Drooling is one of the most common signs of teething. If your baby is going through a few bibs a day, they’re likely getting ready to sprout some teeth. Their gums feel itchy too, which they soothe by gnawing on toys, blankets, fingers, and anything else within arms’ reach. Once the teeth are close to erupting, the itchy feeling turns to discomfort, which is when the fussiness and irritability start. This can lead to a loss of appetite and fitful sleep—even babies that were previously sleeping through the night may wake up several times needing to be comforted. Despite what your well-meaning older relatives might tell you, fever and diarrhea are not signs of teething. Pediatricians think that because teething babies put so many things in their mouths, it makes it easier for them to pick up stomach bugs and viral illnesses.