Teething and Feeding: Changes in Appetite and Behavior

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in a baby’s early life, but it can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. As those first teeth begin to emerge, many parents notice changes not only in their baby’s mood but also in their feeding patterns and appetite. It’s common for babies to experience discomfort during teething, which can lead to fluctuations in their eating behavior. Understanding these changes and knowing how to respond can help parents navigate this phase more effectively and ensure that their baby continues to receive proper nutrition.

This article explores the relationship between teething and feeding, highlighting how teething can impact a baby’s appetite and behavior, and offering practical tips to manage these changes.

What is Teething?

Teething is the process by which an infant’s first teeth, also known as primary or baby teeth, begin to erupt through the gums. This typically starts between 4 to 7 months of age, but it can vary widely among infants. The process continues until about age 3, when most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth.

During teething, babies may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Sore or tender gums.
• Increased drooling.
• Irritability or fussiness.
• Chewing on objects.
• Slight rise in temperature (not a high fever).

While teething is a normal part of development, the associated discomfort can affect other areas of a baby’s life, including their feeding habits.

How Teething Affects Feeding and Appetite

Teething can have a significant impact on a baby’s feeding patterns. This is primarily due to the discomfort and pain associated with emerging teeth, which can make eating and drinking less appealing. Here are some of the common changes in feeding and appetite that parents might notice:

1. Decreased Appetite

One of the most common feeding challenges during teething is a decreased appetite. Babies may refuse food that they would normally enjoy or eat less than usual. The pain and sensitivity in their gums can make sucking, chewing, or swallowing uncomfortable, leading them to be more selective about what they eat.

2. Preference for Softer Foods

Babies who are teething often show a preference for softer foods that don’t require much chewing. Harder textures can exacerbate gum pain, so they might refuse foods like crackers, toast, or firmer fruits and vegetables. Purees, mashed foods, and cool treats like yogurt or applesauce are often more tolerable.

3. Increased Desire to Breastfeed or Bottle-Feed

Some teething babies may seek comfort through increased breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. The sucking motion can be soothing for their sore gums. However, others might do the opposite and refuse the breast or bottle if sucking causes discomfort. This variability can be confusing for parents, but it’s important to respond to the baby’s cues and offer comfort as needed.

4. Changes in Feeding Behavior

Teething can also lead to changes in a baby’s overall feeding behavior. Babies might become fussier at mealtime, pull away from the breast or bottle, or frequently stop and start during feeds. This erratic feeding pattern is often a result of gum discomfort and the baby’s need to adjust their behavior to manage the pain.

5. Refusal of Solid Foods

Babies who have started on solid foods might temporarily refuse them during teething episodes. This can be frustrating for parents who are trying to introduce new foods and textures. The refusal is usually short-term and tied to the peak discomfort of teething, after which the baby’s appetite for solids typically returns.

Why Teething Affects Feeding Behavior

The link between teething and feeding changes is largely due to the physical discomfort associated with the teething process. Here are the main reasons why teething can affect feeding:

• Gum Sensitivity and Pain: As teeth push through the gums, they cause inflammation, swelling, and soreness. This sensitivity can make the pressure of feeding, whether from a nipple, bottle, or spoon, uncomfortable.
• Disrupted Sleep: Teething pain often disrupts a baby’s sleep, leading to crankiness and irritability. A tired baby may be less interested in feeding, further affecting their appetite.
• Altered Mouth Sensation: Teething can change how a baby perceives sensations in their mouth. Swollen gums and increased saliva production can make eating feel different and less appealing.
• Increased Saliva and Drooling: Excessive drooling during teething can affect a baby’s feeding habits. The constant swallowing of saliva might make them feel fuller or upset their stomach, reducing their desire to eat.

Managing Teething-Related Feeding Challenges

Navigating the changes in feeding and appetite during teething requires patience and flexibility. Here are some practical tips for parents to help manage these challenges:

1. Offer Cool, Soft Foods

Cold foods can provide a soothing effect on swollen gums. Offer chilled applesauce, yogurt, or fruit purees. Avoid extremely cold items like frozen popsicles, which could be too harsh on sensitive gums.

2. Be Flexible with Feeding Schedules

Teething discomfort can make babies less predictable when it comes to feeding. Be prepared for shifts in feeding schedules and be willing to offer food more frequently in smaller, more manageable portions.

3. Maintain Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding

Even if your baby is eating less solid food, maintaining breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can ensure they continue to receive essential nutrients and hydration. If they are reluctant to feed, try offering milk at different temperatures to see what is most comfortable for them.

4. Avoid Force-Feeding

It can be concerning when your baby refuses to eat, but it’s important to avoid force-feeding. This can create a negative association with feeding and increase the baby’s stress. Instead, offer food gently and follow your baby’s cues.

5. Provide Teething-Friendly Snacks

Offer snacks that are easy on the gums, such as teething biscuits that dissolve easily or well-cooked vegetables that are soft enough to mash with the gums. Always supervise your baby to avoid choking hazards.

6. Use Teething Aids

Safe teething toys and rings can help alleviate gum pain and make feeding more manageable. Chilled (not frozen) teething rings can provide relief without damaging delicate gum tissue.

7. Keep Mealtimes Relaxed

A calm and relaxed feeding environment can help soothe a teething baby. Minimize distractions and try to feed your baby in a comfortable setting. If your baby is very fussy, a short break and some cuddling may help reset their mood before resuming feeding.

8. Monitor for Signs of Illness

While teething can cause some discomfort, it should not lead to high fever, diarrhea, or other serious symptoms. If your baby shows signs of illness, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician to rule out other causes that may be affecting their appetite.

When to Seek Help

While teething-related feeding changes are usually temporary, there are times when it’s important to seek professional guidance:

• Persistent Refusal to Eat or Drink: If your baby consistently refuses to eat or drink for more than a day, it’s important to consult a pediatrician to ensure they are staying hydrated and receiving adequate nutrition.
• Significant Weight Loss or Dehydration: Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urine output, or excessive sleepiness. Significant weight loss or dehydration requires prompt medical attention.
• Severe Discomfort or Unusual Symptoms: If your baby seems to be in extreme discomfort, is inconsolable, or has symptoms that don’t align with typical teething, it’s important to seek medical advice. Conditions such as ear infections, which can mimic teething pain, may need to be ruled out.

Long-Term Feeding Considerations During Teething

As your baby navigates through multiple stages of teething, it’s important to keep long-term feeding considerations in mind:

1. Introduce a Variety of Textures Gradually

Even though teething might cause temporary preferences for softer foods, it’s important to continue introducing a variety of textures as your baby progresses. This will help them develop the necessary oral motor skills for chewing and swallowing different types of food.

2. Monitor Dental Health

Teething marks the beginning of your baby’s oral health journey. As teeth erupt, start gently brushing them with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste to establish good oral hygiene habits early.

3. Encourage Self-Feeding

Teething can be a great time to encourage self-feeding with appropriate finger foods. This not only helps with gum discomfort but also fosters independence and fine motor skills. Always ensure that the food pieces are soft and small enough to prevent choking.

4. Stay Consistent with Mealtime Routines

Maintaining consistent mealtime routines can provide a sense of security for your baby, even if their eating patterns are disrupted by teething. Consistency helps set expectations and can make it easier for your baby to resume normal feeding behaviors once the discomfort subsides.

Conclusion

Teething is a normal part of a baby’s development, but it can bring about changes in feeding behavior and appetite that can be concerning for parents. Understanding these changes and knowing how to respond can make this phase more manageable. While some babies may experience minimal disruption, others may find eating and drinking particularly challenging during teething episodes.

By offering soft, cool foods, maintaining a flexible feeding schedule, and using safe teething aids, parents can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething and support their baby’s nutritional needs. It’s important to stay patient and attuned to your baby’s cues, providing comfort and reassurance along the way. If feeding challenges persist or if there are signs of illness, seeking professional guidance is essential to ensure your baby’s health and well-being.

With the right approach, parents can successfully navigate the teething phase, supporting their baby’s comfort and continuing to foster positive feeding experiences.