Teething and Fussy Eating
There are many challenges and obstacles that arise when you begin weaning your child. Throughout the articles on this site, you are likely to find several of the problems you may encounter, and tips that can help you overcome these challenges. Two such challenges are teething and fussy eating. Teething can begin around the time you start weaning your baby, and it can directly contribute to fussy eating.
Teething
Most babies start teething at around six months of age, though some begin earlier and others later. Usually girls will teethe earlier than boys. What is important is that your baby begin teething by their first birthday.
Teething is an uncomfortable process for babies which is why babies are often restless, irritable, and tend to cry. It is a strange feeling for babies, and it is said to be a bit painful, especially when they cut molars which are bigger that most other teeth.
You can tell your baby is teething when your baby begins crying more often, cannot sleep following their normal routine, has flushed cheeks, has a slight increase in temperature, has red swollen gums, tends to chew on their hands or other objects, wants to feed more often but rejects feeds because of their smaller appetite (this can pose quite a challenge to your weaning process.) Of course if you check you baby's mouth and find a tooth, you're sure that they are teething.
To help your baby you can buy them teething toys (preferably the ones that can be chilled) for them to chew on. These can help ease discomfort, as can rubbing a teething gel on your baby's gums. Try to give your baby a lot of water since they are likely to be drooling often, and remember to cuddle your baby to comfort them.
What to Do for Fussy Eating Due to Teething
The pain of teething can contribute to your baby becoming a fussy eater. When your baby is uncomfortable or in pain, they are likely to want to eat or drink what they are already used to. Be patient with your baby. If they seem to be in a lot of pain, give them milk. If they are in better spirits, try a very smooth puree that is easy to swallow and won't irritate their gums. You can also consult your doctor with regard to this matter. This will help you make sure that your baby is still getting the right amount of nutrition. Some doctors will even prescribe mild pain killers for very sensitive babies.
Even without teething, babies can be difficult when it comes to trying new foods. Try to be patient and take your time with your baby. It can take up to fifteen tries before your baby gets used to seeing something, playing with it, and finally eating it. Just introduce new foods to them slowly, and get them interested in the food before you put it on a spoon.
|
