Best 6 Recommended Foods To Give Your Teething Baby
You start your day and have your second cup of coffee. As you sit down to feed your little one breakfast, you notice that he’s not interested in eating his favorite meal. Instead, he’s drooling excessively and wanting to be held in your arms. It seems like your baby might be going through the teething process!
Teething can be quite challenging. It not only disrupts your baby’s sleep schedule but can also lead to symptoms like a rash or loss of appetite. Foods that used to be enjoyable for your baby may suddenly become unappealing. Amidst the frustration, it’s essential to remember that selecting the right foods for your teething baby can help alleviate the pain, much like using a pacifier or teething toy.
Continue reading to discover the ideal foods for a teething baby, as well as foods you should avoid giving them.
Related: Healthy Snacks for Toddler
Why Won’t My Baby Eat?
Teething typically begins between the ages of four to six months and can continue up until the age of one. One common sign of teething is a decreased interest in solid foods. Unfortunately, this can be problematic because around the six-month mark, babies usually start transitioning to solid foods during the weaning process.
Consider this analogy: When you’re feeling unwell, you might lose your appetite as well. Babies are similar in that regard. Teething leads to swollen and sensitive gums, making anything that goes into their mouths potentially painful and uncomfortable for them.
Related: Best Formulas For Babies To Wean From Breastmilk
What are the Best Foods for a Teething Baby?
If you’ve noticed that your baby is refusing to eat, consider trying the following foods. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. It’s a process of trial and error, so don’t worry too much if your baby doesn’t take well to certain foods.
Related: Best Formula For Gassy Babies To Avoid Trouble
Cold Foods
Using something cold on the gums can help alleviate the discomfort of teething. Therefore, offering chilled foods can be beneficial for teething babies. One simple option is chilled yogurt or refrigerated fruit. Cold soups can also be a convenient choice as they require no chewing and provide a soothing, cool sensation. These cold foods can temporarily numb the gums while still providing nourishment for your baby.
Related: Best Formulas For Babies
Soft Foods
Similar to adults, babies may prefer softer foods during teething. Depending on their age, you might have already introduced various food types to them. If your baby enjoys potatoes, carrots, and meat, blending them into a puree can make it easier for them to consume. Yogurts or soft risotto that can be easily slurped are also comforting options for a teething baby.
Related: Best Baby Formulas for Colic
Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls
Cold smoothies and smoothie bowls can help reduce gum swelling and ensure your baby receives essential nutrients. Smoothies are recommended for babies over 6 months old and can be quickly prepared using ingredients from your refrigerator. Consider adding strawberries, peanut butter, or bananas to create nutritious and soothing smoothies.
Important Things to Avoid:
- Citrus fruits and honey
- Adding sugar to the foods
- Ensuring the food is easily digestible
- Including a balanced mix of fat, carbohydrates, and protein
Related: Best Healthy Cereals For Kids
Mashed Vegetables and Fruits
For slightly older babies who have moved on from pureed foods, mashing fruits and vegetables can be helpful in providing relief without causing additional discomfort. Mashed potatoes, baby carrots, green beans, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas are all suitable options for a teething baby.
Teething Biscuits
Teething biscuits can offer relief for sore gums. The fact that they do not break or crumble makes them safe for babies to chew on, as they dissolve gradually. While not a substitute for a meal, teething biscuits can provide quick relief and are convenient for anytime and anywhere.
Hard Foods
Chewing on something solid can provide pain relief for many babies, thanks to the counterpressure it provides on emerging teeth. Carrot sticks, breadsticks, sliced bell peppers, and bread crusts are examples of suitable foods for teething babies over 6 months old. Always supervise your baby when offering these foods to prevent choking hazards.
Related: Best Baby Food Cookbook
Foods to Avoid
Frozen foods:
While chilled foods can provide relief, it’s best to avoid frozen foods. Extremely cold temperatures can intensify the stinging sensation, which goes against the goal of soothing your baby’s gums.
Citrus foods:
Citrus foods contain acid that can cause a stinging sensation in areas where the teeth are emerging. It’s advisable to steer clear of citrus fruits during teething.
Spicy foods:
It’s generally recommended to avoid spicy foods for babies, and this holds true during the teething phase. Spicy foods can worsen inflammation and discomfort, so it’s best to keep them off the menu.
Salty foods:
Salt can contribute to gum swelling and further increase the stinging sensation, adding to your baby’s pain and discomfort. It’s wise to avoid salty foods during teething.
