Do babies eat less when teething? If you’ve noticed your little one pushing away the spoon or refusing their favorite foods lately, teething might be the culprit.
Research shows that many babies experience decreased appetite when those tiny teeth are breaking through.
It’s completely normal! When your baby’s gums are sore and swollen, eating can feel uncomfortable or even painful.
Think about it – you probably don’t feel like eating much when your mouth hurts either. This temporary change in appetite typically lasts just a few days before and after each tooth emerges.
Understanding why this happens can help alleviate your worries and equip you with strategies to keep your teething baby comfortable and well-nourished during these challenging yet short-lived phases.
Baby Teeth: What’s Happening When They Break Through?
Teething is when your baby’s teeth start pushing through their gums. It’s a natural process that can be uncomfortable for your little one.
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, but some start earlier or later. By age 3, your child will have all 20 baby teeth.
Look for these common signs: excessive drooling, swollen and red gums, increased fussiness or crying, trouble sleeping, and a desire to chew on objects.
You may notice your baby rubbing their cheek or ear, or experiencing a slight fever. Not all babies show the same signs, and some seem to breeze through teething with hardly any fuss at all!
Do Babies Really Eat Less When Teething?
Yes, many babies do eat less when they’re teething. Studies show that approximately 40-50% of babies experience a decrease in appetite during teething periods. Pediatricians agree this is normal and usually temporary.
Why does this happen? Think about it – when your gums hurt, you probably don’t feel like eating much either! Your baby’s sore, swollen gums make sucking and chewing painful.
The discomfort can make them cranky and less interested in food. Some babies also feel slightly warm or just “off” when teeth are coming in.
Don’t worry too much if your baby skips a meal or two. Their appetite typically bounces back once that tooth pops through the gum!
Physical Reasons Teething Affects Eating
Your baby’s little body goes through several physical changes during teething that can make mealtime challenging. Understanding these aspects can help you support them more effectively during this difficult time.
- Tender gums make every suck or bite feel like pressing on a bruise, causing your baby to pull away from the breast, bottle, or spoon.
- Excessive drooling can make swallowing more difficult and may cause gagging or coughing during feedings.
- The inflammation in their mouth can temporarily change how food tastes, making favorite foods suddenly seem unappealing.
- Breastfed babies might nurse less or pull away quickly, while bottle-fed babies might chew on the nipple instead of sucking.
- Babies eating solids often prefer cold, soft foods or might refuse to eat anything that requires chewing.
These feeding challenges typically last only a few days for each new tooth that emerges. Most babies return to their normal eating patterns once the tooth breaks through the gum surface.
Behavioral Changes That Impact Feeding
When teething hits, your baby’s behavior often changes in ways that affect mealtimes. A typically happy baby might become fussy and irritable, making it hard to settle them down for feeding. They might push away the spoon or turn their head when you offer food.
Sleep problems are common too – when babies don’t sleep well at night, their eating schedule gets thrown off during the day. They might be too tired to eat or not hungry at usual mealtimes.
Many teething babies suddenly prefer cold foods that numb their gums, or they might reject certain textures that hurt to chew. Soft, smooth foods often become favorites during teething spells.
The Temporary Nature of Teething-Related Appetite Changes
Teething can temporarily change how your baby eats, but these changes are a normal part of development. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate your concerns when your baby’s appetite decreases.
| ASPECT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Duration of Appetite Changes | Usually 3-5 days before and 1-2 days after a tooth breaks through |
| Typical Eating Behavior | Refusing food or eating smaller amounts |
| Post-Teething Behavior | Increased interest in food and asking for more |
| Teething Process Period | Continues on and off until about age two |
Remember that each baby experiences teething differently, so your little one’s pattern might vary slightly.
If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s eating habits during teething, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician.
What to Feed a Teething Baby with No Appetite
Teething can cause babies discomfort and decrease their appetite. Here are some helpful food options that can provide comfort and nutrition during this challenging phase.
- Chilled mashed fruits – Cold, soft fruits like banana or avocado soothe irritated gums while providing essential vitamins and nutrients that growing babies need.
- Yogurt popsicles – Freezing yogurt in small molds creates a cooling, protein-rich treat that numbs gum pain and delivers calcium for developing teeth and bones.
- Smoothies in sippy cups – Blend fruits, vegetables, and yogurt into a nutritious drink that’s easy to consume even when chewing feels uncomfortable.
- Soft finger foods – such as steamed vegetables or pasta pieces, encourage self-feeding while minimizing chewing effort, making mealtime both manageable and engaging.
- Bone broth – Nutrient-dense bone broth provides hydration along with minerals and protein, and can be offered in a sippy cup throughout the day.
Remember that teething is temporary, and maintaining a calm, patient approach during meals helps reduce stress.
Consult your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your baby’s decreased appetite or nutrition during teething.
Teething Relief Methods That May Help with Feeding
Teething can make your baby cranky and less interested in eating. These methods might help soothe your baby’s sore gums before and during meals. You can try one or more of these approaches depending on what works best for your little one.
1. Safe teething toys and how they can help before meals
Giving your baby a clean teething toy about 15-20 minutes before mealtime can reduce gum pain. Look for toys made of silicone or rubber with different textures.
These toys let babies chew and apply pressure where it hurts, which can temporarily numb the area and make them more willing to eat their food afterward.
2. Gum massage techniques
Using your clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums in circular motions for about 1 to 2 minutes. The pressure helps counter the discomfort caused by teeth pushing through.
Some parents find that wrapping a clean, damp washcloth around their finger adds helpful texture. This simple massage can make a big difference right before feeding time.
3. Approved pain relief options before feeding times
Discuss with your doctor the use of baby-safe pain relievers, such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months), taken approximately 30 minutes before meals.
Always follow the correct dosage for your baby’s weight. Some parents also try natural options, such as homeopathic teething tablets; however, it’s best to consult with your doctor first to ensure they’re safe.
4. Cold food options that soothe gums and encourage eating
Cold foods numb sore gums and can make eating more comfortable. Try chilled yogurt, refrigerated applesauce, or cold fruit purees, such as mango or peach.
You can also offer partially frozen banana slices (for older babies who can handle them) or small mesh feeders filled with frozen fruit chunks that allow safe sucking of cold juice.
Final Thoughts
Do babies eat less when they are teething? Yes, many do – but remember this is temporary and completely normal.
The discomfort from swollen gums makes eating painful, causing your baby to refuse foods they usually enjoy.
During these brief periods, offer soothing options like chilled fruits, yogurt popsicles, or smooth purees that require minimal chewing.
Teething toys and gentle gum massages before meals can help reduce pain, making your little one feel more inclined to eat.
The teething pilgrimage continues on and off until around age two, with each phase getting easier as you learn what works best for your child.
Have you found special foods that help your teething baby? Share your tips in the comments below!
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