Dealing with a teething baby can be challenging for parents, affecting the little one’s appetite and causing worry.

Learn how to feed teething babies effectively to ease mealtime stress.

Tips for Feeding a Teething Baby:

• Offer cold foods like yogurt, applesauce, or chilled fruits to help soothe sore gums.
• Try teething toys or chilled teethers to provide relief and encourage chewing.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate sensitive gums.
• Give your baby time to eat at their own pace and be patient if they are fussy or irritable.
• Consider offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to prevent hunger and discomfort.

Teething Symptoms and Signs

Understanding and Managing Teething Difficulties

How do I know if my baby is teething?

Teething symptoms differ from one baby to another, ranging from mild to severe. Some common signs of teething include:

• Painful or red gums
• Flushed cheeks
• Chewing excessively

For further information, please check the NHS website.

Teething and weaning

When it comes to feeding teething babies, no major changes are needed during the weaning process. Babies may show disinterest in food due to discomfort, especially when they begin their feeding journey.

In case teething starts after weaning has commenced, it’s best to stick to the regular meal routines and offer familiar foods alongside their preferred choices.

It’s important to remember that teething can cause some babies to experience pain and discomfort, which may affect their appetite. Offering chilled teething toys or snacks like cucumber or carrot sticks can help soothe sore gums while providing nutrition.

During the weaning process, continue to introduce a variety of nutritious foods to your baby to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Don’t be discouraged if they reject certain foods, as it may take several tries before they acquire a taste for them.

What to feed teething babies

Although there are no specific foods that are considered ideal for teething babies, some options might help alleviate discomfort. Offering a variety of foods helps maintain familiarity and reduce the chances of long-term food rejection post-teething.

• Yogurt
• Soft fruits

Incorporate different foods to provide a diverse diet.

Teething and breastfeeding

Breastfed babies might seek more comfort during teething, resulting in increased breastfeeding sessions. Maintaining feeding schedules and allowing time between feeds and meals is essential.

Teething and bottle-feeding

For bottle-fed babies, a preference for milk over solid foods might be observed during teething. Stick to feeding routines, follow their hunger cues, and ensure sufficient time gaps between milk and solid feedings.

Are there foods to avoid when my baby is teething?

While specific foods don’t need to be avoided during teething, offering a variety helps understand preferences. Additionally, providing safe teething toys for babies to chew on can offer relief.

Experiment with different food textures depending on your baby’s preferences.

Understanding the Beginning of Teething

It is common for babies to experience discomfort and irritability while teething. During this time, their gums may be swollen and tender, making it difficult for them to eat. If your baby is refusing to eat, here are some tips to help:

• Offer cold foods or chilled teething toys to help soothe their gums
• Try feeding them smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid foods that may be difficult for them to chew, such as hard or crunchy snacks
• Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s eating habits

Remember, every baby is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your little one during teething.

1. The babies refuse to eat while teething

Teething starting at six months can bring about discomfort, leading to symptoms like gum inflammation, drooling, and reduced appetite. It’s common for babies to refuse to eat or have a decreased appetite while teething because their gums are sore and tender. Offering soft, cold foods like purees or chilled fruits can help soothe their gums and make eating more manageable for them. It’s important to be patient and understanding during this time, as teething can be a challenging period for both babies and parents.

2. Nutritional tips for teething babies

Patience and understanding are key when feeding a teething baby. Avoid pressuring them to eat and create a positive atmosphere during mealtimes to encourage healthy eating habits.

Experts suggest gentle strategies to help babies with eating during teething.

• Prepare soft and liquid foods such as porridge, soups, and broths for babies reluctant to eat while teething. These foods require minimal chewing, reducing gum discomfort.
• Steer clear of extremely hot or cold foods, as they can agitate the baby’s mouth and hinder proper teeth development.
• Prioritize calcium-rich foods like eggs, milk, cheese, seafood, and beans to support overall growth, especially during teething.
• Ensure adequate hydration by offering water along with milk and fruit juices to replenish lost fluids and soothe inflamed gums.

To enhance appetite in teething babies, present meals in an appealing manner by including a variety of food groups and favorite dishes. Serving meals in smaller portions can prevent unwanted weight loss.

3. Additional tips for caring for teething babies

Comfort a baby who refuses to eat during teething by soothing them with gentle actions, such as back patting, cuddling, talking, or engaging in playful activities. Regularly clean the baby’s mouth to prevent allergies due to excessive drooling.

Relieve pain and discomfort by gently massaging gums and teeth. If a baby continues to show a lack of appetite, consider adding supplements to meet their nutritional requirements.

Opt for natural functional foods and supplements to support digestion and boost appetite. Avoid overwhelming the digestive system by introducing multiple supplements simultaneously.

Discover why teething babies eat less, as discomfort can impact both feeding and sleeping patterns. Typically starting between 4 to 7 months, teething brings pain and sensitivity in the mouth.

Teething and Its Effects on Appetite

Signs of teething include red or swollen gums, excessive drooling, chewing, irritability, disrupted sleep, and reduced interest in feeding.

During the teething process, babies may experience discomfort and pain in their gums, which can lead to a decreased appetite. The act of chewing on hard objects or fingers can provide some relief from the pain, but it may also result in a temporary disinterest in feeding.

It is important for parents to offer soothing teething toys or cold washcloths to help alleviate the discomfort and encourage eating. Soft foods or chilled fruits can also be helpful in providing relief while maintaining nutrition during this challenging time.

Do Babies Eat Less When Teething?

During teething, babies may eat less due to gum inflammation. This is usually a temporary phase and not a cause for major concern unless the reduced appetite persists.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If a baby consistently refuses to eat, loses weight, or appears lethargic, seek advice from a pediatric dentist or healthcare provider to rule out other underlying issues.

It is also important to monitor your baby’s growth and development, as well as their behavior during feeding times. If you notice any abnormalities or concerns, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

Remember, early intervention is key in addressing any potential feeding or health issues in infants. Trust your instincts as a parent and seek help if needed.

Tips to Help Your Baby Eat During Teething

Encourage eating habits by offering chilled soft foods, massaging the gums, using cold teething rings, maintaining a calm feeding routine, and serving smaller, more frequent meals.

Additionally, you can try offering a variety of textures to keep your baby interested in eating during this challenging time. Soft fruits, yogurt, and pureed vegetables are great options to consider.

It’s also important to stay patient and understanding during meals, as teething can make your baby fussy and irritable. Providing comfort and reassurance can help make the feeding process smoother.

Remember to always supervise your baby during meal times, especially when they are experiencing teething discomfort. With a little extra care and patience, you can help your baby continue to enjoy mealtime even during teething.

Conclusion

Although babies tend to eat less during teething, with time and care, their feeding patterns will return to normal. Seek guidance and support from a dental professional if needed.

Teething can lead to reduced appetite in babies due to discomfort. Symptoms like excessive drooling, irritability, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite are common signs of teething.

What Is Teething?

Teething marks the natural emergence of a baby’s first teeth. Typically beginning between 4 to 7 months, teething initially involves the central incisors at the bottom of the mouth.

When Does Teething Begin for Infants?

During teething, pain can decrease a baby’s appetite as feeding becomes uncomfortable. Once the tooth breaks through the gums, appetite usually returns to normal.

Can Teething Cause Decreased Appetite?

Common teething symptoms include excessive drooling, irritability, chewing, red or swollen gums, disrupted sleep, and loss of appetite.

How Long Do Babies Lose Appetite When Teething?

Most babies experience a temporary decrease in appetite when new teeth erupt, with eating habits returning to normal as discomfort subsides.

The loss of appetite during teething usually lasts for a few days to a week. It is important to offer soft foods and plenty of fluids during this time to ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need. You can also try offering chilled teething toys or a cold washcloth for your baby to gnaw on to help alleviate some of the discomfort.

If your baby’s loss of appetite persists for an extended period of time or if you have any concerns about their eating habits, be sure to consult with your pediatrician for guidance and support.

What Are the Symptoms of Teething?

While teething symptoms vary, recognizable signs such as excessive drooling, irritability, chewing, red or swollen gums, disrupted sleep, and loss of appetite are typical.