My Baby's Teeth Aren't Coming In
The short answer
The first tooth typically appears around 6 months, but the normal range is enormous - some babies are born with teeth, and others don't get their first tooth until 12-14 months. Late teething is almost always a normal variation and very rarely indicates a problem. If your baby has no teeth by 18 months, your pediatrician or dentist can take a look.
By Age
What to expect by age
The average age for the first tooth is around 6 months, but "average" means half of all babies get their first tooth before this and half after. Many babies show teething signs (drooling, chewing, fussiness) weeks or even months before a tooth actually appears. Don't worry if you see no teeth yet - this is perfectly normal.
Many babies still don't have teeth at this age, and that's completely fine. Late teething often runs in families, so ask your parents when your teeth came in. Your baby can start eating soft solid foods even without teeth - their gums are surprisingly strong. Keep offering age-appropriate foods regardless of tooth status.
If your baby doesn't have any teeth by their first birthday, there's still no need to panic - this is within the normal range. Mention it at their 12-month well visit so your pediatrician can take a look, but late teething on its own (without other delays) is rarely a concern. Some perfectly healthy babies simply follow a later teething schedule.
Most babies have at least a few teeth by 18 months. If your child still has no teeth, your pediatrician may suggest an X-ray to confirm that tooth buds are present beneath the gums. In the vast majority of cases, the teeth are there - they're just taking their time. Very rarely, missing tooth buds (anodontia) can occur, but this is extremely uncommon.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 12 months - late teething within the first year is a normal variation.
- There's a family history of late teething - genetics play a major role in when teeth emerge.
- Your baby is premature - teeth may come in later based on adjusted age.
- Your baby is developing normally in all other areas - isolated late teething is almost never a sign of a developmental problem.
- Your baby has signs of teething (drooling, gum rubbing, fussiness) even though no tooth has broken through - it's coming.
- Your baby has no teeth by 12 months - worth a mention at the next well visit, though it's usually normal.
- Teeth are coming in but in an unusual order or pattern.
- Your baby has teeth that look unusually shaped, discolored, or have visible defects when they come in.
- Your child has no teeth by 18 months - a dental evaluation and possibly an X-ray is recommended to check for tooth buds.
- Teeth that have come in are loose, falling out, or breaking easily - this is unusual and should be evaluated.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.