Screaming baby. Sleepless nights. It’s hard to watch your little one in pain. And it’s hard to have the energy to support them when you haven’t slept.
I always think it is a cruel part of our design that baby’s have to go through teething – although I was very glad my babies weren’t born with teeth like some are. It certainly would have made the early stages of breastfeeding harder!
Teething can happen over quite a long time period, unfortunately, so it is important to know how to navigate it when it comes to food. I’ve been there. Teething is tough but it doesn’t last forever but the patterns we develop during this time can persist so it’s helpful to have patterns you want to persist!
Here are some things you can do alongside the medical support:
1. Encourage them to drink plenty
Having sips throughout the day. Babies often dribble lots when they are teething, and their nappies can be runnier so it’s important they stay hydrated. You might need to try different cups to find the right one for a teething baby. Some babies will be sensitive to the temperature of the water so you can have a play with different temperatures (within a safe limit of course). Further information on water can be found here
2. Vary the textures
Offer a range of different textures (making sure they are age appropriate). Some babies will prefer smoother foods whilst others will want to bite on something. Homemade rice pudding with ground almonds in it might be great for some whilst others will want cucumber sticks.
3. Stick to regular meal and snack times
It can be easy to offer food as a comfort in this stage but this can lead to problems later down the line. Children who graze throughout the day often aren’t hungry for their meals and so this can lead to them not getting the nutrition they need. Also, we spend enough time thinking about food as parents, we don’t want to do it any more than we have to!
4. Go for cool
Consider using colder foods. Whilst food shouldn’t be used to comfort, you can use the mealtime foods to offer some relief. Some babies will love cold foods on their gums like plain yoghurt or vegetable sticks that have been in the fridge.
5. Non food options
Consider non food teethers – these can help reduce the need for your child to bite on other things and it doesn’t build an association between the teething and food.
6. Help!
Get support – teething can be tough. Babies may need to have some medication to help. You might need 5 minutes peace or a nap. There is no shame in asking for help. And if you aren’t sure who to turn to, feel free to get in touch and I will try and signpost you.
This article is for information only and is not designed to give individual advice. Please seek individual advice from your health visitor, GP, Registered Nutritionist or dietitian.