There are a number of ways to deal with feeding during teething, such as numbing the gums with cold foods and using chilled utensils. The way in which parents manage feeding during teething will depend on whether the child is breast feeding, in which case the child may have to be trained not to bite down while nursing. There are also some ways to manage feeding during teething that are not related to feeding the child. For example, using a cold teething ring prior to feeding can help to numb the baby's gums and make eating more comfortable. Some people use a numbing agent on the gums, but this practice is discouraged by some doctors who assert that the product can also numb the throat and the gag reflex, which is very dangerous.
Mothers who are breast feeding during teething often need to learn how to keep their babies from biting them during feeding. One way is to pay very close attention while nursing. Mothers can often notice when their babies have stopped drinking for a moment and are about to bite. Other mothers work to train their babies against biting by taking them away from the nipple for a moment each time the baby bites. It is also sometimes helpful to give the baby a teething ring or similar safe object to chew on prior to nursing as this can help to numb the gums and also let the baby chew to his satisfaction before breast feeding.
For parents who are feeding their babies solid foods, providing cold offerings is a good way to encourage feeding during teething. This can help babies who are refusing to feed because of the pain in their gums, as well as babies who are feeding willingly but clearly experiencing pain. Cold applesauce can help to soothe the gums while also offering good nutrition. Some parents also put their baby's spoon in the freezer prior to feeding so that it keeps the food cold and helps to numb the gums while the baby is eating.
Whether a child is breast feeding during teething, there are a number of practices that can help to ease pain in the gums and prepare babies for feeding times. One method is to massage the baby's gums with one finger. Applying gentle pressure all along the gums can help to relieve, or at least lessen, the pain that the baby is feeling. Also, with the approval of the family pediatrician, over-the-counter products such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be helpful.
