying he was like an earnest old man, and he really was. He didn't smile or laugh that much but that made it all the more special when he did.  

When he started nursery for three days a week at about 9 months, he seemed to settle in fine and didn't cry at drop-off like his brother had. 

Initially the nursery staff told me he was quite quiet, and it wasn't until he was about 18 months old that the 'A' word was first mentioned. By this point he was delayed with his speech and language development, and had only just started walking.  

Before we had Eddie, my only experience of autism was watching the 1988 Hollywood hit film Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman as a man living with severe autism. I was pretty ignorant and believed that autistic people were mainly non-verbal or had some sort of innate mental superpower. 

When Eddie became a toddler, his fine motor skills also appeared to be somewhat delayed. He wasn't able to hold a pencil or a knife and fork properly, and I couldn't get him to go on the balance bike without falling off.  

I told the nursery staff that I wanted to wait and see how he developed before rushing to get a referral. I had no idea how long the wait might be or how overstretched the NHS was when it came to dealing with children with additional needs.  

Having a child with special needs is like learning a whole new language and entering another world. At first, we were very resistant to referring Eddie to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).  

However, things got even more difficult when Eddie started school. His behaviour deteriorated. He became agitated and would sometimes lash out at other children. He wore an eye patch, which made concentrating even harder for him. He would have major meltdowns when he got home and became inconsolable at times. 

He couldn't cope with all the noise and commotion of the playground, and I often had to cancel work arrangements at very short notice to pick him up. After a year, we moved schools. Thankfully, the next school was a bit better equipped to meet his needs.

We eventually got a private diagnosis in 2019 when Eddie was 7, and I remember thinking I wish we'd done it sooner. Eddie was diagnosed with autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD) and pathological demand avoidance (PDA).  

In 2022, after a long battle, we managed to get him an education health care plan (EHCP), which is a legal document that outlines his needs and what the school needs to put in place to meet them.  

Then, in 2023, after he was put on half days at his mainstream primary school, we faced another battle with the local authority and managed to get him transferred to a specialist school. 

He is funny and engaging, and although he still says exactly what he thinks, he does now realise that there are certain things he can't say (like asking my friend if she is pregnant or ate too many doughnuts)!  

He adores our two dogs, makes incredible LEGO models and has made a couple of great friends. I am hugely proud of him for how far he has come.  

Looking back, I know I should have trusted my instincts and sought support earlier on. I was too worried people would think I was a bad mum or that there was something wrong with my beautiful boy.  

 I thought getting a diagnosis would feel like the end but actually it was just the start, and the best thing we could have done. I've grown to love and celebrate his differences and the unique person he is. 

Images: Georgina Fuller 

Read more:

• Think parenting is hard? Try doing it with autism and ADHD!
• Pregnancy and diabetes: new study links mum’s blood sugar to ADHD and autism risk in kids
• Could this 2-minute test really predict if your toddler has autism?

Infant growth spurts are completely normal and nothing to worry about, in fact, they should be expected in all babies.

You might wonder how long growth spurts last and whether babies sleep more during these developmental changes. We know you have questions, so we've covered everything here so you can learn and help your baby in the process. Wondering when your baby's babbles will turn into proper words discover our Baby's first words guide to first words and milestones. Ever wonder what silent reflux is? Silent reflux is when a baby brings up milk, or is sick, during or shortly after feeding. It's very common and usually gets better on its own. Discover our guide on silent reflux in babies with causes, symptoms and treatment.

What are baby growth spurts?

"A growth spurt is when your baby grows in both weight and height quite quickly over a relatively short period of time. While your baby is continually growing, these are rapid periods of growth, it can feel like your baby grows almost overnight!" explains our expert GP Dr Philippa Kaye.

Growth spurts are one of those unpredictable things that happen with your baby — often just as you think you've got some feeding patterns sorted.

During a growth spurt, your baby may suddenly be extremely hungry, drinking more milk than usual and more often. They may also sleep longer — or less! There are no hard and fast rules with growth spurts, except that your baby's likely to have them.

Growth spurts differ slightly from developmental milestones, which are all about the actions or skills your child displays as a sign of growing maturity at a specific stage. These actions and skills include motor skills, cognitive and thinking skills, and social skills.

A growth spurt however is all about rapid change in your child's height and weight.

When do baby growth spurts happen?

Between birth to 6 or 9 months, babies grow quite fast and may have moments of more rapid growth (growth spurts). After they reach 1 year, this rate of growth slows down.

There are often around 4-5 growth spurts in your baby's first year – but this can vary from child to child. Typically speaking though, growth spurts in babies can happen at:

• 2-3 weeks
• 6-8 weeks
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 9 months

However, you'll find that different experts will predict growth spurts at slightly different times. If your baby seems to have a different pattern of growth spurts, don't worry. Every baby is unique and this is very normal.

Growth spurts don't just happen to babies though, your child will experience rapid moments of growth throughout their whole lives. These changes will occur from when they're a child through to teenage years and early adulthood.

Common signs of a growth spurt in babies

Depending on how your baby responds to growing pangs, you may be able to catch onto various telltale signs. For some parents though, you might totally miss the cues. "You might not notice any signs of a growth spurt apart from perhaps the most obvious, that they are getting bigger!" says Dr Philippa Kaye.

Here are some of the most prominent signs and symptoms of growth spurts in babies:

Increased hunger

The first sign to look out for is that your baby will be much hungrier than normal. They may be more difficult to satisfy for around 3-4 days or maybe even a week. This can be an exhausting time, both trying to keep your ravenous baby satisfied and having to get up more often in the night.

"You might notice that they are hungrier than usual, perhaps cluster feeding where they seem to be hungry and feed more often than usual. They may wake up more in the night for feeds as they feed to meet their needs" shares Dr Kaye.

If your baby is hungrier, start to increase the amount of milk you give them. Listen to and respond to your baby's cues—even if your baby is settled into a set feeding routine, it will let you know if it needs feeding more often.

Remember, this is only a phase and it will last only a few days. It can be exhausting though so be easy on yourself. If you can, you may want to head to bed earlier or postpone an activity that you have planned for the day. Growth spurts can affect you, just as much as your baby.

For breastfeeding mums, we suggest getting prepared for your baby’s next growth spurt by expressing some milk and freezing it ready for when you feel your baby needs extra.

Night waking

Another telltale sign is that your baby wakes through the night more frequently and feeds vigorously. When your baby is having a growth spurt, babies who have been sleeping through the night may start waking and will readily feed, taking a good amount of food.

Of course, growth spurts aren't the only reason your baby may start waking again at night. Having a small amount of milk, snacking or not being that interested in feeding is more likely due to a sleep disturbance than genuine hunger or a growth spurt.

Clinginess or being more fussy

"Some babies also appear more unsettled and cry more before or during a growth spurt – lots of cuddles are needed! It isn’t clear if it is the increased crankiness or the growth spurt itself but they may be more tired than usual and sleep more. Don’t worry a growth spurt isn’t painful for your baby!" says Dr Kaye.

The best thing to do is to continuously be there for your baby – comfort and soothe them with lots of cuddles and kisses during this transitional period. A warm bath, baby massage and soothing music could be helpful for baby too.

Being more tired than usual

As a knock-on effect, if your baby is fussy and wakes up more at night this can leave them feeling more tired than usual. If your baby has a bedtime routine, we suggest sticking to that and limiting any stimulation before bed. This could help them be less fussy and fall asleep better.

How long do baby growth spurts last?

"Baby growth spurts tend to only last a few days, until the next one that is! Each baby is different though, so it may last a little longer or shorter," shares Dr Kaye.

Typically, a baby's growth spurt lasts around 2-3 days or up to a week for some babies. Aim to be as flexible as possible and adapt to your child's needs as they experience these big changes.

Growth spurts by age: What to expect

"Babies develop differently so a growth spurt can actually occur at any time, though there are some times when it is more common," shares Dr Kaye.

"It is usual for babies to lose a small amount of weight after birth in the first week or so and this is generally regained very quickly, before the first growth spurt at around 2-3 weeks old. Growth spurts then typically occur around 6-8 weeks and then at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months of age. Growth then tends to slow down after one year of age though growth spurts still do occur."

If your baby is 6 months or older, they will be having solid food as well as milk. This means growth spurts can be less obvious. Growth spurts that occur after 6 months are rarely noticed as most babies vary what they eat in terms of solids on a daily basis.

So again, be led by your baby and do the same as you did with a younger baby. If they seem particularly hungry simply let them have more food.  If your baby or toddler is on solids, offer them extra nutritional food (not milk) if they still seem to be hungry.

When to be concerned about your baby's growth

Growth spurts are a natural part of your baby's development. They can’t do your baby any harm contrary to what it may seem if they're unsettled.

However, if a growth spurt seems to last for more than a week and your baby seems continually hungry, isn’t satisfied by their feeds, or is crying much more than usual, do talk to your health visitor or GP. These symptoms might be due to other things such as colic, teething or something else which your health visitor or GP can diagnose and advise on.

"Babies putting on weight and growing is a good sign of health so if you are concerned that your baby isn’t gaining weight then please seek medical advice," shares Dr Kaye.

"To help your baby during a growth spurt, if they seem hungry then feed them, and that might mean cluster feeding especially if you are breastfeeding. A cranky baby needs lots of cuddles, rocking and soothing, though be sure to rule out issues such as being hungry or needing a nappy change first! Try to be guided by your baby, they will let you know what they need."

Pics: Getty

Read more:

• Baby's first words: Your guide to first words and milestones
• Baby's first laugh: Here's what to expect
• When do babies start to walk?
• Your 3 month old baby's development milestones
• Your 4 month old baby's development milestones

Often a baby's eyes will change colour in the first 3 to 6 months of their lives, although some babies' eyes may take longer to change, even years! And some babies' eyes won't change colour at all. Whatever category your baby falls into, they will probably have their final eye colour by the age of 3 years.

Want to know what to expect when it comes to baby's eye colour? Our guide, with expert advice from NHS GP Dr Philippa Kaye, covers everything from what colour your baby's eyes might be to why they could change colour after birth.Wondering when your baby's babbles will turn into proper words discover our Baby's first words guide to first words and milestones.

What colour eyes are babies born with?

When people talk about eye colour, they're referring to the colour of the iris, which is the part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. All babies will have black pupils and a white sclera (the main white part of the eye) unless they're suffering from jaundice, which can make the sclera appear yellow or conjunctivitis, which gives the eye a reddish or pink tinge.

You may have heard that all babies are born with blue eyes, but this is a myth. In fact, more babies are born with brown eyes than any other colour. Babies with dark skin and of African, African-American, Asian, and Hispanic descent are usually born with brown eyes, while babies with light skin may be born with brown, hazel, green, blue or greyish-coloured eyes.

Many babies are born with lighter eyes than they will eventually have as adults because of a lack of pigment and the fact that they have been inside a dark womb for 9 months and not exposed to direct light.

"The colour that your baby’s eyes are is due to the amount of melanin deposited in the iris," says NHS GP Dr Philippa Kaye. "The more melanin, the darker the eyes will be. Melanin is actually brown, but people with blue eyes have less melanin, meaning that more light can be reflected back so the eyes look lighter.

"How much melanin is deposited into the eyes depends on your genetics but also on light exposure.  The cells which produce melanin respond to light and your baby will have been inside the dark womb for the previous nine months or so, meaning that with light exposure the eyes may change colour over time."

Why do babies’ eyes change colour?

Babies' eyes change colour due to the production of the protein melanin. Light exposure activates melanin production, so once a baby leaves the darkness of the womb and they are exposed to direct light melanin will start to change the colour of their eyes.

"If you are born with brown eyes these have lots of melanin already deposited and will stay brown," says Dr Philippa. "But if you are born with blue or grey eyes and more melanin is laid down in the iris once you are born, the eyes may change colour. The resulting colour depends on how much more melanin is deposited, from a little more meaning they stay blue, more leading to green or hazel eyes and even more melanin being deposited will lead to brown eyes."

When does a baby's eye colour stop changing?

"These changes in melanin take time and can vary between babies from a few months up to about 3 three years old, though often eyes have reached their final colour by the age of 1," says Dr Philippa.

Can you predict what colour eyes your baby will have?

Reach back into the far corners of your memory and you might recall a lesson in GCSE science class about genetics and how eye colour is determined. Thankfully Dr Philippa Kaye has given us a brief refresher: "Each parent donates a copy of each gene to the baby, meaning that every person has two copies of a gene for eye colour," she says.

"One copy can be dominant, and essentially hide the other, recessive copy.  The gene for brown eyes is dominant over the blue eye gene. This means that whether you have one or two copies of the brown eye gene your eyes will be brown, but you could still be carrying a hidden blue eye gene. If you have blue eyes you must have two copies of the blue-eyed gene.

"Depending on what genes you and your partner carry, your children may have different coloured eyes.  For example, even though you and your partner have brown eyes, if you are both carrying a hidden, recessive, blue eye gene, there is a 1 in 4 chance that you will both pass on this hidden gene and your baby will have blue eyes. Or if you pass on even one copy of a brown-eyed gene, your baby’s eyes will be brown, though they themselves could pass on that hidden blue-eye gene for many generations."

Bearing in mind these hidden recessive genes, it's very difficult to actually predict what eye colour your baby will have because two brown-eyed people could be carrying blue-eyed genes and pass them on to their child. There is one situation where you can predict your baby's eye colour though: "If both you and your partner have blue eyes, then you can only pass on blue eye genes, so your child’s eyes are likely to be blue!" says Dr Philippa. "Brown is the most common eye colour across the world, but in Northern Europe where it is colder, blue eyes are more common."

When should you go to the doctor about a baby's eye colour?

"Sometimes babies can have eyes that are different colours or have patches of different colours, called heterochromia," says Dr Philippa. "This can occur as a variation, but can also be related to other health conditions. If you notice this please discuss with your doctor.

"Your baby will have a medical check at birth and at six weeks and the health care professional will look at their eyes. In particular, they will shine a light into your baby’s eyes to look for what is known as the red reflex, as they try to look into the back of your baby’s eyes. If this isn’t present and looks white then you will be referred to a specialist.

"If you have any concerns about your baby’s eyes, from a squint to a change in colour of the sclera (the white of the eye), then please seek medical advice."

Are there any common eye conditions that present at birth?

While you're marvelling at your baby's beautiful newborn eyes you might pick up on other aspects of the eye that concern you. "There are some conditions in the eye which can be picked up at birth and others which can develop relatively quickly, such as jaundice, in which the white of the eye may look yellow," says Dr Philippa. "Babies can have conditions such as cataracts, or issues relating to the eye related to being born prematurely.  If you have any concerns about your baby’s eyes or vision please speak to your doctor."

Pics: Getty Images 

Read more:

• When do babies see colour? 
• At what age can babies see?
• Why does my newborn have cross eyes?

Our guide below, with expert advice from The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) will help you understand the teething process, what to expect at each stage, the common signs and symptoms of teething to look out for and how to manage teething discomfort to make the journey smoother.

Gazing into your baby's eyes for the first time and wondering if they will always be that colour? Discover our guide on: When do baby's eye change colour,  everything you need to know about baby eye colour, how it's determined, why it changes and when you can expect those baby blues to reach their final shade. Wondering when your baby's babbles will turn into proper words discover our Baby's first words guide to first words and milestones.

What is teething?

Teething refers to the process of a baby’s milk teeth, also known as primary teeth, breaking through the gums. These teeth play a crucial role in eating, speech development, and jaw alignment. Most children will have 20 milk teeth by the age of 2 or 3, which later make way for permanent adult teeth as they grow older. Some babies experience pain when teething, while other babies' teeth may emerge with no obvious discomfort at all.

When do babies start teething?

Teething typically begins around 6 months of age, although it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. "Very occasionally teeth can actually be present at birth (natal teeth) or shortly after birth (neonatal teeth)," says Dr Hannah Walsh from the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry. "These are seen in fewer than 1% of babies and shouldn’t be a concern, but you ought to ask for a referral to a paediatric specialist who will be able to advise if treatment is needed."

Common signs and symptoms of teething

Teething symptoms vary from baby to baby, but common signs that your baby may be starting to cut a new tooth include:

• Increased drooling
• Red, swollen gums
• Fussiness or irritability
• Chewing on objects or fingers
• Loss of appetite
• One red cheek
• A mild temperature of less than 38C
• Rubbing their ears
• A rash on their face
• Not sleeping as well as usual*

"Some people think that teething causes other symptoms, such as diarrhoea, however, there is no evidence to support this," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "Remember, you know your baby best. Get medical advice if they have any symptoms that are causing you concern."

*There's also little evidence to support the link between sleep disturbances, although many parents report disturbed nights around the time new teeth appear. "Contrary to popular belief, several studies have failed to establish a direct link between teething and sleep disturbances in younger children," says baby and toddler sleep consultant Sally Anysz, founder of Mini Sleepers. "Sleep disturbances during the teething period are more likely influenced by developmental changes, separation anxiety, and sleep associations."

The stages of teething: What to expect

Teething occurs in stages, usually beginning with the eruption of the lower front teeth, or central incisors, often between the ages of 6 to 10 months. These are followed by the upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally, second molars. By the age of 2 to 3 years, most children will have a full set of 20 primary/ baby teeth.

Children will keep these teeth until about the age of 6 or 7 years, when they will start to lose teeth to make way for adult teeth usually in the same order that they erupted.

How long does teething last?

Teething is an intermittent process that can last up to two years. Don't worry though, your child won't be in constant pain for two years! While each tooth eruption may cause temporary discomfort, the pain is typically short-lived and stops once the tooth has pushed through the gum.

Some babies may experience a few days of symptoms, whereas others may have discomfort for weeks. "It takes approximately 8 days for a milk tooth to emerge," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "If the tooth doesn’t emerge and the area is painful, then consult your dentist. Usually, by the time a child is 3 years old, all their 20 milk teeth will have come through. This is not a hard and fast rule, and some may be earlier and some later, but 3 is a good benchmark."

It's a good idea to be prepared for the on-and-off nature of teething by ensuring you always have useful remedies and teething toys to hand.

Tips to soothe a teething baby

There are several methods to help ease teething discomfort:

• Offer a chilled teething ring (teething beads or necklaces are a choking risk and not recommended).

"Some teething rings can be cooled first in the fridge, which may help to soothe your baby's gums," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "Don’t put a teething ring in the freezer, as it could damage your baby's gums if it gets frozen. And, never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck, as it may be a choking hazard."

• Offer baby a clean cold damp flannel to chew on.
• Massage their gums gently with a clean finger or teething gel.
• Provide cold foods such as frozen yoghurt or milk lollies and fruit slices such as melon to soothe sore gums.
• Ensure your baby stays hydrated, especially if they are drooling excessively.
• Give extra cuddles and comfort, as teething can make babies feel unsettled.
• Distract your baby through play.
• Cut up raw vegetables like carrot sticks for baby to gnaw on.
• Make sugar-free teething biscuits for baby to bite down on.

"It is best to avoid rusks because most brands contain some sugar," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "Avoid any foods that contain lots of sugar, as this can cause tooth decay, even if your child only has a few teeth."

Teething remedies

There's no miracle cure to take away teething pain but some parents report that over-the-counter remedies such as teething gels, granules or powders have helped ease the symptoms for their child. "There's a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "It's recommended that parents try non-medical options for teething first, such as a teething ring. If you do decide to use a gel, make sure you use one that's specially designed for young children.

"There's no evidence that homeopathic teething gels are effective. If you use a homeopathic gel, make sure it's licensed for use in the UK, since some unlicensed homeopathic gels advertised on the internet have been linked to serious side effects."

If your baby is in pain, you may want to give them a sugar-free painkilling medicine. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies from 3 months of age. Children under 16 years old should not have aspirin."

We asked our MadeForMums Top Testers community of parents what they found had helped their babies when they were teething. Their tried-and tested advice ranged from natural remedies like frozen breastmilk lollies, frozen fruit like strawberries and kiwis in a Nuby Nibbler and matchstick monkey teething toys to medical solutions such as Anbesol Liquid, Dentinox Teething Gel, Ashton & Parsons teething powders and Bonjela Teething Gel.

If the dribble is flowing out of your baby in rivers, one mum suggested an endless supply of dribble bibs, plus a covering of Lansinoh Organic Nipple Balm on baby's chin or chest to stop it getting sore or developing a rash from all the extra saliva.

When to see a doctor about teething symptoms

"If the discomfort seems significant or both cheeks are flushed or they have a raised temperature or prolonged discomfort, you should seek medical advice to help rule out other conditions such as an ear infection," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "You could contact either your doctor or dentist for their advice or visit your local pharmacist."

When should you take your baby for their first dentist appointment?

"A baby should be taken to the dentist as soon as their first teeth come through or their first birthday," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry created the Dental Check by One (DCby1) initiative to encourage parents and carers to take their baby to the dentist before they are aged one, either for their own appointment or to sit them on your lap at the end of your appointment to have their mouth, gums and teeth examined."

In this first visit the dentist will spend time making sure it's fun and pleasant experience, to help children develop a good association with going for regular check-ups.

You should also begin brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come through using a soft brush that's the right size for your child's age and a toothpaste with the correct amount of fluoride. "For infants it is recommended you use a flat smear (the same volume as a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste that contains at least 1000ppm fluoride until they are age three," says Dr Hannah Walsh. "A preventative oral health approach is the best start for a lifetime of good oral health. You should also aim to stop using a feeding bottle from the age of one."

Read more:

• How to soothe your baby when they're teething 
• 10 of the best baby teethers
• Brushing baby teeth: tips for baby oral care

Images: Getty Images 

Will your baby's first word be "mama" or "dada"? Or perhaps something unusual or unique to your life like your dog's name, a sibling's name or an activity you love doing as a family? Perhaps you've got a little genius on your hands and they go straight for a word like "bubble", as one of our Top Testers Community parents found!

If you're eagerly awaiting the moment your baby starts talking to you, you'll find all the information you need about when babies say their first words in our guide below. Plus, we asked Emma Ahern, a specialist speech and language therapist from Zeebra Therapy and The Nook Clinic for her expert advice about this magical milestone, including the factors that influence when babies start talking, how you can encourage their language development and what to do if you encounter speech delays. Ever wonder what exactly goes on in your baby's brain when they're asleep? Do they really have dreams? Learn more and see what our expert doctor has to say in our: Do babies dream guide. Also, discover how to spot signs of baby growth spurts, how to help your baby through them.

At what age do babies say their first word?

Most babies say their first word around 11 to 12 months of age, with around 75% of children having said their first word by their first birthday. However, there is a wide range of what is considered "normal", and some children may speak as early as 8 months or as late as 18 months. Currently, around 13 - 20% of two-year-olds are considered late talkers with boys being three times more likely to fall into this group.

Common first words often include “mama,” “dada,” or simple nouns like “ball” or “cat”. Remember that it's very unlikely your baby will just wake up one day and say their first word clearly and eloquently. There may be a few weeks or even months of babbling and gurgling sounds that lead up to a more distinct sound that you can recognise as a word.

"Babbling usually begins around 4-6 months, starting with simple sounds like "ba," "da," and "ma", says specialist speech and language therapist Emma Ahern. "This is an exciting milestone as your baby experiments with the sounds they hear from you. Responding to these early attempts — by mimicking their sounds and adding simple words — reinforces the joy of communication.

You can usually tell an attempt at a word when your baby makes eye contact with, or points at, an object or person first. And, if your baby regularly uses a sound for an object even if it's different to the actual word, this is their symbol for that object and can be considered a "word".

Reflux is when a baby brings up milk, or is sick, during or shortly after feeding. It's very common and usually gets better on its own. Discover our guide on silent reflux in babies: causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Speech milestones for your baby

It's pretty incredible to think that just 12 months after they are born babies can understand basic conversation and start to get involved in family interactions. However, talking and word comprehension doesn't just happen overnight and there are many smaller milestones to look out for en route to hearing that first fully formed word.

Here are some of the milestones you can expect to see along the way:

• Birth to 4 months: A baby's first form of communication is crying. Whether they need milk, a nappy change or to go to sleep they'll let you know by crying. When they're not crying though, babies are listening to all the sounds around them and are learning to associate certain sounds with people and objects. Around 4 months of age, they may start to make gurgles, babbles and vowel sounds such as "oo" and "aa", which are the first steps towards speaking.
• 4 to 6 months: When baby is approaching the half-year mark you'll notice an increase in babbling sounds and the introduction of some consonant sounds. A baby of this age may start to make early attempts at saying "mama", "dada" or their own name.
• 7 to 12 months: During these months you'll want to keep your ears peeled as it's often the period when babies say their first word. For many babies, it will be some form of "dada" or "mama" (depending on what you call yourselves or which language you speak), but it may also be a word your baby hears every day, such as their sibling's name. At this age, your baby will also understand a lot more of what you are saying to them and will tell you what they want by making gestures such as pointing and using sounds to get your attention.
• 13 to 18 months: If your baby has said their first word at this point they'll start trying to add some other simple words to their vocabulary. If not, this may be the time you get to hear your baby's first utterance! At this stage, the words will come slowly with babies only adding a few new words to their vocabulary each month. You'll mostly get single words like "no", "yum" and "book".
• 18 months to 3 years: Around 18 to 20 months, most children have a sudden language explosion and you'll notice a real flurry of new words from your toddler. In fact, at this age, it is thought some children can learn as many as 10 - 20 new words a day! During this word spurt, and by the time they reach 2 years of age, they may also be stringing words together in little sentences. It's an adorable phase when you can expect to hear funny grammar mistakes and their own unique combinations of words. Get your camera ready to record these moments because it doesn't last long – by 3 years of age many children will be able to tell long and complicated stories using up to 300 words at a time (and you may wonder why you ever wished for them to speak in the first place!).

Factors that influence when babies start talking

"Every child is unique, and their speech development is influenced by multiple factors," says Emma. "Genetics, exposure to language, and even personality can all play a role.

"Opportunities for interaction are key. Babies thrive on responsive communication — when they coo or babble, respond with smiles, sounds, and words. This back-and-forth builds the foundation for speech. Access to books, songs, and meaningful conversations also helps enrich a child’s language environment."

Here are some of the common factors that influence when a child says their first word...

Biological Factors

• Gender: Boys are statistically more likely to experience speech delays compared to girls. Nearly one in six boys struggle to learn to talk, compared to one in eight girls.
• Hearing and Neural Development: Babies with hearing impairments or neural disorders, such as childhood apraxia of speech, may face delays in verbal milestones. "Hearing loss, ear infections, or developmental conditions may affect when a child starts to talk," says Emma. "It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of delayed development and seek advice if needed."
• Cognitive Development: Babies begin to associate words with meaning as early as six months, but their ability to vocalise this understanding varies.

Environmental Factors

• Interaction and Communication: Babies exposed to more verbal interaction tend to develop speech earlier. Talking, singing, and reading to babies can significantly boost language skills.
• Siblings: Younger siblings sometimes speak later because their older siblings may speak on their behalf, reducing the need for verbal communication.
• Background Noise: Constant background noise, such as a television, can interfere with a baby’s ability to focus on and process spoken words.

Bilingualism

"Children in bilingual households may start talking slightly later as they navigate two languages simultaneously, but this is entirely normal and should not cause concern," says Emma.

How to encourage language development

It's pretty simple really, the more words a child hears and the more their parent interacts with them, the better their vocabulary and speech is likely to be. You can start this process from day 1.

"Speech and language development begins the moment a baby is born, and as parents, we play a vital role in fostering these skills," says Emma. "Simple, everyday interactions are the foundation. Talking to your baby during routines such as nappy changes, feeding, and playtime helps immerse them in language. Narrate your day, label objects, and use short, simple sentences. For instance, instead of asking, "What's this?" (a mistake my husband once made, leading our daughter to amusingly call everything “this” for a while), model language by naming items directly: "It’s a boat. Boat."

Remember newborns can't see that well so when you're talking to them bring your face in close and pause to let your baby "reply" during babbling sessions to encourage turn-taking. Studies have also shown that gently tickling your baby while saying specific words can help them associate touch with language, improving word recognition.

"Reading daily is incredibly impactful," says Emma. "Start with 2-3 books and rotate them every couple of weeks to match your child’s attention span and interests. Go beyond the words on the page by describing pictures, making animal sounds, or playing games like "I spy." Singing nursery rhymes with actions, such as using Makaton or watching Singing Hands, is another engaging way to encourage language. Incorporate familiar key words such as "finish," "more," and "go" into daily routines, building connections between words and actions."

Try to minimise background noise. Turn off the television or radio and reduce other distractions when interacting with your baby. Babies struggle to differentiate spoken words from other sounds in noisy environments. If you're in a noisy house try and make time to talk with your baby without interference from siblings. This allows them to practice communicating directly with you.

As your child starts to speak and tries out simple sentences don't draw attention to any mistakes and instead just repeat the sentence back to them correctly. "If they attempt to communicate through gestures, babbling, or pointing, respond warmly and model the correct words without pressure to repeat," says Emma. "Celebrate every attempt, no matter how small, to foster their confidence in communication."

At this stage, you can help to expand their vocabulary by offering them choices in questions and using synonyms for words they already know. Rhyming games are also thought to be very helpful in encouraging children to speak and understand different sounds.

You can see how much your toddler understands and help build comprehension by asking them simple questions or giving them simple instructions like" where is your nose?" and "can you put this toy in the box?" Repetition is also key – it is thought that babies need to hear a word 50 - 57 times in context before they learn it and say a word around 20 -30 times in order to remember it. Even though it might sound a little odd they and use a word over and over to help your child for example: "Here's a yellow banana. This banana is yummy. Would you like to eat this banana?"

Understanding speech delays in babies and toddlers

If your child has not spoken their first word by 18 to 24 months or shows difficulty understanding basic commands, consult a health professional. Factors such as difficulty responding to their name, hearing issues, or lack of babbling could indicate the need for speech therapy or further evaluation.

"While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs to watch for," says Emma. "If your baby isn’t babbling by 9 months, hasn’t said their first word by 18 months, or struggles to combine words by age 2, it’s worth seeking advice. Other indicators include difficulty following simple instructions, a lack of interest in communicating, or speech that is hard to understand by age 3.

"All communication is valid, from gestures and pointing to showing objects. If these forms of communication are absent or seem limited, consider consulting a professional. Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out.

"Late talking doesn’t always indicate future learning difficulties. Many late talkers catch up by the time they enter school, especially with the right support. However, if a language delay persists and is accompanied by other developmental concerns, it may signal an underlying condition such as developmental language disorder (DLD) or autism.

"It’s reassuring to know that early intervention can make a significant difference. For my daughter, identifying her language delay early allowed us to implement strategies that supported her strengths. Today, she’s thriving, especially in literacy, demonstrating that with the right approach, late talkers can achieve remarkable outcomes."

When is a child considered a late talker?

"A child is typically considered a late talker if, by around 18-24 months, they have a limited vocabulary (fewer than 50 words) and are not combining two words together" says Emma. "Late talking doesn’t necessarily mean a child will face long-term challenges, but early intervention can make a big difference. If you’re concerned, reach out to your GP or health visitor for guidance.

There is also a register of independent speech and language therapists available on ASLTIP. Speech and Language UK also offer free support to parents with concerns regarding their child's communication.

Remember that encouraging speech development is an ongoing process that requires patience and active participation. Celebrate every milestone, and keep in mind that each baby develops at their own pace.

Read more:

• When do babies start to walk?
• Baby's first laugh: what to expect
• When do babies sit up?

References:

^{1. Hearing a child's first word is best moment in life, poll finds, independent.co.uk
RCSLT Early Years Factsheet
McCormack, J., et al. (2015). Influence of early communication on language development
Speech and Language UK: Ages and Stages Resources
Paul, R. (1998). Risk and protective factors in early child development
ASHA: Factors Affecting Speech and Language Development}

Images: Getty Images