Teething Food For Babies Recommended By Moms

Is your little one constantly chomping on everything in sight? They might be entering the world of teething, a totally normal but sometimes frustrating part of babyhood that can begin around 6 months old and last on and off for up to 18 months. While there are lots of teething toys out there, sometimes your teething baby might crave a little something extra to soothe their sore gums. At Serenity Kids, we believe in using nature's goodness to comfort your little one. That's why we've put together a list of teething food options and practical tips recommended by moms who, just like you, are looking for safe and natural ways to help their babies through this stage.

For even more in-depth info, check out our blog post on Home Remedies for Teething Babies. From cool and refreshing to satisfyingly chewy, we've got you covered!

Understanding Your Teething Baby

Teething is a common hurdle we all face with our little ones. One moment they're sunshine and giggles, the next they're a drool-monster fueled by frustration. It can feel overwhelming, but don't worry! This section will be your guide to understanding what's happening beneath the surface (or rather, under the gums) and how to navigate this sometimes bumpy road.

The Teething Process Explained: A Toothy Timeline

Beneath your sweet babe's gums, a fascinating biological process is unfolding! Their pearly whites are slowly pushing their way through the gum tissue, and let's be honest, breaking through isn't exactly painless. This process typically starts around the six-month mark, although some babies might start a little sooner, and some may wait a bit longer. The entire eruption journey can last on and off for up to 18 months. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint – there will be good days and not-so-good days, with plenty of ups and downs along the way.

Common Teething Symptoms: Cracking the Code

Now that you know a biological process is happening under the baby's gums, how can you tell if your little one is experiencing teething discomfort? Here are some detective clues to help you identify when your baby might be teething:

• Drool City: Brace yourself for a tidal wave of drool! As your baby's body produces more saliva to help soothe the irritated gums, drooling becomes a major side effect. This drool can also cause a facial rash.

• Gummy Adventures: Suddenly, everything is fair game for exploration – fingers, toys, even your precious furniture! This increased need to chew is a natural response to the pressure and burning sensation or stinging sensation caused by the erupting teeth.

• The Fussy Express: Teething can be downright uncomfortable for your little one, leading to increased fussiness and crying. Don't take it personally – they're simply communicating their discomfort in the best way they know how.

• Swollen Gums: Take a peek at your baby's gums (gently, of course!). If they appear red, swollen, or tender, it's a good sign teething might be the culprit.

By recognizing these signs and symptoms, you can be better prepared to comfort your little one and help them navigate this challenging but completely normal stage.

Worth Noting: while the pain from teething can definitely be uncomfortable, a fever (above 100.4°F) isn't a typical symptom. If your little one has a fever or other concerning symptoms, it's always best to check in with your healthcare professional.

Recommended Teething Foods: A Natural Approach to Soothing Discomfort

 

When it comes to teething, many parents look for natural ways to ease their little one's discomfort. Luckily, there are several teething food options that can provide both soothing relief and valuable nutrients for your baby. Here, we've compiled a list of favorites recommended by experienced moms, focusing on grain-free and low sugar choices to avoid inflammation in the gut wall. To read more about how sugar affects baby's teeth, check out our blog post on Sugar Bugs on Teeth.

Worth Noting: While teething, stick to foods with milder flavors to maximize comfort. Spicy foods, citrus foods, or salty foods might irritate your baby's tender gums and mouth.

Soft & Savory: Mashing the Discomfort Away

 

• Mashed Potatoes: Steamed and mashed potatoes offer a wonderfully soft and bland texture, perfect for tender gums. 

• Scrambled Eggs: Packed with protein and healthy fats, scrambled eggs are another soft and easy-to-swallow option. 

• Avocado: This creamy superfood is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in healthy fats and vitamins. The avocado's smooth texture makes it a delightful choice for teething babies.

These soft foods are gentle on sore gums and provide essential nutrients to support your baby's development during this time.

Cool Relief: The Chilling Power of Teething

 

• Chilled Fruits and Vegetables: Teething can be an inflammatory process, and the coolness of chilled fruits can offer a numbing effect on sore gums. Simply wash (and peel when necessary) large and firm produce like cucumbers, celery stalks, and whole carrots and chill them in the refrigerator for a refreshing and soothing remedy. Your little one won’t actually consume them, but they can provide relief and introduce them to the flavor.

• Yogurt: Another cool and delicious option is plain, whole-milk yogurt. The probiotics in yogurt can also be beneficial for your baby's gut health. Opt for unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars.

• Frozen Teething Rings: Teething rings are a classic for a reason! When chilled in the freezer, they provide a safe and satisfying surface for your baby to gnaw on, offering both pressure relief and a numbing effect on their gums.

• Ice Cubes: While a little messy (ok, a lot messy), rubbing your little one's sore gums with an ice cube is a perfect way to soothe erupting teeth. Soaking a washcloth in water and then freezing it is another (less messy) option.

• Frozen Baby Smoothie Pouches: Nutritious, delicious, and soothing on sore gums!

The cool temperature of these frozen foods also helps reduce inflammation and provides a welcome distraction from teething discomfort.

Chewy & Textured: Gum Massaging for Comfort

• Grain-Free Teething Biscuits: If you can find them, grain-free teething biscuits can be a great option for older babies who can handle them safely. These firm but dissolvable biscuits provide a surface for chewing, helping to massage the gums and ease teething pain. 

• Steamed or Roasted Carrots: Steamed or roasted carrots offer a slightly firmer texture that can be helpful for some babies. The act of chewing on carrots can help to massage the gums and provide some relief from teething discomfort. Just be sure to cut or mash carrots into safe-sized pieces to prevent choking.

For older babies who can handle and eat hard foods safely, consider offering a variety of chewy and textured options like:

• Carrot or Cucumber Sticks: Chewing on long, thin carrot and cucumber sticks can provide a great outlet for sore gums. Just be sure to cut them into appropriate lengths and supervise your baby closely to prevent choking.

• Chilled Whole Green Beans or Sugar Snap Peas: Similar to carrot sticks, whole green beans and sugar snap peas can be a fun textured option for some teething babies. Just be sure to remove any strings or pods.

• Chilled Sliced Pepper (Bell Peppers): The soft flesh and mild flavor of bell peppers make them another interesting choice for teething babies. Cut them into strips to avoid choking hazards.

These firmer options provide a chewing surface that can help massage and stimulate the gums, offering some relief from the pressure and discomfort of teething. Remember, it's important to supervise your baby closely whenever they are eating solid foods to prevent choking.

DIY Teething Recipes: Soothing Solutions Made with Love

While store-bought teething options can be convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and minimize added sugars and fillers. Here are a couple of easy, baby-friendly recipes to soothe your little one's teething woes:

Frozen Fruit Pops: Nature's Cool Comfort

 

Frozen fruit pops are a refreshing and nutritious way to offer relief for sore gums. The coolness numbs the discomfort, and the natural sweetness of the fruit provides a satisfying taste. Plus, they're a fun and mess-free way for your teething baby to explore different flavors!

Here's what you'll need:

• Silicone popsicle molds (baby-safe)

• Fresh or frozen fruits like bananas, mangoes, berries (be sure to remove pits)

• Breastmilk, formula, or plain yogurt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Puree your chosen fruits until smooth.

2. You can add a little breastmilk, formula, or yogurt for a creamier texture (optional).

3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely solid.

Benefits:

• Frozen temperature numbs and soothes sore gums.

• Natural sweetness provides a satisfying taste.

• Fun and mess-free way to explore different flavors.

Teething Tip: For younger babies who aren't quite ready for a popsicle, you can freeze the mixture in a spoon mold for a safer and easier-to-hold option. Also, just allowing your little one to chew/gum a more chilled food or spoon is a great tool to combat teething pain!

DIY Teething Biscuits: Safe & Satisfying Chews

 

Homemade teething biscuits offer a safe and satisfying surface for your baby to gnaw on. By choosing grain-free ingredients, you can minimize potential gut irritation and focus on soothing their teething discomfort. This recipe from Real Food RN uses simple ingredients like coconut flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and applesauce, creating a healthy and delicious grain-free alternative.

Benefits:

• Provides a safe and firm surface for chewing, helping to massage gums and ease discomfort.

• Grain-free ingredients minimize potential gut irritation.

• Customizable - you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients based on your baby's preferences (consult your pediatrician before introducing any new allergens).

Safety Note: Always supervise your baby closely while they're using teething biscuits and discard any broken or softened pieces to prevent choking.

Remember, these DIY options are a great way to provide comfort for your teething little one while keeping their health and well-being a top priority.

Additional Tips for Teething Babies

Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your little one. Here are some extra strategies you can use to bring some comfort during this challenging phase:

Using Teething Gels: A Temporary Relief Option

Teething gels from brands such as Earthley, Wellements, or Hylands, can provide temporary pain relief, from gum discomfort. 

Gentle Gum Massages: The Power of Touch

A gentle gum massage with freshly washed fingers can be a calming and effective way to soothe your baby's discomfort.

Conclusion

 

Teething can be a rollercoaster ride, but remember, you're not alone! By understanding the process and having a variety of soothing options at your disposal, you can effectively navigate this phase with your little one. From cool and refreshing foods to gentle gum massages, there are plenty of natural ways to bring comfort and relief. Embrace the cuddles, celebrate each new grin, and know that this too shall pass. With a little patience and these tips, you'll get through teething together (you might want to check out our blog post on Brushing Baby Teeth)!